Softboxes are quite a hybrid - they belong to both studio lighting, but also portable enough to be taken on location.
The question is what goes inside - most softboxes we see in a studio setting have studio lights inserted inside. Whereas in outdoor locations, to stay lean on gear, photographers usually use Speedlights instead.
This article will address:
Can Speedlights be used with Softboxes?
How to Set Up a Softbox (with Speedlights)?
Some speedlights can be used with Softboxes, depending on the mount that comes with the Softbox pack. A common mount for this purpose is the Godox S-2 Bracket. To set up a softbox with Speedlights, you will need a lightstand, a speedlight and a softbox pack.
For the demonstration we will be using the following choice of gear. Check out their latest prices on Amazon:
Softbox and kit: GODOX 80x80cm (32x32in) Softbox Kit with Grid S2 Bracket Bowens Mount Holder;
Light stand: Phottix Padat Compact Fold Flat Light Stand 200cm
Speedlite: YongNuo YN-560IV;
Flash triggers: YONGNUO RF-603C-II-C3 Wireless Remote Flash Trigger Kit for Canon/ for Nikon
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To provide you with a visual demonstration of the steps described, see the video below.
Can Speedlights be used with Softboxes?
I also had this question when I was thinking of buying my first softbox - can I use it with a Speedlight?
Yes, you absolutely can, though not all softboxes are made for Speedlights.
The key lies in finding a softbox which comes with a mount that is compatible with Speedlights. There should be many models offering a Speedlight-friendly mount, so for your reference, the one I am using is the Godox S-2 Mount.
Refer to the video as to what the S-2 bracket mount looks like.
Depending on which mount you are using, you can even bundle a few Speedlights together to form a more powerful strobe.
Some creative uses as such involve tying a few Speedlights back to back using elastic bands, and inserting the composite into the mount.
You can orient your Speedlights as you wish, as the mount should be wide enough to be used with studio lighting as well.
How to Set up a Softbox (with Speedlights)?
We will walk you through how to put together a softbox in this section, using Speedlights as the choice of light that goes with the Softbox.
Follow along the below list for gear that you will need to assemble, and a detailed step-by-step guide on how to setup your softbox.
What you Need to Set Up a Softbox
Firstly, usually a light stand will be used to support the softbox. Other times, an assistant will hold the softbox, if you happen to have an assistant and want a more flexible approach.
Secondly, you will need a light. In this case, a Yongnuo yn-560 ii will be used for the purpose of demonstration.
Lastly, you will need your softbox pack, which includes a mount and the softbox body.
Steps to Set Up your Softbox
For a visual demonstration of the following steps, refer to the video linked at the top of this article. Here is a recap of the steps involved in text.
Set up your light stand to shoulder height. This should be a comfortable height for you to mount the expanded softbox onto the upper end of the light stand. Depending on how large your softbox is, the entire structure does weigh a little. So shoulder height would be a convenient position for now.
Put together the softbox body. This involves unfolding the folded shell, which is usually reduced into a small packet, followed by fixing the inner reflective sheet suspended by four hooks. You can then seal the front of the softbox using the outer white sheet, which would be stuck to the rim of the softbox using Velcro tape.
Insert the mount. The mount fits into the narrower end of the softbox, where the four wired edges of the softbox come together. Simply slap the edges over the mount ring and it will be secured.
Fix the softbox (with mount) onto the light stand at your designated angle by tightening the handle. Place the lower end of the mount, which should be hollow, over the top of the light stand and tighten up the screws.
Insert and fix your choice of light, which is the Yongnuo yn-560 ii in this case.
Make final adjustments as to the height and angle of the softbox.
Summary
In this article, we talked about:
Whether you can use a softbox with a Speedlight, and
How to set up a softbox with a Speedlight
More sharing coming soon!
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