Customer Reviews

LumiQuest ProMax Mini SoftBox

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've owned LumiQuest's Mini SoftBox for years and it has been a winner for me. I shoot commercially both in-studio and on-location, and the Mini Softbox is terrific for removing the harsh glare of a normal dedicated external flash. The purpose of a softbox is to spread out the light so you don't end up with "hot spots", areas of white glare on people's skin which is caused by flash units. The Mini Softbox velcro's onto the flash unit, which doesn't bother me at all since I use it so much. Portraiture has much more pleasing lighting, and it's priceless for doing walk-around candids in an office or at a gathering when spontaneous action is needed.

The Mini Softbox is small and doesn't get in the way. It's durable and has lasted me for 6 years. I'm now buying a new one as I finally wore this one out. Pay no attention to the review saying it wasn't for professionals. I wouldn't do a location shoot without it. Works with any external flash unit and comes with the velcro strips to attach it. The velcro doesn't get in the way and it's almost unnoticeable when it's on the flash unit. Functionality is the main thing, so I highly recommend it.

this little softbox works wonders, when considering the cost of it, and what it's REALISTICALLY meant to do. it is not meant to replace a large or even medium softbox. if you're looking to soften up that much light, just buy a shoot through umbrella or a larger softbox. what this does is make the light from your speedlight/off camera flash MUCH less harsh. it takes a little getting used to, but i never ever leave without one of these in my bag. it also lessens the harshness of your flash to others as well, when shooting bands or public events. you lose about 1/3 of a stop, but if you know what you're doing you'll learn to compensate.

the only thing i didn't like about this is that the velcro comes attached to the softbox itself. the prickly side of the velcro is attached to the softbox, and assumes you put the soft side of the velcro on your speedlite. WRONG. i have all my other items (gobo, snoot, gel holder, etc) configured so that the hard velcro is on my speedlite, so i had to peel the velcro tape (quality velcro tape, btw) off the softbox, and stick the soft velcro back on the softbox. kind of a pain. let us make the decisions on our rigs next time, lumiquest.

but seriously, for this little money, you can't afford NOT to give it a shot. it does look a little goofy, but when you see the results, you won't mind how it looks. i haven't used my sto-fen diffuser since i bought this.

If you need an inexpensive, easy to use softbox, this is the one for you. It is definitely not professional quality, but provides a good solution for use on the go. It folds up nicely to travel in your camera bag, and gives a good flash dispersement. I'm not a fan of the Velcro attachments you have to glue to your flash, so I use 2 Velcro cable ties to secure it to my flash, a Nikon SB600.

I bought this along with the LumiQuest Pocket Bouncer and the Cinch Strap and these are all great products to have with you anywhere you go.
I have a Canon 430EX Flash and these have all been great for helping to control flash output and adding warmth to images. The Softbox is especially good in that it is used with the flash in a 'straight-on' position and it greatly helps to eliminate the 'shine' on foreheads, cuts down the sharpness of shadows and adds great warmth to images with people.
All these items fold and tuck away neatly for storage and carry along with the flash unit.
A great THUMBS UP! from me.

I have had the Softbox for several years. Recently I have had a problem with its construction. The glue that holds the velcro to the Softbox is running (dissolving?) and making it useless. The glue has gotten on the strobe, on the inside of the Sofbox, and in the velcro fasteners. What a mess. I tried removing it with solvents but succeeded in damaging the strobe body and the inside of the Softbox. No way to get it out of the velcro. I have no idea how this happened. The Softbox has always been in a camera case which is never exposed to heat. I wouldn't say this is a reason to not buy the Softbox but keep an eye on the velcro and toss the Softbox if the glue starts to run.

This is a great little addition to any photographer's arsenal. Adding this mini-softbox to your flash will instantly remove that harsh lighting associated with some units and will flatter your subject in a more natural light that will bring out distinguishing features and a realistic look to any photo.

Obviously it is not a true softbox, much more of a flash diffuser. Well made, works as advertised, and since it folds flat, it is a cinch to store in the camera bag. Even though it is a "flip and fold" Velcro assembly, it actually doesn't look cheap and flimsy when installed on the camera. The only downside is when not in use, you have Velcro strips stuck to the sides of your external flash.

it is essentially same thing as mini diffuser that comes with nikon flashes but provides a bit softer light necessary for close ups. i prefer it over small soft diffuser when i am shooting close up portraits.

As usual LumiQuest doesn't disappoint with the ProMax Mini SoftBox. Coupled with their Cinch Strap you have a winning combination of ease of use and a perfect lighting solution. The output is an even light that rivals much larger softboxes.

It's not a substitute for studio lighting but it works - good for the price.

I've tested it out with pleasing results - gonna try it at an upcoming wedding.