Softbox technical question

This isn't really about mini softboxes specifically, more of a technical question. I'm deciding between the XS Photoflex LiteDome and the Alzo Digital Mini Softbox. The Alzo is a bit more expensive, but it is slightly larger than the Photoflex. My question is this. When I look at photos of the assembled softboxes, it seems that the flash sits outside of the softbox on the Alzo.

You can see it in the photo here (and on other photos on their site). Would this cause light loss?

http://alzodigital.com …x_1light_kit_ca​se300h.jpg


The Photoflex has a little flap and the flash sits inside the actual softbox, as seen here:

http://www.photoflexli​ghtingschool.com …27_250x250_xski​t_0001.jpg

Is this issue a concern at all? I don't know enough about flash to know whether it's better to have the flash inside the softbox, but common sense tells me it should be. Furthermore, will the 15"x15" size of the Alzo really be a noticeable difference from the 12"x16" size of the Photoflex?

I like the Photoflex one better because of the rectangular shape matches the flash head better, and the fact the flash head is inside the box, you can pull down the wild angle diffuser or use a Omni bounce to further diffuse the light.

I don't think Alzo would have the light loss issue, but it might have light spill off to the side depends on which flash is using.

I use a 580EX with the Alzo and the flash head does go right inside when the 580 head is in it's normal position. The cold-shoe mount on the Alzo bracket is adjustable allowing the flash to slide in/out to your preference.
If you have to have the 580 rotated 180 deg. so the Canon wireless sensor is facing out and away so it "sees" the master flash then the head needs a little encouragement to go inside the ring. Its only because it angles up slightly higher when turned around.

The problem with this type of rig is...

The problem with this type of rig is that you are attempting to diffuse light which is concentrated and specular from the reflector of the flash.

The best way to utilize a softbox is to use a bare bulb flash. However none of the Canon speedlights and I think that none of the Nikon strobes have the ability to be shot bare bulb.

That is why I consider studio strobes a far better choice than trying to convert a hotshoe flash into a pseudo studio rig.

There is at least one hotshoe type flash that has a removable reflector. I used the Sunpak 120J with a Lumequest softbox for wedding shots when I was shooting film. Removing the reflector can give really nice lighting without a softbox and and really swell lighting when the softbox is added.

I personally use a set of three German-made Multiblitz monolights that I purchased used on eBay for $200. The set also included barn doors, snoot, honeycomb grid, filter holder and a set of four colored glass filters.

The studio strobes fit on a light stand without any extra adapters, accept light modifiers such as softboxes and umbrellas without adapters, have built-in optical strobes and have a constant recycle time because they are powered by a/c rather than anemic AA batteries. They are also a lot more powerful than hotshoe type flashes.

I don't have a studio. I'm just looking for something portable to take outdoors and move from place to place. I don't have space or need for studio strobes right now. When I do, I'll definitely expand into that area. Right now, I'd just like to test out what can be done with off camera flash.

Now I have one vote for each and I'm still not sure. I probably just need to pull the trigger on one and deal with it.