Review on Lastolite Hot Shoe EZYBOX Softbox by Chris Wheeler

The review below is for an Alzo product but it is the same product. The one offered here seems to come with a few more accessories, but that doesn't explain the huge difference in price. I got this softbox about a week ago and I'm happy with the quality of light it puts out, but I have some design issues. First, you REALLY need it a hot shoe adapter for SB-900.Ordered one based on a comment from someone.However I don't think I'll be using my 900 with this box as it barely goes through the hole in the metal ring, I know my 900's get scratched right away and the diffuser dome for the 900 doesn't attach until the flash is in place, meaning if you want to change it you'll have to take it out of the front cover of the softbox. can fit through the hole then it can go all the way in - I don't have one so can't test it. My sb-16 barely fits (better than 900), but I can't use it with a diffuser either. Luckily I have an 800 that fits through the hole easily, even with the canopy on. But that brings me to the second problem. The metal ring does not stick to the material of the softbox in any way and the play between the softbox and the ring definitely causes light to escape. If your softbox is always behind the camera, then that's no problem, but if you put it sideways and in front of the camera, things can get a little out of breath. When using studio softboxes we have always taken great care to ensure that they are fully covered. I also found that my sb-800 doesn't fit fully into the hole b/c of one of the screws on the metal L bracket. The flash springs forward and then rests on the screw, letting it partially out, allowing extra light to exit my SB-800. Forget the Metz CT flash. My final issue is that what holds the softbox to the mount is the tension between the flexible "strings" that form the box (I'm not sure what they're made of because they're covered in material) and the metal ring that slides under the cords. I hope there isn't much friction between the metal and the material holding the cords, otherwise I see the metal ring cutting through the material. My guess is that the target audience for this box will be wedding photographers who are always on the go. I have no doubt that the box will detach from the metal ring when carried around a wedding. I live abroad so can't return the box for a refund - I probably would if I could. I'll take a closer look at the competitors to see if they have the same design or a different method. I should probably give it 2 stars but I think there will be a good light as long as you're not using it to move around at a wedding or as paparazzi. THIS IS THE SAME AS THIS BOX but MUCH more expensive. Okay, they include another diffusion layer. I suspect others feel the same way. If you buy one, it can also be cheaper.