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Lloyd Rodriguez photo
France, Paris
1 Level
722 Review
49 Karma

Review on ๐Ÿ“ธ Fotodiox 8x12 Softbox: Compatible with Nikon & Canon Speedlite Flashes, Including SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, 380EX, 430EX II, 550EX, 580EX II, 600EX-RT; Also Works with Vivitar, Sunpak, Nissin, Sigma, Sony, Pentax, Olympus & Panasonic Lumix Flashes by Lloyd Rodriguez

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Works well with slight modifications

I bought this 12x8 softbox for a wedding photo shoot where I have limited lighting setup. I've tested it extensively and encountered the same problem that another user mentioned: the softbox has an extreme tendency to slam and sink without much movement. It attaches to the flash very quickly and easily, but if anything it's a bit too snug. Also, at first I wanted it to have an internal diffuser like other flashboxes, but it is. It's easy to miss as it's attached with Velcro on the front, side, inside the softbox. Look in the softbox on the left and you'll see a white translucent strip of fabric. Reach into the softbox on the left, pull slightly and you can pull out the diffuser, then loop around and fasten with velcro on the right. Here is your internal diffuser. Don't worry, she is! Now this flash hides part of the AF assist pattern, but I can't hide it from the softbox; I was expecting this as it is quite a large (12x8) flash. The main function of a softbox is to "soften" the light and make the flash less harsh, without the "hard" shadows usually associated with flashes. When fully extended/not sagging or collapsing, this Fotodiox softbox achieves this very, very well without affecting the white balance. I eliminated the sagging by inserting thin stainless steel wire into the seams for reinforcement so it will hold its shape yet be flexible enough to be easily mounted and removed from the flash. However, it's a little uncomfortable and it's a very frustrating issue, so I'm deducting a star from an otherwise great product.

Pros
  • Excellent overall performance
Cons
  • No insurance