Largetst Softbox for Speedlight?

I've only used umbrellas with my speedlights, but I'd like to get at least one softbox, too. Staying with the speedlights for light sources, what's the largest size softbox one could reasonably expect to use?

Any recommendations?

jsvphoto wrote in post #11324612
I've only used umbrellas with my speedlights, but I'd like to get at least one softbox, too. Staying with the speedlights for light sources, what's the largest size softbox one could reasonably expect to use?

Any recommendations?

As long as you have a hot shoe flash that lets you adjust the zoom setting of the flash head to about 24mm then you can use just about any size you like. I regularly use a Nikon SB-900 with a 36" Octa and a 36" x 48" softbox and it works great and produces very even light.

Also, do some searching for titles similar to the name of this thread. You'll find that this question is asked quite a bit and people are using all kinds of modifiers of various sizes.

TMR Design wrote in post #11324665
As long as you have a hot shoe flash that lets you adjust the zoom setting of the flash head to about 24mm then you can use just about any size you like. I regularly use a Nikon SB-900 with a 36" Octa and a 36" x 48" softbox and it works great and produces very even light.

Since there are some very shallow depth softboxes on the market, I will qualify TMR Design's statement...if the depth of the softbox is equal to the diagnonal distance of the softbox, setting 24mm on the flash zoom head will allow it to fill the softbox.

Thanks much (both of you) - that's very helpful.

I use a 50" Westcott Apollo frequently with a 580EXii and it works really nice.

I use a Large Photoflex and I'm pleased with the quality of light!

The Big Mamma (the 50" westy) is hands down the best modifier anyone can own for a speedlight or any light for that mater.

akfreak wrote in post #11331509
The Big Mamma (the 50" westy) is hands down the best modifier anyone can own for a speedlight or any light for that mater.

How is it that you've arrived at this ridiculous conclusion?

Lol

TMR Design wrote in post #11331751
How is it that you've arrived at this ridiculous conclusion?

Testing, PORTABILITY, COST, Ease of use. and results. If I could only have one modifier it would be the Westcott 50 hands down

akfreak wrote in post #11331950
Testing, PORTABILITY, COST, Ease of use. and results. If I could only have one modifier it would be the Westcott 50 hands down

What tests? How did you test? What other modifiers did you test? Let's see the results.

akfreak wrote in post #11331950
Testing, PORTABILITY, COST, Ease of use. and results. If I could only have one modifier it would be the Westcott 50 hands down

You must have owned all the other modifiers out there.

akfreak wrote in post #11331509
The Big Mamma (the 50" westy) is hands down the best modifier anyone can own for a speedlight or any light for that mater.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

The 50 inch Apallo has become my go-to lately. I was using a 36 X 48. I needed something bigger a bit ago so I pulled out the 50. Have not shot with the 36X48 since. But I think it is a trend I am in at the moment. I cant say it is any better then the 36 X 48. But it definatley is a lot easier to set up and break down. I also like there is plenty of room to put in multiple speedlites in it.

Cost is a downer not a benifit. At $250 is is not a cheap option. My Bowens 36 X 48 was cheaper by a long shot.

akfreak wrote in post #11331509
The Big Mamma (the 50" westy) is hands down the best modifier anyone can own for a speedlight or any light for that mater.

I dunno about the best...

But they are VERY handy, easy to setup, portable and give some beautiful light with just about any speed\mono light out there.

They aren't without a few quirks though, keeping them out of that "best" category for me personally.