Ranking of the best photo studio softboxes in 2020

High-quality lighting is one of the factors in obtaining a high-quality, professionally executed picture. Therefore, professional photographers use softboxes, which allow you to make a uniform image in the picture. However, amateurs can also take high-quality photos with good light if they buy lighting devices. Umbrellas and other objects can also be used, but they transmit light differently. Today we will consider exactly softboxes.

Photobox

Photobox is such a thing that diffuses light with the help of different light sources. Such equipment was made in the form of a cube. Thanks to such a device, on a plain background, you can make an image without a shadow, which is very important for photography. This apparatus is often referred to as a light cube or light cube.

Four metal rings protect the structure from falls. Such a unit, before being put into a storage case, is twisted into an eight. If you fold it in this position, it will take up 3 times less space. This device can be used during outdoor shooting, but if the action takes place on the street, then daylight is sufficient.

There are several options for tones for photos:

• Blue;
• Red;
• The black;
• White.

The client can use any of them, depending on the location and personal preference.

Softbox purpose and main types

The softbox is used for photography in a photo studio. Simpler devices are also used on location shooting. Since photography is carried out on softboxes with closed apertures, this excludes the possibility of transporting this equipment.

In studios, the equipment is constantly assembled. And on the road, it is necessary to constantly assemble and disassemble the structure, and this can provoke deformation or breakdown of individual elements.

In addition, there are modifications for portable photo studios. These are special softbox models that are easy to fold and unfold. The umbrella type is the most popular. The easy box is also very popular.

Easy box - has a compact square shape. These sizes can be found: 40/40, 60/60 and 80/80. The technology by which this look is folded is called twist-flex.

Umbrella view - resembles a photo umbrella in design and appearance. There is a flash inside the device. They are rectangular, square and round. It is the umbrella-type softboxes that are cheap and have a compact size. It is convenient to transport them in a bag or case.

However, the Easybox is much easier to set up in terms of light delivery.

For umbrella equipment, you must additionally open the front diffuser to set the required settings.

Care advice

Experts recommend that before using the photo boxes, remove them from the case and gently iron them with a vacuum cleaner. After all, if this is not done, then shadows will be detected in your pictures.

In order to keep this equipment for photography for a long time, it is recommended to pack them in a roll of rigid cardboard (for example, in a roll of stretch film or foil). This storage method will help to avoid regular ironing of the material. To remove dirt or dust that may appear during work, you need to walk with tape over the fabric.

Shooting process

Place the photo box on a table or other firm, level surface before starting work. Also, adjust the photobox so that the light sources are opposite each other. Place your camera in front of the equipment. Placement on the table will greatly simplify the work.

Components

A softbox, like any other accessory, has its own characteristics and scope of delivery. This thing is becoming more and more popular among modern photographers. There are a lot of models on the market. To determine the choice, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when buying. The ranking also includes the best models at the moment.

Mount

There are 2 types of mounts - a stand and a flash head. Without a mount, you can work with small softboxes, but for large ones it will be necessary.

For large softboxes, separate sync is also required. In our review, only compact models are presented, but some of them have a mount.

There are several types of mounts:

• Velcro;
• Gel-based;
• With a special adapter.

Size and shape

There are two large groups of softboxes:

• Quad boxes;
• Oktoboxes.

A rarer species is round.

The shape of the screen directly affects the shape of the flare. This glare is reflected from glasses, shop windows and car windows. Despite the fact that the softbox reduces or covers the glare, you still need to take good quality photos, otherwise no light distributors will help you.

There are also 3 types of designs:

• Umbrella is the most successful type of construction. Folds and unfolds very quickly. Girls use such devices more. But this is also the case for operational shooting.
• Twist Flex - similar in type to a reflector. Rigid springy hoop allows you to work with it faster. Fits easily in a compact travel bag or small backpack.
• Conventional - the main advantages are compactness of equipment and efficiency of work.

