Softbox for 430EX Speedlite

What is the largest sized soft box that can be used with 430EX speedlite in regards to power of the Speedlite.
Would really appreciate any feed back.
Thanks
Karen

I use a 100x70cm one with mine and is fine

What kind of coverage and control are you looking for? What quality if light do you seek?

I have all sorts of softboxes, The Wescott Apollo's work great with speedlights.

See this thread, someone else has just asked a very similar question:
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1150497

Garry Spight wrote in post #13920430
I use a 100x70cm one with mine and is fine

Thanks! for the feedback.

akfreak wrote in post #13920444
What kind of coverage and control are you looking for? What quality if light do you seek?


I have all sorts of softboxes, The Wescott Apollo's work great with speedlights.

Taking portraits of my two Sheltie dogs and friends and family. Would be used more in doors than out. I would like to produce soft light. I am a newbie so sorry if I am not answering your questions correctly.

Capeachy wrote in post #13920459
See this thread, someone else has just asked a very similar question:
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1150497

Thank you! I did do a search first but found nothing.

akfreak wrote in post #13920444
What kind of coverage and control are you looking for? What quality if light do you seek?

I have all sorts of softboxes, The Wescott Apollo's work great with speedlights.

If you want head, waist to head, and full body shots do you need different sized soft boxes?

MavRyder wrote in post #13920565
If you want head, waist to head, and full body shots do you need different sized soft boxes?

Agreed quality of light is based on size of light in relation to subject, however coverage is based in on distance to subject and power. Outside groups of 2 and more is really asking a lot from a 430exII (unless you shoot in shaded areas or early and late golden hours).

When the speedlight is in a modifier, it can loose 1 to 2 stops of power. Remember the size of the modifier will be crucial for coverage as power will be very limited outside, and almost impossible at mid day.

I say buy the largest box you can afford. The 50" Apollo will work great for your dogs and small groups. It will give a nice quality light (soft) and good coverage. It's not cheap but a great box that controls spill due to the recessed face, and doesn't have a inner baffle so it doesn't use as much power (compared to a normal softbox)!

A 60" convertible umbrella should not be overlooked. At $30 bucks it would work great for what you said you need, A soft box controls spill, when you are outside that isn't an issue. Outside it is not like you have to worry about the ceilings or walls becoming light sources. Also there are tricks you can use to control spill with a convertible umbrella.

The best advice I can give is buy a modifier and use it for a long time, really learn what it can do, then step up and do the same.

akfreak wrote in post #13922740
Agreed quality of light is based on size of light in relation to subject, however coverage is based in on distance to subject and power. Outside groups of 2 and more is really asking a lot from a 430exII (unless you shoot in shaded areas or early and late golden hours).

When the speedlight is in a modifier, it can loose 1 to 2 stops of power. Remember the size of the modifier will be crucial for coverage as power will be very limited outside, and almost impossible at mid day.

I say buy the largest box you can afford. The 50" Apollo will work great for your dogs and small groups. It will give a nice quality light (soft) and good coverage. It's not cheap but a great box that controls spill due to the recessed face, and doesn't have a inner baffle so it doesn't use as much power (compared to a normal softbox)!

A 60" convertible umbrella should not be overlooked. At $30 bucks it would work great for what you said you need, A soft box controls spill, when you are outside that isn't an issue. Outside it is not like you have to worry about the ceilings or walls becoming light sources. Also there are tricks you can use to control spill with a convertible umbrella.

The best advice I can give is buy a modifier and use it for a long time, really learn what it can do, then step up and do the same.

Thanks so much! This is very helpful!
I was reading some reviews on the 50" Apollo and it says it does not allow a downward tilt unless you have a boom arm. Do you know if that is true? I was also looking into Lastolite 24" white Ezybox. Its not cheap either, $229.

MavRyder wrote in post #13923915
Thanks so much! This is very helpful!
I was reading some reviews on the 50" Apollo and it says it does not allow a downward tilt unless you have a boom arm. Do you know if that is true? I was also looking into Lastolite 24" white Ezybox. Its not cheap either, $229.

Yes, you can tilt the Apollo only slightly, the reason is it's mounting style. The light stand goes through the center of the softbox as opposed the traditional softbox mounting method which is an L bracket/speedring from the back of the softbox.

This Apolllo simplifies mounting because you won't need to buy more expensive mounting accessories and is quicker to set up.

Capeachy wrote in post #13924107
Yes, you can tilt the Apollo only slightly, the reason is it's mounting style. The light stand goes through the center of the softbox as opposed the traditional softbox mounting method which is an L bracket/speedring from the back of the softbox.

This Apolllo simplifies mounting because you won't need to buy more expensive mounting accessories and is quicker to set up.

Thank you!