Ranking of the best softboxes for a photo studio in 2022

High-quality lighting is one of the factors for obtaining a high-quality, professionally made picture. Therefore, professional photographers use softboxes that 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. You can also use umbrellas and other objects, but they transmit light differently. Let's take a look at softboxes today.

Photobox

A photo box is a thing that scatters light with the help of different light sources. Such equipment is made in the form of a cube. Thanks to this device, on a plain background, you can make an image without a shadow, which is very important for photography. Often this apparatus is called a light cube or light cube.

Four metal rings protect the structure from falls. Such a unit, before being put in a storage case, is twisted into a figure 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 enough.

There are several options for tones for a photo:

• Blue;
• Red;
• Black;
• White.

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

The purpose of the softbox and the main types

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

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

In addition, there are modifications for portable photo studios. These are special models of softboxes 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 - in design and appearance resembles a photo umbrella. There is a flash inside the device. They are rectangular, square and round. It is umbrella-type softboxes that are cheap and have compact dimensions. They are easy to transport in a bag or case.

However, easybox is much easier to set up in terms of light output.

For umbrella equipment, you need to additionally open the front diffuser to set the necessary settings.

Care instructions

Before using photoboxes, experts recommend taking them out of their case and gently vacuuming them. After all, if this is not done, then shadows will be detected in your pictures.

In order to keep this photography equipment for a sufficiently 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 method of storage will help to avoid regular ironing of the material. To remove dirt or dust that may appear during operation, it is necessary to go over the fabric with tape.

Shooting process

Before you begin, place the photobox on a table or other hard, level surface. 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.

Accessories

Softbox, like any other accessory, has its own characteristics and scope of delivery. Among modern photographers, this thing is becoming more and more popular. There are many models on the market.To make a choice, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when buying. Also in the ranking are the best models at the moment.

Fastening

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

Large softboxes also require a separate sync. In our review, only compact models are presented, but a mount is also provided for some of them.

There are several types of fasteners:

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

Size and shape

There are two large groups of softboxes:

• Quad boxes;
• Octoboxes.

A rarer type is round.

The shape of the screen directly affects the shape of the glare. Such a glare is reflected from glasses, shop windows and car windows. Even though a softbox reduces or covers up glare, you still need to take good quality photos, otherwise no amount of light spreaders will help you.

There are also 3 types of designs:

• Umbrella - the most successful type of design. Folds and unfolds very quickly. Girls use these devices more. But for operational shooting this is the most it.
• Twist Flex - similar in type to a reflector. Hard springy hoop allows you to speed up the work with it. Easily fits into a compact hiking bag or a small backpack.
• Conventional - the main advantages are the compactness of the equipment and the 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 scatters light and creates a neutral color scheme.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 environment, will cost the client 3,500 rubles.

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

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

“Godox Easy 80x80 (SFUV8080)”

The size of this fixture is 80x80 cm, it can be installed on a stand or a tripod for the camera. Can be used for shooting outdoors or in small photo studios.

Silver plating adorns the inside of the softbox. Pleasant shadows on the subject are created thanks to the presence of two diffusers that supply a very pleasant soft light output.

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

Design features:

• The swivel mount has a rotation of 180 degrees, which allows you to shoot from any angle;
• The equipment is compatible with all on-camera flashes;
• Godox S-type serves as a flash holder;
• The internal and external diffusers can significantly improve color reproduction.

The kit includes:

• Case;
• Fastening;
• The softbox itself.

The price is about 4500 rubles.

• There are 2 diffusers;
• Multifunctional;
• Light;
• Compact;
• Suitable even for outdoor shooting.

• Expensive.

“Godox Easy 40x40 (SFUV4040)”

It has many similarities with the previous model, but the size and price are two times smaller. This model is only slightly different from the larger one. Bowens serves as an adapter for the bayonet mount.There are other components included in the package:

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

Price: approximately 3000 rubles.

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

• Not detected.

