Umbrella Softbox any good?

I am looking for a softbox and came across this Umbrella Softbox. Anyone have experience using these? are they any good? Can you provide any advantages and disadvantages of these compared to a softbox.

Thanks for your inputs.

This looks very similar to the softlighter II, I don't know how the knockoff would compare but people do seem to like this type of modifier.

The only issue I have with these is they can't be positioned close to the subject, but they do provide a nice even light good halfway house between an umbrella and softbox - at least my Lastolite brollybox does. However, I've not really used mine since I bought a softbox or three, main advantage is it folds down easily. Interestingly they do the same thing, but in reverse here but I think the quality of the light will suffer badly.

Ted

I have and use both types and the biggest advantage is speed of set-up on location. The
shoot-thru type that Ted linked to, I sometimes use as an overhead "Chinese-lantern"
style light for couples - nice effect and easy to use.

ELT_Photo wrote in post #12709348
I sometimes use as an overhead "Chinese-lantern"
style light for couples - nice effect and easy to use.

I'd love to see a sample of this.

ELT_Photo wrote in post #12709348
I have and use both types and the biggest advantage is speed of set-up on location. The
shoot-thru type that Ted linked to, I sometimes use as an overhead "Chinese-lantern"
style light for couples - nice effect and easy to use.

Poor mans globe light?

Ted

There are many umbrella softboxes that are inexpensive and work great. I have a 41" Cheetah umbrella softbox that I like very much, and many people are using the Steve Kaeser, which I think you can pick up 2 of them for about $40.

If you know what you're doing with light, these cheap modifiers can really surprise you and produce beautiful images.

The Softlighter II is very nice but it's not the be-all end-all of enclosed umbrellas or umbrella softboxes.

Thanks for all the responses. I am planning to buy this to take pictures of my 1 year old. Currently I am using a reflective umbrella, but thinking this will give me additional options to try out.

I haven't come across any of the above mentioned brands in UK... Only see knock off umbrella softboxes and it is only costing £13.5 (around $20). So planning to give it a try.

redrocket wrote in post #11859322
580EXII in a SK umbrella box..... I am really impressed with the quality and price... two umbrellas for under $40.00...

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Umbrella boxes are affordable, easy to carry,quick to setup... I would pick one up and give it a try...

When I first started out with my interest in studio work the one light former that everyone wanted was the Larson Starfish and it was wonderful. At the time they didn't have an adaptor for my then Ministudio 200's so I had to get a local workshop to be creative. In a moment of nostalgia I just looked up their current prices - certainly not something to just 'give it a go' and see if you like it!

Ted

I got the umbrella softbox today. I am impressed with the light quality compared to the umbrellas I have.

I use the S Kaeser Umbrella Softboxes I've used them at over 20 events in the last year, they work great, built really well. Imho, better utilization of light. Everyone is always wanting to throw a softbox on a speedlite because I think it is first instinct to think a softbox will provide better light . . . these work great.

This is a set of 2 that I just bought and used for my son's wedding. I have been pretty pleased with them so far.

http://www.amazon.com/​gp/product/B001BSQK8Q

I would love to try one also.