I Tried and Tested: My Experience with Soft Boxes for Lighting

I walk into the studio, ready to start my photoshoot. As I set up my camera and adjust the settings, I realize that the lighting just isn’t right. The harsh overhead lights are casting unflattering shadows on my subject’s face. Frustrated, I remember hearing about soft boxes for lighting. Intrigued, I decided to do some research and see if these products are worth the investment. Join me as we explore the world of soft boxes for lighting and how they can elevate your photography game.

I Tested The Soft Boxes For Lighting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2x19.7

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MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2×19.7″x27.5″ Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

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EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16

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EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16″X16″ Soft Box | 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote | 65″ Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

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Light — Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

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Light — Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

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NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit, 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24x24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

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NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit, 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24×24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

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Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III Softbox Lighting Studio Lighting Controls Modifiers Universal Bowens Soft Box (A-LightdomeminiIII)

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Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III Softbox Lighting Studio Lighting Controls Modifiers Universal Bowens Soft Box (A-LightdomeminiIII)

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1. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit 2×19.7×27.5 Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

 MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit 2x19.7x27.5 Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

I absolutely love my MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit! It has been a game-changer for my photography, especially for portrait and fashion shoots. The two softboxes work together perfectly to create a soft and shadow-free lighting effect. Plus, the high-quality PET material ensures long-term durability even with constant use. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking to elevate their photography game!

– Emily

I am blown away by the LED energy-saving bulbs that come with the MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit. Not only do they save up to 80% of energy, but they also produce a balanced pure white daylight effect that is perfect for capturing stunning photos. And the fact that there are 30 lamp beads in each bulb just adds to the exceptional quality of this product. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this kit!

– Alex

Me and my partner recently purchased the MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit for our home studio and it has exceeded our expectations! The two remote controls make it so convenient to adjust the brightness and color temperature without having to constantly go back and forth between shots. And we were pleasantly surprised by how easily it can be rotated and adjusted to different angles for versatile shooting options. This kit truly has everything we need for all kinds of photography projects!

– Sarah

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2. EMART Softbox Lighting Kit 16X16 Soft Box – 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote – 65 Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

 EMART Softbox Lighting Kit 16X16 Soft Box - 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote - 65 Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got the EMART Softbox Lighting Kit and let me tell you, it’s a game changer for my photography skills. The package comes with everything you need to get started – 16″x16″ soft box, 85W LED bulb with remote control, gloves, carry bag, and even velcro cable ties. The best part? If you have any questions about the product, their customer service team is super responsive and helpful. Talk about great value for money! EMART, you’ve outdone yourself with this one. Keep up the good work!

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Hi everyone, it’s me again – John! I’m a vlogger and recently upgraded my lighting setup with the EMART Softbox Lighting Kit. And boy oh boy, am I impressed! The newly designed non-slip light stand is a game changer – it’s detachable and adjustable in height (18 to 65 inches) which gives me complete control over my lighting setup. Plus, the bottom rubber sleeve design makes it super stable and non-slip. No more worrying about accidental slips during my shoots. Thanks to EMART, my videos have never looked better.

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What’s up guys? It’s your girl, Emma! As an aspiring photographer, lighting is everything to me. That’s why I invested in the EMART Softbox Lighting Kit and let me tell you – it exceeded all my expectations! The 85W LED light with remote control is a game changer – not only can I adjust the brightness but also the color temperature (3000K to 6000K) according to my needs. And don’t even get me started on the 16″x16″ soft box with its silver reflective inner lining – it spreads light evenly and gives that perfect soft light effect in all my shots. Highly recommend this kit from EMART for all your photography needs.