“Lightcube Resheto 60cm, shadowless tent softbox light-cube”

Lightcubes or photoboxes are designed to shoot compact objects that give “extra” glare that spoils photos. Lightcubes are designed specifically to eliminate this shortcoming.

Lightcube, which is presented here, is an easily folding cubic frame.

It is upholstered in a white fabric resistant to temperature changes. Designed for photographing objects smaller than 30 centimeters. The set includes 4 different pads:

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

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

This item can be ironed and washed.

Characteristics:

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

It costs 1700 rubles.

• Light;
• Compact;
• Comfortable;
• Easily transported;
• Acceptable price;
• Heat resistant surface.

• Designed for photographing small objects.

“Falcon 90 cm (FEA-OB 9)”

This model will provide bright and soft lighting, which is suitable for thematic photos for every taste. The shape of the softbox is octagonal. Thanks to this form, you can form a beautiful three-dimensional pattern. The material is lightweight and fade resistant. Easy to assemble and disassemble. Diameter - 90 cm.

It costs 3500 rubles.

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

• Not detected.

“Falcon 50x70 (SSASB5070)”

Creates beautiful volumetric lighting, which allows you to take a professional photo. Such a unit allows you to engage in macro photography, studio portraits and studio shooting.

Works great with constant color sources. Made with durable, fade-resistant materials. Heat-resistant cardboard allows to withstand work with high-power sources of constant light.

Size: 50x70.

It costs 2400 rubles.

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

• Not detected.

“Mircopro SB-038 120 cm for studio flashes (Bowens mount) (SB-038_120)”

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

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

For such a device you will have to pay 3200 rubles.

• There is protection against burnout;
• Compact;
• Light;
• Unusual octagonal shape;
• The light is distributed as evenly as possible across the frame;
• Volumetric image.

• Relatively high price.

“Resheto 40cm, shadowless tent softbox light-cube”

This is an ultra-compact and very cheap lightcube softbox (1000 rubles).Designed for items that do not exceed 20 centimeters in size. To carry out high-quality shooting, the light cube must be 2 times larger than the object being shot. That's what the experts say.

Using Velcro, you can attach one of the four background substrates to the lightcube. Substrate colors:

• White;
• Black;
• Blue;
• Red.

The lightbox itself is round. Easily folds into a bag and transports without any problems.

Characteristics:

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

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

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

“VISICO SB-030 50x70 cm”

Ideal for product and portrait photography. Sellers of photo equipment stores note that this is one of the best-selling models.

Can be safely used with constant light sources, as well as with high-power studio flashes turned on. This is possible due to the fact that the fabric is equipped with a heat-resistant coating. A 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 the studio costs about 7,000 rubles. It has a diameter of 80 cm. Completely made of high quality materials.

There are backs that are made from a durable polymer. This allows you to fold such a ball a large number of times, and it will not be damaged.

For outdoor shooting, this is ideal.

There is a standard color temperature.

• Suitable for work on the go;
• High quality professional material;
• Thanks to the spherical design, a soft light effect appears.

• High price.

“Photex mini softbox for on-camera flashes SB-03 23x23cm”

For a photographer, an indispensable material. For those who are actively involved in portrait photography, it will be a real discovery. Also useful for subject photography. With this softbox, the photographer gets almost unlimited possibilities. The device evenly scatters and distributes the rays of light.

The size of the diffuser is 23x23 cm, it has the shape of a square. Product fasteners 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 this softbox.

Price: 1900 rubles.

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

• Not detected.

The table lists all models considered:

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 50X70CM	50x70	2300 rubles
VISICO FSD-800 QUICK BALL (80CM)	80 cm diameter	7000 rubles
Photex for camera flashes SB-03 23x23cm	23x23 cm	1900 rubles

Conclusion

Lightweight portable structures for photographing, which are called softboxes, have become very popular in our time. They are used by both beginners and professional photographers. Each person who is involved in photography needs to choose an individual softbox, since everyone works in different styles. We have selected a rating of the best softboxes at the moment, and also describe their purpose.