Which one have you used?

[PhotoByLeal]

Westcott Apollo 28 $109


Lastolite Hot Shoe EZYBOX Softbox - 24x24 $159


Cheetah Qbox 24 $112, this one comes with a GRID

What do you like and don't like about these boxes and is 15 or 16 or 24 better, with a speed light?

thanks,

[Tom]

I don't know, but thanks for starting this. I am interested, too.

[groovyone]

I have the 24"x24" EZYBOX with the Mark II bracket and LOVE it.

*I should expand. Setup is ridiculously fast and easy. It folds very flat and compact. The bracket has enough range to fir my 58 series flash, an ISO to iISO adapter AND a Cactus 4 radio trigger. Results have been impressive, at least by my standards. I bought the optional diffusers but have not had a chance to try them. Light quality seems to be much better than my Westcott umbrellas.

[JohnT]

I have the Cheetah. It works fine. I like it.

[Rson]

I have the apollo, works well.....a little clumsy to set up. I got the Apollo, stand and shoe mount combo.

[groovyone]

Too add more, mine has the silver lining, but McNally mentioned he talked them into a white lined one. I am wondering if this is it: Lastolite EZYBOX HOTSHOE 22" BY JOE MCNALLY LL LS2462JM B&H

This is the setup that I have now: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...Inch_X_24_Inch

The 30"x30" isn't too badly priced now either: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ark_II_Bracket

It looks like the grids for the EZYBOX are finally out too: http://www.lastolite.com/ezybox-hotshoe-grid.php

[Daniel W.]

I used the Apollo, and like that I can also use them on larger strobes in a pinch, but that I don't need anything else other than the standard swivel bracket. Tilt-ability is pretty limited by design, but the quality of light is niiiice.

*I have since retired it though because the umbrella shaft simply fell apart. I got it used so it's not that surprising given that the design is basically an umbrella. Something to keep in mind.

Have you thought about a Softlighter-like device?

[z-monster]

I have 2 Cheetah 24 for both of my 580EX II shoes. I like that the boxes fold and tuck away nicely into its own bag. The at the time of my purchase it was compared to the Lastolite EZYBOX in similar ways but the Cheetah doesn't have an inner baffle. I chose the Cheetah based on its lower price however mine did not come with grids.

In fact my choice was based on John's 2009 post asking the very same question about hotshoe softboxes.
Here > http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...kit-24x24.html

[BeccaJ]

I have the Cheetah Qbox 16. the 24 looks rather interesting, and i now think i need it. LOL (i think id prefer something slightly bigger than the 16, but it's done it's job the few times ive used it)

[RKDauph]

I have the Photoflex LiteDome Q3 9





and the Cheetah 24"

(***Changed img embed below to a link since image is NSFW. Abel***)http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4613328383_9e88a63f30.jpg

The Cheetah is a better build and easier to setup.

[PhotoByLeal]

thanks everyone......

@ Rebecca, the NEW 24 comes with a grid some other front panel diffusers

@ Ray, awesome use of Speed Lights....have you ever used your SU800 in daylight and how does it do?

thanks,

[RKDauph]

All the time


Jason is holding a 42 inch Wescott umbrella with a SB-800 tucked up in the open ribs point towarded the camera to get the light reflected back to his face.

Behind him is a SB-900 shooting into another 42 inch Wescott umbrella. That c-stand is a good 50 feet away and up the hill about 10-12 feet above Jason's head.

Controlled on camera with the SU-800. Both speedlights were set to TTL remote.


As fill in bright direct daylight.


With this travel rig:

SB900 powered by SD8A on 36 inch JTL stand with 24 inch Westscott umbrella.

I use this setup for travel because it fits in my suitcase


Single SB900 camera left


Above with this rig:

[PhotoByLeal]

AWESOME shots and diagram Ray!
the 2nd shot did you use the flash in TTL or manual?
(what were your setting in the 2nd shot!) jus curious.....

thanks,

[RKDauph]

In the second photograph above I used a single SB900 in TTL mode in a 24 inch white shoot-through umbrella low camera right as fill held by Candice's boyfriend.

Camera Nikon D700
Lens AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
Exposure 0.006 sec (1/160)
Aperture f/11.0
Focal Length 105 mm
ISO Speed 200



Here's another shot of Candice inside a parking garage, here I used the light coming through the levels to back light her while using Nikon CLS and TTL to fill.



Here I used:
Camera Nikon D700
Lens AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8 G ED
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/2.8
Focal Length 70 mm
ISO Speed 200

I really enjoy working with the CLS system. 90% of the time I let Nikon tell me how it sees the scene and how it thinks the setting should be lit. I can, and do, adjust those settings from camera to get the look I want.

Originally Posted by PhotoByLeal

AWESOME shots and diagram Ray!
the 2nd shot did you use the flash in TTL or manual?
(what were your setting in the 2nd shot!) jus curious.....

thanks,

[groovyone]

Ray can get awesome shots with a couple of AA flashlights. Jerk. <---jealous