Best softboxes

"Mircopro SB-030 60 × 90 (SB-030_6090)"

This design can be used for shooting scenes, full-length and ordinary portraits. The equipment perfectly diffuses light and creates a neutral color gamut. Thanks to the use of heat-resistant and wear-resistant materials, this attribute will last for many years.

Size: 60x90 centimeters.

A modern softbox, which is useful in almost any conditions, will cost the client 3,500 rubles.

• Modern;
• Easy;
• Compact;
• Will last a long time.

• Relatively high price;
• Some of the features that are available in more expensive models are not available.

"Godox Easy 80x80 (SFUV8080)"

The size of this device is 80x80 cm. It can be mounted on a stand or a tripod for a camera. Can be used for shooting outdoors or in small photo studios.

The silver coating adorns the inside of the softbox. Pleasant shadows on the subject are created thanks to the presence of two diffusers, which deliver a very pleasant soft light flux.

Folds into a lightweight, compact bag.The body of the flash is fixed inside the ring with a special screw clamp.

Design features:

• The articulated mount has a 180-degree rotation, which allows shooting from any angle;
• The equipment is compatible with all on-camera flashes;
• Godox S-type serves as a flash holder;
• Internal and external diffusers can significantly improve color rendering.

The kit includes:

• Cover;
• Mount;
• The softbox itself.

The price is about 4500 rubles.

• There are 2 diffusers;
• Multifunctional;
• Easy;
• Compact;
• Suitable even for outdoor filming.

• Expensive.

"Godox Easy 40x40 (SFUV4040)"

It has many similarities to the previous model, but the size and price are half the size. This model is only slightly different from the larger one. Bowens serves as a bayonet mount adapter. The package contains other components:

• Case;
• Cover;
• Adapter;
• Holder;
• Two diffusers;
• The softbox itself.

Price: about 3000 rubles.

• Easy;
• Compact;
• Located in the middle price segment;
• Convenient to operate.

• Not found.

"Resheto light cube 60cm, shadowless softbox light cube tent"

Light cubes or photo boxes are designed for shooting compact objects that give "extra" glare, spoiling photos. Light cubes are designed specifically to address this deficiency.

The light cube shown here is an easy-to-fold cube-shaped frame.

It is covered with a white fabric that is resistant to temperature changes. Designed for photographing objects smaller than 30 centimeters. There are 4 different pads included:

• White;
• Black color;
• Of red color;
• Of blue color.

These underlays help to hide the gaps between the back of the cube and the floor.

This device can be ironed and washed.

Specifications:

• Weighs 560 grams;
• Package size 30x10 cm;
• Dimensions: 60x60x60 cm;
• Folding type;
• Spring frame.

It costs 1,700 rubles.

• Easy;
• Compact;
• Convenient;
• Easily transported;
• Acceptable price;
• Heat resistant surface.

• Designed for photographing small items.

"Falcon 90 cm (FEA-OB 9)"

This model will provide bright and soft lighting, which is suitable for themed photos for all tastes. The shape of the softbox is octagonal. Thanks to this shape, you can form a beautiful volumetric pattern. The material is lightweight and resistant to fading. Easy to assemble and disassemble. Diameter - 90 cm.

It costs 3,500 rubles.

• Compactness;
• Ease;
• Does not fade;
• Durable material;
• Not expensive.

• Not found.

"Falcon 50x70 (SSASB5070)"

Provides excellent volumetric lighting for professional photography. This unit allows you to do macro photography, studio portraits and studio photography.

Withstands very well with constant color sources. Made with durable fade resistant materials. The heat-resistant cardboard can withstand high power continuous light sources.

Size: 50x70.

It costs 2400 rubles.

• Good price;
• High quality materials;
• Resistant to high power constant light sources;
• Suitable for macro photography.

• Not found.

"Mircopro SB-038 120 cm studio flash unit (Bowens mount) (SB-038_120)"

An excellent octagon designed for portrait, full-length and subject photography. Its size is 120 cm. This is a medium-sized device. Sounds like absolutely any studio flash that has a Bowens mount.

