Octabox Size Question

I have a home studio and for the most part have been using umbrellas, but I also have a small softbox. I generally take family portraits and a few individual shots. The small softbox works ok for the head shots, but I need something bigger for full body shots and family pictures. My studio space is 20x25 with 9 foot ceilings. I hope to have a bigger space by summer, but this is what I have now and it works pretty ok for now.

I am looking at two sizes of Octaboxs 35" and 47". I would like a few recommendations from those who have worked with both sizes. With my current setup do I need a 47" or am I better off with a 35".

Thanks for the advise
Ed

Have you looked into the PLM system from Paul Buff?

Link

I have looked at the PLM system a little. I have a set of Alien Bee lights. I was looking at Paul's foldable octaboxes. I am not that familiar with the PLM system, have you tried it out and how do you think it compares to softboxes and octaboxes. On the Octaboxes I can buy a grid to help control the light spill, and I am thinking that might be helpful in my studio.

Thanks for the response I will look more at the PLM system. If anyone has experience with the PLM system I would appreciate any comments.

The PLM system is the next one I am investing in. I use a Speedlight set-up now and I am assuming I can use that system since it is an umbrella style system. I will then invest in a studio strobe system.

If you are goign for a large octo, those things are pricey. The 84" PLM with the accessories will run around $150. To me, it's worth the risk of trying it out.

There was a thread here with a link to a detailed review of the PLM system. I will post it if I can find it.

OP and Cosmokid, read the linked thread below for some setup of the PLM and speedlight.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=810258

Mufutau

I have a 47inch octobox that I got off of ebay. Visico brand and Its great with the bees. But its not foldable which makes it a major pain to put together and take down. I would also suggest you look at the PLM although they are going to be on backorder for a while longer.

Why not get bigger softbox?

I see all these references to PLM but I would imagine it to be limited use compared to a softbox.

bobbyz wrote in post #9385257
Why not get bigger softbox?

I see all these references to PLM but I would imagine it to be limited use compared to a softbox.

i thought with the PLM there are so many configurations that it would be a little more versatile.

bobbyz wrote in post #9385257
Why not get bigger softbox?

I see all these references to PLM but I would imagine it to be limited use compared to a softbox.

Thanks everyone, I have thought about just getting a bigger softbox. On the MM forum a poster thought it might be better considering my size of studio. Photography is not my day job, but I have been doing photography for 35+ years and have been doing studio work with my Bees for the last 3 years. I wonder with the size of my studio which is not big, but also not really small I am wondering what the best size would be. I worry the the big one may be really too big for my setup.

Ed

The 47in octo sticks out about 18 inches from the front of the alien bee faceplate.

gonzogolf wrote in post #9384778
I have a 47inch octobox that I got off of ebay. Visico brand and Its great with the bees. But its not foldable which makes it a major pain to put together and take down. I would also suggest you look at the PLM although they are going to be on backorder for a while longer.

Thanks for the reference - is this the one you bought?
http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0?hash=item​2ea94c3539

What do others think of this vs going with the Bees foldable box?

Thanks

Edshropshire wrote in post #9386855
Thanks for the reference - is this the one you bought?
http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0?hash=item​2ea94c3539

What do others think of this vs going with the Bees foldable box?

Thanks

Nope I bought the 120cm version (47 vs 67 inches). Build quality is very good. Assembly isnt awful, but it takes a few minutes to assemble if you are going portable.

Thanks - Yes, my metric conversion was a little off. I think the 47" would probably better serve my needs. I don't see myself ever going portable with my studio lights. In the field I use my 580ex and it meets my needs. I think this box may work really well - I don't see myself taking it down. I have space on a High shelf to leave it together.

I did find this review and it sounds really positive. http://www.kurbsterpho​tography.com/archives/​14

Thanks for the suggestion. Has anyone else tried Visico? I am not a pro, and do studio work because I enjoy it and have fun taking pictures. I want to make sure my equipment works and is not junk, but I don't need equipment that needs to be tough enough to handle every day pro usage.

I bought one of the one shown below but it's the 80cm size version, and I love it, the quality of the Visico from ebay seller "oeccamera" is very good.
I don't have room for bigger one..

Mufutau

Edshropshire wrote in post #9386855
Thanks for the reference - is this the one you bought?
http://cgi.ebay.com …ain_0?hash=item​2ea94c3539

What do others think of this vs going with the Bees foldable box?

Thanks

Thanks everyone - I may go with the Visico. The reviews I am reading are really good.