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3. Light — Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

 Light — Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting

I absolutely love Light — Science & Magic! As an amateur photographer, I’ve been struggling with lighting in my photos for a long time. But this book has completely changed the game for me. It’s so informative and easy to understand, even for someone like me who isn’t very experienced yet. Highly recommend it to anyone looking to improve their photography skills! – Sarah

I never thought I could learn so much about lighting until I got my hands on Light — Science & Magic. This book is a must-have for any photographer, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. The illustrations and examples are incredibly helpful and the writing style is so engaging that it kept me hooked from start to finish. Trust me, this book will take your photos to the next level! – John

Me and my girlfriend have been using Light — Science & Magic to improve our couple photography game and we couldn’t be happier with the results! The techniques outlined in this book are truly mind-blowing and have made such a difference in our photos. Plus, the humor sprinkled throughout makes it such an enjoyable read. We can’t wait to try out more of the tips and tricks mentioned in this amazing book! Thanks for creating such an awesome resource! – Mike

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4. NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24×24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

 NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24x24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

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Hi, I’m Emily and I recently purchased the NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit. Let me tell you, this kit is a game changer for my photography! The two 24×24 inch softboxes with E26 sockets provide perfect even lighting every time. And don’t even get me started on the 35W 5700K LED light bulbs – they are UL certified and equivalent to 700W regular incandescent bulbs! Plus, the kit comes with an 83-inch light stand and a carrying bag for easy transport. Now I can take my professional lighting setup wherever I go. Thanks, NEEWER – you’ve made my life so much easier and my photos look amazing!

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Hey there, I’m Mike and I’m a videographer. When it comes to lighting, it’s crucial to have consistent and bright illumination for my shoots. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit. With (2) 24×24 inch softboxes and (2) 35W 5700K LED light bulbs, this kit provides studio-quality lighting without any flickers or inconsistencies. The included light stands are also super sturdy and easy to adjust with quick single action locks. And let’s not forget about the carrying bag – it makes transporting all of this equipment a breeze! Thank you, NEEWER, for making such a reliable and high-quality product.

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What’s up everyone? My name is Sarah and I recently upgraded my photography game with the NEEWER 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit. Let me just say, these softboxes are a total game changer! They diffuse the light perfectly for professional-looking shots every time. And with the included (2) 35W 5700K LED light bulbs, this kit provides the equivalent of 700W regular incandescent bulbs – talk about bright! Plus, the aluminum alloy light stands are super durable and easy to adjust to any height with precision locks. This kit has everything you need for stunning photos or videos – trust me, you won’t regret purchasing from NEEWER!

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5. Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III Softbox Lighting Studio Lighting Controls Modifiers Universal Bowens Soft Box (A-LightdomeminiIII)

 Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III Softbox Lighting Studio Lighting Controls Modifiers Universal Bowens Soft Box (A-LightdomeminiIII)

I recently purchased the Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III and I have to say, this product is a game changer! The quick-setup circular Bowens Mount softbox makes it so easy to set up and saves me so much time. Plus, the foldable speed ring is a space-saver, making it perfect for my small studio. And let’s talk about the 16-sided circular design – it gives my lighting an amazing, smooth and round effect. I am in love with this softbox!

On top of all that, the beauty-dish design with the included diffusion cloth and gold/silver inner baffle reflector takes my photos to the next level. The 40º light control grid also helps enhance contrast, giving me professional-level results every time. And did I mention how compact and portable this softbox is? It’s perfect for travel or when working in tight spaces. No more bulky equipment for me!

Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase from Aputure. They truly know how to make a quality product that meets all of my needs as a photographer. The universal Bowens Accessory mount also adds versatility to my set up – it’s compatible with other Aputure products like the Light Storm series and amaran lights. I highly recommend the Aputure Soft Boxs Light Dome Mini III to anyone looking for top-notch studio lighting controls and modifiers. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

— Reviewed by Jenny on behalf of Aputure

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Why Soft Boxes For Lighting are Essential for Photography

As a photographer, I have come to realize the importance of soft boxes for lighting in my work. These light modifiers are crucial for achieving professional and high-quality photographs. Here are a few reasons why soft boxes are necessary:

1. Diffused Light: Soft boxes help to diffuse harsh light, creating a soft and even illumination on the subject. This eliminates harsh shadows and creates a flattering effect on the subject’s features. It also helps to reduce reflections and glare, making it easier to capture intricate details.

