Shopping for my first softbox, is this one okay?

http://www.phottixstor​e.com …x-varos-xs-combo-kit.html

Phottix 60x90 cm Easy-Up Softbox / Varos XS Combo Kit.

Advise please.

One thing that I notice is that it apparently can only be positioned one way - pointing straight across the floor. I almost never use any of my softboxes in that orientation.

The thing I don't like about that style is that you have to remove the diffuser to change flash settings.

I prefer the speed-ring style softboxes with the flash outside the box. Then you can use just about any kind of trigger, including slave, to make it work and it is a lot easier to get to the flash if you want to change power levels etc. The light is not quite as even though...

Hmm... I wonder if anyone makes a beauty dish style deflector insert for speed-ring softboxes? Best of both worlds there....

Vetteography wrote in post #16815705
The thing I don't like about that style is that you have to remove the diffuser to change flash settings.

Unless you have a flash/trigger system that allows remote power changing.

That style of box gives a nice quality of light as the speedlite is rear facing and fills the entire box. Its perhaps a little less efficient than a forward facing box, but not that much. As noted above the main concern is that you have very limited ability to tilt the box If you have a stand capable of tilting with a boom shaft of some sort it doesnt matter, but otherwise its a limitation to consider.

I see, which one would you recommend? (same price range). Also, I didn't notice that we can position it one way, perks of getting POTN's advice - thanks.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …jIAcw&Q=&is=REG​&A=details Its a bit more expensive and round, but for speedlites its a great versatile box.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16815859
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …jIAcw&Q=&is=REG​&A=details Its a bit more expensive and round, but for speedlites its a great versatile box.

Thanks I'm more interested in getting a softbox first. Less on cash, already have couple of umbrella's.

Moin wrote in post #16815892
Thanks I'm more interested in getting a softbox first. Less on cash, already have couple of umbrella's.

But that is a softbox, just as much as the one you linked to. Other than one being square they operate the same. The problem you have with a speedlite is that the ones where the flash faces forward there are practical limits to how big a box you can fill. There is a reason why the 24inch boxes are very common for speedlites. If you want to go bigger (and therefore softer) rear mount/front facing gets more expensive and less adjustable.

gonzogolf wrote in post #16815909
There is a reason why the 24inch boxes are very common for speedlites. If you want to go bigger (and therefore softer) rear mount/front facing gets more expensive and less adjustable.

last year i spent a lot of time looking into expanding my lighting kit and this ^ is the conclusion i came to. Many folks will tell you otherwise, and they might be right, to a point. But if you want even corner to corner lighting with a forward facing speedlight, you should be looking at 24 inch square, or 24 x 36 max. Depth is important as well.

I went with two of these:

https://www.cheetahsta​nd.com/Cheetah-QBox-24-Pro-p/q24.htm

you get a bracket, two diffusers, a circular insert to change the shape of the light, and a grid. Considering all that is included that is quite a deal, IMO.

FWIW, the grid on the Phottix you posted doesn't look very tight.

Alright, thanks!

Just like my drum kits......you gotta have Boom Stands!

Vetteography wrote in post #16815705
The thing I don't like about that style is that you have to remove the diffuser to change flash settings.

I prefer the speed-ring style softboxes with the flash outside the box. Then you can use just about any kind of trigger, including slave, to make it work and it is a lot easier to get to the flash if you want to change power levels etc. The light is not quite as even though...

Hmm... I wonder if anyone makes a beauty dish style deflector insert for speed-ring softboxes? Best of both worlds there....

There is something like this.

I have that umbrella style softbox, got it off ebay or Amazon, for considerably less than the price in that link. Looks just like the one in your link. Check out Neewer, ephoto, etc, they are all pretty similar.

BrickR wrote in post #16824519
I have that umbrella style softbox, got it off ebay or Amazon, for considerably less than the price in that link. Looks just like the one in your link. Check out Neewer, ephoto, etc, they are all pretty similar.

Yeah, someone recently suggested these which are extremely affordable...
http://amzn.com/B001BS​QK8Q