The structure is easy to assemble and assemble. Made from high quality materials. The light is distributed as evenly as possible over the image area. The anti-burn protective coating extends the life of the softbox for many years.

You will have to pay 3200 rubles for such a device.

• There is protection against burnout;
• Compact;
• Easy;
• Unusual octahedral shape;
• Light is distributed as evenly as possible throughout the frame;
• Volumetric image.

• Relatively high price.

"Resheto 40cm, shadowless light cube softbox tent"

This is an ultra compact and very cheap light cube softbox (1000 rubles). Designed for items that do not exceed 20 centimeters in size. To make a good shot, the light cube should be 2 times the size of the subject. That's what the experts say.

With the help of Velcro, you can attach one of four backgrounds to the LightCube. Substrate colors:

• White;
• The black;
• Blue;
• Red.

The lightbox itself is round. Easily folds into a bag and is transported without too many problems.

Specifications:

• Weight: 433 grams;
• 21x8 is the size in the package;
• Unfolded: 40x40x40 cm.

• Very cheap;
• Compact;
• Easy;
• There are 4 substrates.

• Not durable;
• Designed for photographing small objects and objects.

"VISICO SB-030 50x70 cm"

Ideal for subject and portrait photography. Photographic equipment store sellers note that this is one of the best-selling models.

Can be used comfortably with constant light sources, as well as with powerful studio flashes on. This is possible due to the fact that the fabric is equipped with a heat-resistant coating. Convenient carrying case allows you to transport the softbox without any problems.

Such a thing costs 2300 rubles.

• Heat resistant materials;
• Can be used in different lighting conditions;
• Easily transported;
• The cost is within the normal range;
• Compact.

• Not found.

"Spherical softbox VISICO FSD-800 QUICK BALL (80 cm)"

The most expensive model in our review. Such amazing equipment for a studio costs about 7,000 rubles. It has a diameter of 80 cm. It is completely made of high quality materials.

The backs are installed here, which are made of durable polymer. This allows such a ball to be folded a large number of times, and it will not be damaged.

This is ideal for outdoor shooting.

There is a standard color temperature.

• Suitable for field work;
• High quality professional material;
• The ball-shaped design creates a soft light effect.

• High price.

“Mini softbox Photex for on-camera flashes SB-03 23 × 23cm”

An irreplaceable material for a photographer. For someone who is actively involved in portrait photography, it will be a real discovery. Also useful for product photography. With this softbox, the photographer has almost unlimited possibilities. The device evenly scatters and distributes light beams.

The size of the diffuser is 23x23 cm and has the shape of a square. The fastening of the product can be made on flashes of various types. Thanks to this product, a very high-quality photograph is obtained. It only takes two minutes to set up such a softbox.

Price: 1900 rubles.

• Suitable for professionals;
• Quick setup;
• Easy;
• Inexpensive;
• Multifunctionality;
• Sufficient dimensions.

• Not detected.

The table contains a list of all considered models:

model	Dimensions	Price
Mircopro SB-030 60x90 (SB-030_6090)	60x90 cm	3500 rubles
Godox Easy 80x80 (SFUV8080)	80x80 cm	4500 rubles
Godox Easy 40x40 (SFUV4040)	40x40 cm	3000 rubles
Resheto 60cm	60x60x60 cm	1700 rubles
Falcon 90 cm (FEA-OB 9)	90x90 cm	3500 rubles
Falcon 50x70 (SSASB5070)	50x70 cm	2400 rubles
Mircopro SB-038 120 cm	120x120	3200 rubles
Resheto 40cm	40x40x40	1000 rubles
VISICO SB-030 50Х70СМ	50x70	2300 rubles
VISICO FSD-800 QUICK BALL (80CM)	80cm diameter	7000 rubles
Photex for on-camera flash units SB-03 23x23cm	23x23 cm	1900 rubles

Output

Lightweight portable photography devices called softboxes have become very popular in our time. They are used by both beginners and professional photographers. Every person who is into photography needs to choose an individual softbox, as everyone works in different styles. We have compiled a rating of the best softboxes at the moment, and also described their purpose.