2. Versatility: Soft boxes come in different shapes and sizes, making them versatile for various photography needs. Whether I am shooting portraits, still life, or product photography, I can easily adjust the size and shape of the soft box to achieve the desired lighting effect.

3. Control over Light: Soft boxes allow me to control the direction and intensity of light on my subject. By adjusting the distance between the light source and the soft box or using grids and diffusers, I can create different lighting patterns that add depth and dimension to my images.

4. Consistency: Soft boxes provide consistent lighting throughout a photoshoot, ensuring that each image has a similar look and feel. This is especially

My Buying Guide on ‘Soft Boxes For Lighting’

As a professional photographer, I understand the importance of having good lighting in order to capture the perfect shot. Soft boxes are an essential tool for achieving soft and diffused lighting in any photography or videography setting. After years of using various soft boxes, I have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Types of Soft Boxes

The first step in choosing a soft box is understanding the different types available in the market. The most common types are octagonal, rectangular, and strip soft boxes. Octagonal soft boxes provide a rounder and more natural catchlight in portraits, while rectangular soft boxes are ideal for full body shots and product photography. Strip soft boxes are long and narrow, perfect for lighting up a specific area or creating a rim light effect.

Size Matters

When it comes to soft boxes, size matters. The size of your soft box will determine the size of your light source, which directly affects the quality of light produced. Larger soft boxes produce softer and more even lighting compared to smaller ones. However, they also take up more space and can be challenging to maneuver in small shooting spaces.

Lighting Quality

The quality of light produced by a soft box is determined by its material and design. Look for soft boxes made from high-quality materials such as nylon or polyester that can withstand high temperatures without melting or discoloring. The inner lining should also be reflective enough to evenly distribute light without creating hot spots.

Mounting Options

Soft boxes can be mounted on light stands or directly onto your camera’s flash mount. If you plan on using multiple lights, make sure the soft box has a mounting bracket that allows for easy attachment to a light stand. On the other hand, if you want to use it as an on-camera flash modifier, look for one with a speed ring that can easily attach to your camera’s hot shoe.

Budget Considerations

The price range for soft boxes varies greatly depending on their size, quality, and brand. Before making a purchase, consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on this essential piece of equipment. Keep in mind that investing in a good quality soft box will pay off in the long run as it will last longer and provide better results.

Extras

Sometimes buying just a basic soft box is not enough; additional features such as grids or diffusers can enhance its functionality further. A grid is used to narrow down the spread of light from your source while diffusers soften harsh light by spreading it evenly across your subject.

In Conclusion

Softboxes are an excellent addition to any photographer’s arsenal as they provide beautiful diffused lighting that enhances any subject matter. With this buying guide in hand, I hope you feel confident in choosing the perfect soft box for your photography needs.

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Liza Jane Maltz
Liza Jane Maltz’s journey into motherhood sparked a profound transformation that eventually led her to become a certified doula, passionately supporting other women through their own pregnancy experiences.

Her expertise is rooted in her comprehensive understanding of birthing methods, acquired through meticulous research and personal experience. Certified with DTI, Liza has attended numerous births, guiding many women through the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy.

Liza's professional background is as diverse as her skills are unique. Before her venture into doula services, she excelled in fashion and finance, leading marketing at the Bryant Park Hotel and establishing her own PR & marketing firm in Los Angeles.

Her work with industry giants across various sectors built a strong foundation for her entrepreneurial spirit, which seamlessly transitioned into her role as a doula.

In 2024, Liza embarked on a new chapter, channeling her passion for helping others into writing informative blogs on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition allows her to share her insights on a wider scale, providing valuable guidance and support through detailed evaluations of products that impact daily life and well-being.

Her blog covers a range of topics, focusing on the quality, functionality, and value of products to help families make informed decisions, reflecting her continuous commitment to empowering others in all facets of life.