Softboxes...Which one to get?

I want to get my first softbox but I am finding out that they are pretty expensive. I already own 2 sets of shoot through umbrellas 30" and 48" where the bigger set has the detachable black covers. I have Alienbee monolights and they offer these with included speedring on their site:


24" x 36" $119.95


32" x 40" $129.95


30" x 60" $159.95


foldable softboxes, umbrella-like construction, 2 optional translucent internal diffusion panels included, front translucent white diffusion panel, 60 day satisfaction guarantee





My question is whats the best size to go with if I got one? My mind is telling me bigger the better since they are all pretty close in price? Does anyone know of a better deal or price for a quality softbox with a speedring?

I own the 24"x36", the 32"x40", and the 47" octa from Paul C. Buff. They are all fantastic. Compared to other traditional softboxes that require assembly every time you want to use them, the PCB ones are exceptionally convenient. I used to own a cheap 47" octa that I purchased from Ebay. However, once I got the PCB octa, I gave the Ebay octa away (it simply wasn't worth the time and effort of assembly). Seriously, the PCB softboxes and octaboxes are worth getting.


To figure out which softbox is best for you, I'd suggest figuring out exactly what you want to shoot with it. If you're needing to light multiple people, you'll likely want a bigger softbox (or even the octa).

I new that was going to be the response after i hit the reply button. I

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

My inital thoughts are always go bigger then you think you need as that usually covers room to expand as your needs grow.

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That was my thinking, and why I went with the PCB 47" octabox w/ grid (which has almost the same surface area as the 30x60" rectangular) for my Einstein 640. One other consideration is the power of your monolights, relative to the size of the softbox (not an issue if you're shooting with the light very close to the subject).


Like Sean, I'm very happy with the PCB octabox; I also have (and really like!) a pair of Lastolite Ezybox Hotshoe 24x24" softboxes for use with Speedlites.

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

Can you use the AlienBees largest softbox to photograph smaller things?

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You can most certainly photograph small objects with large boxes. I use the 47" octa to photograph rings.

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

Is there any benefit to photographing smaller items with a smaller softbox verses a large softbox?

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I guess that depends on just how small the object is. Different size boxes will shape light differently. However, as the objects get smaller, you'll likely see less difference between softboxes (or octaboxes) no matter the size.

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

Those are more for fashion type work are they not?

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I think what matters here is the shape of the reflection on the surface of whatever you're trying to photograph. I typically use my octabox because it's quick and convenient to set up and is large enough to just about surround the object I'm photographing. However, there are times when using my two softboxes would be better because the square shapes resemble windows when reflected in shiny jewelry (and even more so if you take some gaffer's tape and create a windowpane structure on the front of your diffusion panel).

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

One more question. Do you think the PLM umbrellas are better then the rectangle softboxes for what I want to do? I've already got a 48" or 50" white umbrella where I just don't have a diffusion panel for the opposite side

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Again, I think it's the shape of catchlight (reflection) that's most important. However, if you do decide on an umbrella or PLM, be sure to pick up a diffusion panel. The spokes of an umbrella look terrible when seen on a highly reflective surface.

Thanks for the responses.

I recommend the Lastolite Ezyboxes. So easy to set up.

I also will +1 on the PCB 47" octobox as you first soft box. It takes me all of three minutes to assemble, and whether I am doing a large group portrait, or a 2" tiny product shot. I also highly recommend his 10x36" foldable strip box as your second.


PCB rocks!

I also have 2 of his newer 67" PLM

So the octabox does a better job then the rectangular softbox? Is the main benefit a larger footprint of light? Does the 47" octabox offer more light then the 30 x 60 rectangular?


Can AB 800 unit take full advantage of the larger softboxes or does one need the more powerful unit like the 1600 for indoor studio work?


I'm full of questions aren't I.

For studio work, a B800 will likely be fine in the larger softboxes. A time when you need the higher power 1600s is when you

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

So the octabox does a better job then the rectangular softbox? Is the main benefit a larger footprint of light? Does the 47" octabox offer more light then the 30 x 60 rectangular?

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The difference is the shape of the catchlights, primarily. For a given flash power, light output will get lower (and correspondingly softer) as the surface area of the modifier increases. The 30x60" is 1800 in², the area of the 47" octabox is probably around 1650 in²(it would be 1735 in²if it was round). In practice, there would be no difference in output or softness between those two softboxes.

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

Can AB 800 unit take full advantage of the larger softboxes or does one need the more powerful like the 1600 for indoor studio work?

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Usually the opposite. I think the AB1600 can often be too powerful for an indoor studio, especially a small- to medium-sized space. As Sean stated, you need more power outdoors in the sun. As mentioned above, I like the idea of flexibility and future growth - and although I initially considered the AB series, it seemed to me that one needed to choose between more power for outdoor use (AB1600) or less power for indoor use (AB400 or perhaps AB800, which might still sometimes be too much for a small space). The next series up the PCB line, the White LIghtnings, offer the X1600 - one thing I liked about that was that it's effectively an AB1600 and an AB400 in the same light (still has a 6-stop range, but it can operate in quarter-power mode for a total of 8-stop coverage). In the end, thanks to some advice from others here, I ended up getting the Einstein, which covers a 9-stop range with the bottom end 1 stop lower than an AB400, and the high end equal to the AB/WL 1600 max output.

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Originally Posted by freelanceshots

I'm full of questions aren't I.

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Aren't we all? [:P]