LumiQuest SoftBox III LQ-119

by LumiQuest

• Attaches in Seconds
• Folds flat for storage
• Unconditionally Guaranteed

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 1 x 9 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001HAER88
• Item model number: LQ-119
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #17 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Lighting > Lighting Controls & Modifiers > Soft Boxes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Style: LQ-119

From the Manufacturer

LumiQuest SoftBox III

The SoftBox III is roughly twice the size of our original SoftBox, and approximately 20 times the size of the flash head itself, thereby producing considerably softer shadows. Like the original SoftBox (LQ-107), the SoftBox III is center weighted.

SoftBoxes	Mini SoftBox	SoftBox	SoftBox III	SoftBox LTp	SoftScreen	UltraStrap
Product #	LQ-108	LQ-107	LQ-119	LQ-124	LQ-051M	LQ-126
Warranty	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987	Unconditionally Guaranteed Since 1987
Description	The Mini SoftBox diffuses light with the flash in the direct flash position. It enlarges the light source 4-5 times the flash head itself. Unobtrusive and low profile, it is ideal for press and other fast moving situations.	The SoftBox diffuses the light with the flash in the direct flash position. The light is softened and more evenly distributed as it passes through a center-weighted, frosted diffuser, enlarging the light source to roughly 10 times the size of the flash head itself. The unique design does not block either exposure sensors or auto focus assist beams on most flashes.	The SoftBox III is roughly twice the size of our original SoftBox, approximately 20 times the size of the flash head itself, thereby producing considerably softer shadows. Like the original SoftBox (LQ-107), the SoftBox III is center weighted.	The SoftBox LTp is designed to fit in the laptop pocket of your camera bag or backpack, it is roughly twice the size of our SoftBox III. The surface area is over 40 times that of the flash itself producing the softest shadows of any LumiQuest SoftBox. The LTp is designed exclusively for off-camera use.	The Soft Screen is a camera mounted flash diffuser that softens the harsh light emitted from digital SLR pop-up flashes. It installs into the hot shoe and has optional Velcro for more secure attachment.	The UltraStrap is the most secure, non-adhesive flash accessory mounting strap available. The patented marriage of neoprene and Velcro loop results in a strap that applies a constant 3 lb. tension to the flash with a non skid surface. The rugged UltraStrap attaches to most flashes in seconds to provide a secure attachment point for all LumiQuest accessories.
Application/Compatibility	Application: To soften shadows and eliminate unpleasant red eye. Compatibility: Unless otherwise noted, all LumiQuest accessories fit most standard bounce flashes. If in doubt, email us.	Application: To achieve a softer look with reduced shadow definition. For use on an individual flash or to softly illuminate the background in a multiple flash set up. Compatibility: Unless otherwise noted, all LumiQuest accessories fit most standard bounce flashes. If in doubt, email us.	Application: To produce the softest possible shadows from a SoftBox capable of on-camera use. Compatibility: Unless otherwise noted, all LumiQuest accessories fit most standard bounce flashes. If in doubt, email us. Note: The unit is large enough to block autofocus assist and interfere with auto exposure UNLESS you are using TTL metering.	Application: For those who have a laptop pocket in their camera bag/backpack and wish to use this feature to conveniently carry a larger SoftBox with over 120 sq. in. of surface area. Compatibility: Unless otherwise noted, all LumiQuest accessories fit most standard bounce flashes. If in doubt, email us. Note: The LTp is NOT intended for long term studio use, rather for short periods of time then returned to the laptop pocket.	Application To soften harsh shadows and reduce red-eye often produced by pop-up flashes.	Application: truly limitless. Think of it anytime you want to temporarily but securely attach anything photographic to just about anything else! Compatibility: Unless otherwise noted, all LumiQuest accessories fit most standard bounce flashes. If in doubt, email us.
Attachment	Self-adhesive Velcro is included with all LumiQuest products however, if you'd prefer not to use that you may purchase the optional UltraStrap.	Self-adhesive Velcro is included with all LumiQuest products however, if you'd prefer not to use that you may purchase the optional UltraStrap.	Self-adhesive Velcro is included with all LumiQuest products however, if you'd prefer not to use that you may purchase the optional UltraStrap.	Self-adhesive Velcro is included with all LumiQuest products however, if you'd prefer not to use that you may purchase the optional UltraStrap.	Self-adhesive Velcro is included with all LumiQuest products however, if you'd prefer not to use that you may purchase the optional UltraStrap.	-
Light Loss	Approximately 1 stop	Approximately 1 1/4 Stops	1-1/4 stops	1-1⁄2 stops	-	-
Dimensions	Folds flat to 3-1/4" x 4-1/2"	Folds flat to 5" x 7"	Folds flat to 8" x 9"	Folds flat to 10" x 14"	Folds flat to 4" x 4"	1" x 11"

