SB800 Softbox

Leezon · 28-09-2008, 19:52

Hey guys,

I've been researching loads and I am trying to find a softbox of kinds that will fit my SB800 mounted on a lightstand, preferably the umbrella type fitment that has the rod.

Any ideas or links for a cheapish option thats based in the UK?

**Dabhand16** · 28-09-2008, 22:08

I've got just what you want. I got a flash bracket that fits on a stand and has the fitment for an umbrella.

The bracket and umbrella were very cheap from the same e-bay supplier, so I got 2 white and silver umbrellas and brackets.

You will have to wait until I get home for the details as I can't get on e-bay at wotk.

Lumiquest do a softbox that fits directly onto the flash when it is on camera, and you could use these instead of an umbrella on the stands too.

Leezon · 29-09-2008, 00:31

Thanks for the advice Dabhand. I already have bought a flash bracket so i could fit it to a light stand and attach the umbrella rod and flashgun on top. However it has arrived and the SB800 doesn't fit very well at all into its 'shoe' slot. I doubt i would trust it what so ever.

Anyway, this is the kind of thing that I would like:

Photek Softlighter

The closest thing I can find is THIS

However the hole in the middle looks rather large as its not for a flashgun fitment, so alot of light may escape?

**Dabhand16** · 29-09-2008, 02:55

I think you umbrella is better than this one - but they supply both the bracket and umbrella for £11.99 inc P&P. I thought the bracket was pretty good.

34" Diffuser Umbrella & Flash Shoe Swivel Bracket Mount on eBay, also, Studio Equipment Lighting, Photography (end time 02-Oct-08 02:58:19 BST)

VikingPhotography · 02-10-2008, 19:33

I can highly recommend the Lastolite EzyBox Hotshoe - particularly the 24" model; I use one pretty much all the time for portrait set-ups and it gets excellent results, on it's own or with other strobes and reflectors added in to the mix.

Here's an example shot showing what you can do with just the softbox and a single SB-800 - no other light sources at all

The above was at ISO 200, f/8, 1/160 sec and a focal length of 42mm (full frame). The softbox was placed about eye level and with a slight downwards angle of around 15 degrees. Distance to subject was about six feet, with the angle of the box being about 30 degrees off axis relative to the lens. I can't remember, but I think the flash was firing at about 1/4 power in manual mode; it was being triggered using an SC-29 cable attached to the camera's hotshoe.

For anyone wondering, the shot is of the late Evan Tanner - a former UFC middleweight champion.

Leezon · 03-10-2008, 11:17

Thanks for that buddy. I've just had a quick look and they are around the £160 mark which is out of my budget at the moment.

Im looking to spend £60'ish.

I've ordered a shoot through umbrella for now until I find a cheapish softbox

***Dave*** · 03-10-2008, 11:33

Are you sure you need a soft box ? Reason for using this over shoot through umbrella, is to control light spill (eg. you have better control of where light doesn't go). If you don't have that requirement, then the cheaper umbrella option could work for you ?

I'm going to get a couple of compact light stands & umbrellas for strobe shooting.

Leezon · 03-10-2008, 11:42

yeah, Dave the reason I wanted i softbox is because of what you said.. light spill. I've been doing alot of location shoots using strobes lately and with umbrella's a find for example you get light spill on the background behind the subject instead of just light on the subject. Using a snoot would combat this but the light would be too harsh.

**Dabhand16** · 03-10-2008, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

I'm going to get a couple of compact light stands & umbrellas for strobe shooting.

This company do a good bracket and umbrella package for less than £12 inc P&P. Umbrellas are silver or white.

Flash Shoe Holder Bracket Mount Stand + Pro Umbrella on eBay, also, Flashes, Photographic Accessories, Cameras (end time 04-Oct-08 05:24:58 BST)

This company do good stands at under £20 inc P&P

Professional Photo Studio Lighting/Light Stand Tripod on eBay, also, Studio Equipment Lighting, Photography (end time 03-Oct-08 14:41:13 BST)

Leezon · 03-10-2008, 11:54

You posted that further up the thread Dabhand

That company is in China, its ok I already have a bracket and umbrella now. Im just looking for a cheap softbox

**Dabhand16** · 03-10-2008, 12:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leezon

You posted that further up the thread Dabhand

That company is in China, its ok I already have a bracket and umbrella now. Im just looking for a cheap softbox

Sorry for the hijack - the second post included the stands link and was for Dave's benefit.

Leezon · 03-10-2008, 12:26

I bought the following:

PROFESSIONAL STUDIO SET W803 DYNASUN LIGHT STAND on eBay, also, Studio Equipment Lighting, Photography (end time 30-Sep-08 20:28:11 BST)

and one of their shoot through white umbrellas. Which i think was around £6.

I have to stay the build quality of both are extremely good and fantastic for the price. The light stand is also very sturdy and locks very well

**Dabhand16** · 03-10-2008, 12:44

That looks like the same stand. I guess that are available from many suppliers. Your link is a couple of pounds cheaper, but the link I posted ships from the UK, so will be delivered faster.

Swings and roundabouts.