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03/19/2008 01:05:23 PM · #1 |
| Yeah, Im trying to figure out a makeshift way to build a softbox for my 580 EX... I was thinking something like a cardboard box, some tinfoil and perhaps some printing paper? This, however is easier said than done. The flash head is fairly small compared to that of a strobe, so what size could I build it without losing too much power? Has anybody ever attempted this? How did you do it, and was it worth the effort? |
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03/19/2008 01:07:52 PM · #2 |
i made one from a printer box and some parchment paper. Stick foil all over the inside to reduce light loss and make sure it goes the righr way, make a snug fitting for your flash and away you go.
Or, you can get a shoot through umbrella or maybe even an omni-bounce. They work pretty darned well but you need to power up the flash seriously for anything beyond a 3 person group shot because they suck about 3 or 4 stops of light. Very portable though. |
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03/19/2008 01:14:06 PM · #3 |
Why not buy one of the very affordable setups for hotshoe flashes.
Matt
//www.lastolite.com/ezybox-hotshoe.php
Message edited by author 2008-03-19 13:16:08. |
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03/19/2008 01:19:30 PM · #4 |
Here's one I found.
I just made the Beauty Dish from that site for use in my last entry. Pretty hoakie looking but it works. |
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03/19/2008 01:32:02 PM · #5 |
hey man. don't you remember the lighting class hold by  De Sousa to get this shot  ? ;-D
i think we used one or two foldable reflectors to bounce the light. that's how i built a little "softbox". i used a normal cheap umbrella, taped silver foil on the inner side, built an umbrella holder from some piece of wood to mount it on my tripod.
i'll post some photos of it later maybe tommorrow. really easy to use, produces nice soft light and is really easy to transport. :) |
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03/19/2008 01:45:04 PM · #6 |
A LumiQuest Softbox works great if you don't want to try and make one.
Problems with home-made ones is the weight issue, as the Speedlight head will want to drop down due to the weight, and often will drop below it's detent, not firing. Also the number of stops lost will also be a factor. The LumiQuest is rated at approx 1 1/4 Stops lost, which isn't too bad. It's real easy to install, folds up flat and takes up very little space when not in use.
Edit to add they have a limited number of blemished ones for sale also.
Message edited by author 2008-03-19 13:48:02. |
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03/19/2008 03:13:45 PM · #7 |
Mephisto,
i will never forget that lesson as long as i still have one last ounce of sanity. The problem, however, is that I do not always have a crew of trusty DPCers to turn themselves into a studio :'(. Im looking for something that is a little more flexible with a lack of assistants. Thanks for the advice from people though. I shall most definitely look into these
Message edited by author 2008-03-19 15:14:13. |
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