Softbox: Maybe a little too big...

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Some of you may know by now that I've been playing around with a monolight lately. I have a couple of bridal parties/special projects in the next few months that I thought would require a bit more "punch" than my Vivitar 285HVs (and even my 580EX) could provide. So, with that in mind, I purchased a used White Lightning Ultrazap 1600 from KEH. I must admit, I've been enjoying the massive amount of light this monolight can lay down. For now, though, I don't have the Vagabond required to take it to location shoots (that will likely be my next purchase).


For lighting large groups (or even an average family), I wanted a softbox that could provide me with flattering lighting from one end of the frame to the other. I found a 4'x6' softbox on ebay. No matter how many times I looked at the dimensions, it never really sunk in how big this thing was until I was trying to put it together for the first time. It is HUGE. With its size comes equally large problems.


The first problem--this thing is heavy. The first time I connected the softbox to my monolight, the monlight pointed straight downward. No matter how much force I applied to the tensioning handle, the softbox would not stay put. The weight was too much. I took the rig apart and found where a rubber washer might solve the problem. A quick trip to Lowes and a large rubber washer seemed to fit the bill. Now everything stays in place with a normal amount of tensioning.


The second problem--rotating the softbox. The speedring allows you to rotate the softbox to any angle (portrait, landscape, and anywhere in-between). I put the rig together with the softbox in a portrait orientation. When I rotated the softbox, the softbox disconnected from the holding fingers and fell to the ground (skimming the flash tube and modeling lamp in the process). I tested out the monolight and everything was ok (after pushing the flash tube back into place, that is). That worried me. I tested the rig later in the day and was able to keep the softbox in landcape orientation--but I was very careful when I rotated it. When using it like that, I'll likely have an assistant holding the speedring at the top (if possible) to ensure it doesn't slip off the holding fingers. Of course, if the light is high off the ground, that won't be possible. I'm thinking about buying a Paul C. Buff Alien Bees speedring to see if it will seat more securely in the holding fingers.


The third problem--this thing is too large to be used indoors under most circumstances. Large event rooms will be fine (unless there is a low ceiling). But this behemoth barely fits through doorways--it's just too bulky to use effectively in tight quarters.

[:O] One word sums this baby up ....WOW![:S]

COOL!!!


Good luck working the bugs out.


I'm sure you'll find some impressive uses for it.

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Originally Posted by Jarhead5811

Good luck working the bugs out.

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If anyone can make this work and produce awesome photos ...I have no doubt in my mind that Sean will be able to do just that! The man is a genius when it comes to this stuff!

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Originally Posted by ddt0725

If anyone can make this work and produce awesome photos ...I have no doubt in my mind that Sean will be able to do just that! The man is a genius when it comes to this stuff!

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You know, I wish I was as brilliant as everyone seems to think I am... ;-)

Even if you're sitting on a mountain of duds the one's you share are quite impressive.

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Originally Posted by Jarhead5811

Even if you're sitting on a mountain of duds the one's you share are quite impressive.
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LOL....let's just say I don't need an office chair at my post-processing computer

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

For lighting large groups (or even an average family), I wanted a softbox that could provide me with flattering lighting from one end of the frame to the other. I found a 4'x6' softbox on ebay. No matter how many times I looked at the dimensions, it never really sunk in how big this thing was until I was trying to put it together for the first time. It is HUGE. With its size comes equally large problems.


The first problem--


The second problem--


The third problem--

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Sean, Sean...


How many times do I have to tell you...


Softlighter, Softlighter, Softlighter.

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Originally Posted by Keith B

Sean, Sean...


How many times do I have to tell you...


Softlighter, Softlighter, Softlighter.

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I may just do it. I was planning on getting an octobox, but the softlighter looks like it would be lighter and fit the bill.

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Originally Posted by Sean Setters

I may just do it. I was planning on getting an octobox, but the softlighter looks like it would be lighter and fit the bill.

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It is great. It assembles really quick. It bundles up into its own bag and isn't much larger than the umbrella itself. I think it will be really sweet with that monolight.


I remember watching an episode of the Girls Next Door and seeing a Softlighter (I could actually see the Photeck logo tag) being used by one of there photographers. I figure if they are using them for what they shoot, it can't be junk.


I like the 36" one also. It has silver and gold mylar inserts and It is he closest thing to beauty dish light I have come across for my 580EXIIs.

Wow, that thing is really huge! I would be freezed instantly with fear when I enter a room with a thing like that. I do want to see future results though, I am really interested in what it can do for you in practice.


Haha I'm just thinking about every-time you post a new photo people ask what you use and they want to get it as well. How will this thing move people on this forum [A]


Anyway good luck with it! Hope you'll overcome your problems with that thing. [H]


Jan

I may have helped the stability just a bit with the holding fingers. I took a Dremel tool and ground down the edge of the speedring lip. Now the holding fingers have better contact with the speedring. I'm still not 100% comfortable with it, but it's an improvement.

Two other portable options to consider for this same situation.


1) A really really large umbrella (like 72") and attach a bracket for one or two or more speedlights


2) If you are wanting the softbox for a background there is a really portable unit


Lastolite megalite softbox

A counterweight would fix the maneuverability problems, I imagine? I'm sure you can find a way to rig one up! Then all you need to do is make sure your stand is sturdy and stable enough.... I don't even want to imagine that monster tipping over. *shudder*

That thing is huge!! Time for the/an assistant to get in a little grunt work! I am sure you will find a way to make that thing very useful. [:P]

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Originally Posted by Jayson

I am sure you will find a way to make that thing very useful. [img]/emoticons/emotion-4.gif[/img]

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It would be great for shooting cars or motorcycles.

Just not while driving...self portraits!

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Originally Posted by Jayson

Just not while driving...self portraits!
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hehehe.....*tries to figure out how he's going to mount the softbox to the side of the car while driving*