I currently have a sto-fen diffuser for my flashgun, but I have been looking at softboxes. Would a softbox work better than the sto-fen?
Thanks Rob, an interesting read.
If you want a large-ish softbox to use with the hotshoe flash, then you have a couple of options:
1) Lastolite Ezybox - medium sized and especially designed to be used with hotshoe flashguns - prices around 100 pounds (smaller sizes for a bit less)
2) Westcott Apollos - all sizes rectangular softboxes that folds like umbrellas. Very portable and the best variety of sizes but is quite expensive
3) Photek Softlighter - decagonal softbox (10 sides - looks like umbrella) that folds like umbrella and can in addition be used as umbrella. Comes in medium to large sizes and is relatively inexpensive taking a size into account. Importing one in UK will cost roughly the same as buying Ezybox.
This page explains all of them in some details and usage with Nikon hotshoe flash.
Thanks for the replies.
Kev, I was looking at the Lumiquest LQ108 as I'm looking for something that can be used with the flashgun on the camera as well as off. I've just looked at the Magic one on Photomart but it doesn't appear to be for use with a hotshoe flashgun.
Indeed. Taking into account the fact he could be bias as he is taking the shots for lumiquest, it still shows some interesting things you can do with one.
I'm not sure you'd be able achieve the same with a sto-fen. The Lumiquest SB3 seems to be coming in at around £40, I have found it for £43 in warehouse express.
I have to say I'm tempted, looks like it could be fun.
It's about as good as you'll get on camera but I wouldn't bother with it unless you couldn't bounce the flash off something, it's barely any bigger than the flash head so it's not going to make that much difference IMO.
If you want a softbox for off camera flash I wouldn't even look at it.
photomart flashgun softbox for off camera use.
Seriously, if you're thinking about using one of them things for on camera use save your money and buy "light science and magic" or something.
Tupperware pot, scissors, piece of clean white cloth (like that from an old shirt), tin foil.
Cut a hole in the base of the tupperware pot so it's a snug fit on the flash head.
Put tinfoil inside the pot and press it against the sides, use double sided tape if necessary.
Stretch the white material over the top of the tupperware pot and attach to the rim with an elastic band.
Will do the job just as well as any other.
Now I'm not sure whether to get the ebay one (£22) or the Lumiquest III. budget is tight at the moment.
Now that one looks good. OK, maybe I should be looking at these for off camera use and sticking with the stofen for on camera. I use off camera far more anyway. Thanks again Kev.