Is a 47 octabox the same as a 50 x 50 softbox

Forgive me for the dumb question but will it be a huge size difference from a 47 octabox and a 50 x 50 softbox, besides being 3 inches. Looking for round catch lights.

OneDeep wrote in post #16859956
Forgive me for the dumb question but will it be a huge size difference from a 47 octabox and a 50 x 50 softbox, besides being 3 inches. Looking for round catch lights.

Well, if I did my math right (guessing a bit on the each side lenght of the 47" octabox) the octabox will have 1850 sq inches, while the softbox will provide 2500 sq inches.

Ron

Keep in mind that there is however far more to a softbox than just the face dimensions. Shape of the back reflector and how the light source is positioned will also play into how the light will be projected and the style of shadows they then take.

You could have two different 50" square faced softboxes that project light in a different manner. One may have very even coverage corner to corner, while the other may be rather hot in the centre and fall off rapidly in the corners.

Differences are usually small, but it is something to keep in mind as you grow a collection and decide what to get. Work with other photographers with different gear, look at how the light falls, and keep your eye out for the differences and whether or not you want to add that to your collection.

OneDeep wrote in post #16859956
Forgive me for the dumb question but will it be a huge size difference from a 47 octabox and a 50 x 50 softbox, besides being 3 inches. Looking for round catch lights.

If you want round catch lights a square softbox wont give you that.

I was thinking about getting the westcott 50 but found the fotodiox for less than half the price and thought it would kind of be the same size. I know the light will be different but wanted something large enough and for some reason I think the 50 will be really huge.

No. One is a 47 Octabox and the other is a 50x50 Softbox. Two completely different lights.

Littlejon Dsgn wrote in post #16860637
If you want round catch lights a square softbox wont give you that.

This as much as anything else. The softbox is a bit larger, but both will provide comparably similar soft light. Obviously the falloff pattern will be a bit different with an octo source versus a square box but unless you have a purpose suited to one more than the other then its close to a tossup.

I'd like to know how well the fotodiox works. Kinda sick of Eli gear breaking, so I may try one of those. the strips look nice too

Elinchrom octabank!

hawk911 wrote in post #16860990
I'd like to know how well the fotodiox works. Kinda sick of Eli gear breaking, so I may try one of those. the strips look nice too

The ez-pro strips are awesome.

As others said: one will give round catchlights and other square.

The softness can be replicated by keeping the "Relative size" similar by bringing the smaller of the two softboxes closer to the subject

Feathering can be controlled by both as long as they have the side lip. If you use grids, you will have to check which of these has optional grids available.

I have personally come to prefer the "westcott style" softboxes/octas as they can be set up in less than a minute or two and are very portable.

hawk911 wrote in post #16860990
I'd like to know how well the fotodiox works. Kinda sick of Eli gear breaking, so I may try one of those. the strips look nice too

I have the EZ pro version of the octo box with the speedlite mount. It's nice to have the umbrella easy open operation in the EZ pro line and they have a very sturdy build especially for the money.

FEChariot wrote in post #16870942
I have the EZ pro version of the octo box with the speedlite mount. It's nice to have the umbrella easy open operation in the EZ pro line and they have a very sturdy build especially for the money.

I have these EZ pro as wells , and i like them for their ease of use and sturdy, but I find the setup very front heavy and weighted overall - i prefer the westcott style softboxes - light and very portable..... (though not nearly as sturdy as the ez pros)

starlights wrote in post #16873102
I have these EZ pro as wells , and i like them for their ease of use and sturdy, but I find the setup very front heavy and weighted overall - i prefer the westcott style softboxes - light and very portable..... (though not nearly as sturdy as the ez pros)

This is true. I have to use my heavy duty stands with it. How do you get around the low tiltability of the Apollos? Do you do the swivel bracket with stand extension pole thing, or not worry about it?

Which one is deeper? I love it when the strobe is over 4' away from the nylon diffuser!