Product Description

The SoftBox III is roughly twice the size of Lumiquest's original SoftBox, thereby producing considerably softer shadows. It fits conventional flashes (Nikon, Canon, Sunpak, Vivitar, etc.). Like the original SoftBox (LQ-107) the SoftBox III is center weighted but it will block autofocus assist and interfere with auto exposure unless you are using TTL.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 39 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Best compact softbox on the market. October 24, 2009

By Aaron Martin-colby

Style Name:LQ-119|Amazon Verified Purchase

Simply put, unless you're willing to rig up your own softbox, this is the best one on the market.

I had generally avoided camera-mounted flash diffusion until this purchase, and I'm very happy I bit the bullet and bought it. It's very light, compact, and incredibly easy to fold up and store. For its size, its diffusion capacity is very good. Not as good as larger off-camera methods, but if you think you're going to get that, you're looking at the wrong products.

It's a bit bulky and can enter the frame if you're either using a wide angle lens or a short flash. Again, you should be expecting this and I don't take anything away from the device.

As far as opacity goes, it's not the best, even in the world of softboxes. You lose well more than two/thirds of a stop in exposure and need to pump up the flash's output significantly to get similarly exposed shots. For this, a good reflective diffuser really can't be beat, but they have their own drawbacks. Still, with greater opacity comes greater diffusion, which is very pleasing.

All in all, I'm very satisfied with my purchase. It's one of the best I've made and gives me a great deal of flexibility in my shooting. And, importantly, it provides surprisingly good quality lighting.

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice modifier... build quality could be better September 4, 2009

By Ian G. Maino

Style Name:LQ-119

I don't really have that much to add. The quality of the light is what you would expect from a light source that has a surface area about 15 times larger than your regular flash. You do lose quite a bit of power, but this thing really shines in close where you can really take advantage of the greater apparent size. Basically, it does everything you'd expect it to with no surprises.

My only beef with this product is that the cheap vinyl that the thing is made out of will eventually split where it folds. For the price I suppose we shouldn't expect anything more. But it would be nice if this thing were made out of the same cordura type material that the honl stuff uses. I would pay an extra $10, because then this thing would last. As it is, if you expect to use this alot, you probably should expect to have to replace it every season.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Soft Lighting On-The-Go September 12, 2009

By T. Willis

Style Name:LQ-119

If you do location portraiture, this product is a must have. Attached to a speedlight it delivers nice soft light. I like to use it with a CTO (Color Temperature Orange) geled speedlight positioned close in. Getting a perfect fit on the flash head can be cumbersome. You will have a little bit of light spill out of the edges. If it bothers you, just tape the edges with some gaffer tape.

To be certain, you get what you pay for. Don't expect this to work to light an entire family. But positioned close to your subject, this is an excellent product for producing soft light without adding any bulk to your camera bag. I just keep two in my backpack, no need to think about whether I will need them or not.

Pros: Compact - The best portable soft-light on the market.
Cons: You will lose a top of light, so maybe this isn't a good idea on smaller flash heads like the SB-600. Light spill on the box edges.