Modify your on-camera flash to be a large, soft light source with the neon green SoftBox III with UltraStrap from LumiQuest. The bundle features the SoftBox III which is center-weighted and measures about 20 times larger than the size of the flash head. This allows it to create soft, diffuse light from the normally harsh light of the flash unit. It comes with the UltraStrap, which has hook-and-loop fasteners for attachment to an on-camera flash unit.
| Modifier Type | |
| Attachment Method | |
| Dimensions |
| Package Weight | |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) |
When shooting macro subjects further than a few inches, a ring light produces harsh shadows and a flat look. The scoop-style reflectors work for horizontal shots of subjects on a horizontal surface, but don't work well for top down shots or angled shots. Further, the scoop-type reflectors can throw light back into your lens. The LumiQuest SoftBox III is the perfect solution and I use it for all hand-held flash-based macro shots. It produces even illumination - no hot spots, with nice soft shadows. It's light weight and folds flat to take up no space when traveling. I'd give it 5+ stars except for two issues: (1) the velcro strap is too small for larger flash units like Canon's EL-1, so I use a 3rd party velcro strap, (2) quality control. I just ordered a second one so friends could shoot moths with me and it had a greasy substance on several surfaces. I was able to remove the greasy stuff with rubbing alcohol, but it took about 15 minutes to get all of it off. The SoftBox III is reasonably priced for what it is. There are smaller versions, but I'd recommend this larger one for better results. If I was the manufacturer I'd create a SoftBox IV with 2 changes: (1) make the velcro strap an inch or two longer, and (2) include a 2nd optional strap to add width to the wrap around the flash. I use 2 velcro straps so I can fasten the top flap of the SoftBox at the front of the flash head and the bottom flap of the SoftBox further back on the flash. This tilts the Softbox down toward my subject. I get perfect results. If my flash head could tilt down from horizontal I wouldn't need this configuration but Canon flashes only point forward or up.
Not BH fault, they will replace but each corner is already cracked. Can only imagine what it will look like after using it!