Lumiquest Softbox vs 80-20

http://lumiquest.com/c​ompare.htm#lq925d

I currently use the 80-20, but on the samples, they look quite similar, but do both applications actually differ that much? With my 80-20 i have the option of using the split as it is or insert a gold/silver/white card in to force bounce the flash to the subject

Unfortunately, each of the examples is using different subjects, different camera-to-subject distances, and different levels of lighting. Thus, comparison is impossible.

I use the Lumiquest Promax System which provides the 80-20, the inserts, and a translucent cover that emulates their dedicated mini soft-box.

In my opinion, the soft-box option is only useful for very close-up work. Why? It's because of a simple fact. What makes "soft" lighting is the effective size of the flash source. Light reflected from a nearby wall and/or ceiling is going to have a much larger effective source size when you have some distance (say 10 feet for example) between the flash and the subject than the little soft box. At 10 feet, there is not a whole lot of difference between the effective sizes of a bare flash and the little soft box. At two feet or less, though, the little soft box starts to become effective in providing a soft lighting because its relative size is larger when close up.

the 80-20, that main purpose of it is for bounced applications IIRC, its not really made for close up photography to say what the softbox would be made for right?

When would you use the frosted screen on the 80-20?

Yella Fella wrote in post #2841609
When would you use the frosted screen on the 80-20?

The 'frosted screen' is the 'soft-box' that Skip is referring to. It works best for up-close work.

Ed,

I think an economical option for you would be the Promax Accessory Kit. It contains the inserts, diffusion panel, and little velcro dots to use with your 80/20 and turn it into the Promax System. For experimentation purposes, you could cut a piece of white cardboard and tape it into the 80/20 to see the effect.

The white insert will catch all the light from your flash and bounce it forward. The diffusion panel helps a little to even things out, but as mentioned it won't produce a noticeable difference unless you're doing close-up work.

The only appreciable difference between using the white insert and diffusion panel on the 80/20 vs. the Lumiquest Softbox is the distance between the light source and the lens (because of the way they are designed, the 80/20 and similar devices will stick up higher).

I like using the Softbox with a bracket in rooms with high ceilings. Vs. direct flash, it doesn't change the way it illuminates your subjects but the shadows behind them will have softer edges and be less distracting. Also, be aware that any diffusion device will reduce the efficiency of your flash. This isn't a problem if you're close, but if you're shooting something 20 or 30 feet away, you may need a higher ISO.

cheers guys

curtis, i have the full 80-20 kit