LumiQuest ProMax Mini SoftBox
From LumiQuest
The Mini SoftBox enlarges and diffuses the light with the flash in the direct flash position. Unobtrusive and low profile, the Mini SoftBox is ideal for press and other fast-moving situations.
- Brand: LumiQuest
- Model: LQ951D
- Dimensions: .15 pounds
Excellent product for amateurs and pros
I've owned LumiQuest's Mini SoftBox for years and it has been a winner for me. I shoot commercially both in-studio and on-location, and the Mini Softbox is terrific for removing the harsh glare of a normal dedicated external flash. The purpose of a softbox is to spread out the light so you don't end up with "hot spots", areas of white glare on people's skin which is caused by flash units. The Mini Softbox velcro's onto the flash unit, which doesn't bother me at all since I use it so much. Portraiture has much more pleasing lighting, and it's priceless for doing walk-around candids in an office or at a gathering when spontaneous action is needed.
The Mini Softbox is small and doesn't get in the way. It's durable and has lasted me for 6 years. I'm now buying a new one as I finally wore this one out. Pay no attention to the review saying it wasn't for professionals. I wouldn't do a location shoot without it. Works with any external flash unit and comes with the velcro strips to attach it. The velcro doesn't get in the way and it's almost unnoticeable when it's on the flash unit. Functionality is the main thing, so I highly recommend it.
Price + Performance + Ease of use = winner!
this little softbox works wonders, when considering the cost of it, and what it's REALISTICALLY meant to do. it is not meant to replace a large or even medium softbox. if you're looking to soften up that much light, just buy a shoot through umbrella or a larger softbox. what this does is make the light from your speedlight/off camera flash MUCH less harsh. it takes a little getting used to, but i never ever leave without one of these in my bag. it also lessens the harshness of your flash to others as well, when shooting bands or public events. you lose about 1/3 of a stop, but if you know what you're doing you'll learn to compensate.
the only thing i didn't like about this is that the velcro comes attached to the softbox itself. the prickly side of the velcro is attached to the softbox, and assumes you put the soft side of the velcro on your speedlite. WRONG. i have all my other items (gobo, snoot, gel holder, etc) configured so that the hard velcro is on my speedlite, so i had to peel the velcro tape (quality velcro tape, btw) off the softbox, and stick the soft velcro back on the softbox. kind of a pain. let us make the decisions on our rigs next time, lumiquest.
but seriously, for this little money, you can't afford NOT to give it a shot. it does look a little goofy, but when you see the results, you won't mind how it looks. i haven't used my sto-fen diffuser since i bought this.
Good value for the money
If you need an inexpensive, easy to use softbox, this is the one for you. It is definitely not professional quality, but provides a good solution for use on the go. It folds up nicely to travel in your camera bag, and gives a good flash dispersement. I'm not a fan of the Velcro attachments you have to glue to your flash, so I use 2 Velcro cable ties to secure it to my flash, a Nikon SB600.
