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Following on from this other thread https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/soft-octa-box-for-speedlite.655928/ here are some comparisons showing different options when using a speedlight flashgun in a softbox. The objective is to fill the softbox all over as evenly as possible, which is more difficult with speedlights that project all the light straight forward, as opposed to studio strobes with a bare-bulb flash tube that spreads the light in all directions.
To cut to the chase, it's a popular claim that fitting a Stofen-type diffuser cap mimics a bare-bulb for the best result. The comparisons here show that this is not the case, and that actually the inner diffuser panel already supplied with most softboxes is also effective with speedlights (set to the widest zoom-head setting, without the wide-panel).
Furthermore, there's a big drop in brightness with a Stofen - 1.6 stops here. Using the wide-panel is similar - a drop of 1.7 stops. In comparison, fitting the inner diffuser panel reduces brightness by only 0.3 stops.
The softbox used was a 90x90cm square Pixapro. This one http://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/pixapro-90x90cm-square-5cm-grid-softbox/
Flash units were an Elinchrom D-Lite studio strobe, and Yongnuo 600EX-RT speedlight.
Godox speedlight bracket https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product...mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2EFUPWDJIRSGN
The Stofen-style diffuser cap used was this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flash-Bou...61480649?hash=item419a4affc9&autorefresh=true and the 'shower cap' is here https://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photographic/universal-soft-flash-diffuser.html
There are seven sets of comparisons, presented as seven separate posts due to the site files limit - click for full size. Each includes an actual image taken with the softbox (at 1.0m distance, balanced for exposure and colour in PP) and a shot of the front of the softbox. On many bloggers' websites, images like these can be very misleading unless the brightness is properly 'pegged' to the same values, so there is also an analysis graphic that shows true light levels (Edit: see post #10).
The seven options are:
1) D-Lite with both diffuser panels (best result, for reference)
2) D-Lite with front diffuser only
3) YN600 at 20mm with front diffuser
4) YN600 with 14mm wide-panel and front diffuser
5) YN600 at 20mm with Stofen and front diffuser
6) YN600 at 20mm with shower-cap and front diffuser
7) YN600 at 20mm with both diffuser panels
There are some slight differences visible in the shadows, but they're hardly dramatic! See what you think
1) D-Lite with both diffuser panels (best result, for reference)
To cut to the chase, it's a popular claim that fitting a Stofen-type diffuser cap mimics a bare-bulb for the best result. The comparisons here show that this is not the case, and that actually the inner diffuser panel already supplied with most softboxes is also effective with speedlights (set to the widest zoom-head setting, without the wide-panel).
Furthermore, there's a big drop in brightness with a Stofen - 1.6 stops here. Using the wide-panel is similar - a drop of 1.7 stops. In comparison, fitting the inner diffuser panel reduces brightness by only 0.3 stops.
The softbox used was a 90x90cm square Pixapro. This one http://www.essentialphoto.co.uk/product/pixapro-90x90cm-square-5cm-grid-softbox/
Flash units were an Elinchrom D-Lite studio strobe, and Yongnuo 600EX-RT speedlight.
Godox speedlight bracket https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product...mini_detail?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2EFUPWDJIRSGN
The Stofen-style diffuser cap used was this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Flash-Bou...61480649?hash=item419a4affc9&autorefresh=true and the 'shower cap' is here https://www.premier-ink.co.uk/photographic/universal-soft-flash-diffuser.html
There are seven sets of comparisons, presented as seven separate posts due to the site files limit - click for full size. Each includes an actual image taken with the softbox (at 1.0m distance, balanced for exposure and colour in PP) and a shot of the front of the softbox. On many bloggers' websites, images like these can be very misleading unless the brightness is properly 'pegged' to the same values, so there is also an analysis graphic that shows true light levels (Edit: see post #10).
The seven options are:
1) D-Lite with both diffuser panels (best result, for reference)
2) D-Lite with front diffuser only
3) YN600 at 20mm with front diffuser
4) YN600 with 14mm wide-panel and front diffuser
5) YN600 at 20mm with Stofen and front diffuser
6) YN600 at 20mm with shower-cap and front diffuser
7) YN600 at 20mm with both diffuser panels
There are some slight differences visible in the shadows, but they're hardly dramatic! See what you think
1) D-Lite with both diffuser panels (best result, for reference)
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