Customer Reviews

Lastolite LL LS2438 15 x 15 Inch Ezybox HotShoe

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this to be used as outdoor fill and it works great. Responds well to differences in output from the Nikon SB800. The light is nice and soft to the point of not being noticeable as fill when balanced properly with daylight. Also easy to carry around. The SB800 sensor remains visible so if being used as a remote the sync function still works.

Very convenient. Produces nice, soft light with my SB-800. Not very large light source. Had to purchase a bracket with swivel mount so I could tilt the light box.

The product quality is very good. It produces soft light as promised. The only problem is that it is so small to be used for full portrait body or for more than one portrait in a single snapshot. you would need then another box or a larger one. The thing I like of this product is that it's so light, so easy to travel with!

I had been waiting for a small softbox compatible with small shoe strobes for a very long time. At one point I considered making my own adapter. So I am delighted that Lastolite has finally introduced this. It's absolutely perfect.

The main selling point of this softbox is in the ease of assembling and dis-. It is perfect for the travelling hobbyist. This ezybox, a decent reflector, two external flashes (i use another 580 EXII to trigger the one attached to the ezybox), and then somebody to hold both implements, can make perfect pictures during family vacations. The pictures shall be good enough to brag.

The package includes the shoe-slot that fits 580 EX II, all the brackets needed, and then the blue lastolite case. The entire thing will easily fit in a backpack.

But you might find the light from this box a bit harsh as a fill or main light on certain conditions. To resolve, you will have to make certain adjustments on the flash's power output and get the right blend of shutter speed and aperture. These cases call for many trial-and-error shots; could test the patience of you and your subject. For me though, Im finding myself using another tri-grip diffuser to diffuse the light more (very close the person's face or the product, just out of the camera view) on most instances.

I've been using mine for almost a year now. If I can do the purchase over again though, will just save and wait for the 24 x 24" size (this was out of stock the time I made my purchase).

Below if my review for the Alzo box which is the same as the Lastolite - except the Lastolite has 2 diffuser panels included. All my comments still apply. I'm rating it a 2 whereas the Alzo gets a 3 b/c of the price difference.

I got this softbox (Alzo) about a week ago and am satisfied with the light quality it puts out but I have some concerns with the construction. First, you DO need the hotshoe adapter for the SB-900. Based on someone else's comment, I ordered one. However, I don't think I'll be using my 900 with this box b/c it barely fits through the opening in the metal ring. I know my 900 would be scratched in no time. And the diffuser dome for the 900 can only be put on after the flash has been inserted which means that if you want to switch it up, you'd have to take the front cover off the softbox. If a 285 can fit through the opening, then it might go in all the way in - I don't have one so I can't test it. My sb-16 does barely fit (better than the 900) but I can't put in with the diffuser either. Luckily I have an 800 that fits into the hole no problem, even with the dome on. But this brings me to my second concern. The metal ring is not sealed in anyway against the material of the softbox and, due to the play between the softbox and ring, there is definitely light leak. If your softbox is always behind your camera, then there is no problem, but if you put it to the side and in front of the camera, you might get some light flare. When using studio softboxes, we were always ultra careful to make sure the it was sealed completely. I also find that my sb-800 doesn't go all the way into the hole b/c of one of the screws on the metal L bracket. The flash goes forward so far and then butts up against the screw leaving it partially outside which allows for further light leak from my sb-800. Forget using a Metz CT flash.
My last issue is that what holds the softbox to the bracket is the tension between the flexible 'cords' that give the box shape (I'm not sure what they are made up b/c they covered by material) and the metal ring sliding under the cords. I am hoping that there isn't a lot of friction between the metal and the material holding the cords or else I can see the metal ring cutting through the material. I would guess that the target audience for this box would be wedding photographers who are always on the move. I have no doubt that the box will come off the metal ring if it being dragged around a wedding.
I live overseas and therefore cannot return the box for a refund - I probably would if I could. I am going to look a little more closely at the competitors to see if they have the same construction or have a different method.
I should probably give it 2 stars but I think it will give good light as long as you're not looking to use it for moving around at a wedding or as a paparazzi type situation.

EDIT:
I just went to Lastolite's sight and watched their video on their EzyBox Hotshoe softbox. IT IS THE SAME AS THIS BOX - but way more expensive. Ok, they include one more diffusion layer. I suspect the other ones are the same as well. If you're going to buy one, it might as well be the less expensive one.