When the box arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. The softbox is (compared to my little SMDV Softbox) although basic constructed entirely processed dibasic. The luminous area is evenly illuminated and the light is very soft.
When the first shots I immediately noticed that the light of this 80-softbox is comparable to that of a 100 screen. Therefore I once invested one evening and made a comparison test. The test images I try to upload Amazon.
What is the difference between softbox and umbrellas?
Light loss compared to the bare Speedlite:
Neewer 32 "/ 80cm softbox -2 1/3 Bl.
Translucent Umbrella 101cm (Delamax H07) -2Bl.
Umbrella 101cm 2in1 (Delamax HFS-09) -2Bl.
The values I have measured over gray card with the camera histogram. Softbox light umbrella and have a low light loss. The translucent light umbrella reaches this value only because it is a combination of white fabric with silver foil lying behind them (2 in 1).
Light scattering / softness of the light:
Neewer 32 "/ 80cm softbox: soft shade during the face, visible soft shadow on the background, slightly higher contrast
Translucent Umbrella 101cm (Delamax H07): Shadows course some stage in the face, barely shadow on the background, lower overall contrast
Umbrella 101cm 2in1 (Delamax HFS-09): soft shade during the face, barely shadow on the background, slightly higher contrast
Thus even a shadow on the background became visible, was the mannequin in front of the white paper background, the distance between light emitting surface and tip of the nose was 1m.
Differences in the creative use:
The Softbox and Light Umbrella come from all directions as close to the model approach, because the stand behind the illuminated area. It is the favorite distance of 1.5m - 1m for full- or partial-portraits easily implemented. The translucent light umbrella is not as close to the model approach, because he still has to stand between them and the model.
The translucent light umbrella scatters light spherical throughout the room. If the studio (like mine) has reflective white walls and a white ceiling, so very soft high-key shots are possible. I use the Light Umbrella also like between model and background. He then illuminates the background, the model of the floor and rear (hair light).
The softbox can control light in only one direction a out and therefore is very nice for plastic side light (Rembrandt light, different light pliers from left / right, front / rear). In rear projection with colored light prevents the softbox that too much light falls on the background. A Honeycomb for Softbox would it even better, but is at the Neewer 32 "/ 80cm softbox unfortunately not there. Also scattered light sensitive optics cause any problems.
For frontal, flat Courtesy light quadrangular light reflex the softbox in the eyes of the model can be seen clearly. A round reflex would be there much nicer. A simple, octagonal Umbrella delivers beautiful results. This is down to the black side of the camera and the model towards white, so that there are no problems with stray light when the screen is very close to the optical axis in front of the camera. This allows a very nice Hollywood or Butterfly Light make.
Differences in practice:
The Neewer 32 "-Softbox I had a large, heavy stand (Walimex WT-806) mounted so that it does not fluctuate. The screens come out with a thinner stator (Walimex WT-803), which has reduced pack size.
The Neewer 32 "-Softbox brings a swivel and tilt tripod mount with the same. The screens also need a Tripod Holder (Phottix Varos or Manfrotto). In order for the light at angesetzem radio receiver in the screen can be centered in the middle, I had between Neiger and hotshoe even installing a small ball joint. Just as the lightning illuminates the entire area of the screen.
When I take pictures quickly on location, I personally prefer a light umbrella on a telescopic extension arm, because the screen without building is ready for use. In the studio I use rather soft boxes, because I get them a little more contrast, I can accurately control over brightener.
On occasion, I have to go the 47 "try / 120cm Octabox of Neewer. The Neewer 32" / 80cm softbox made me curious.
