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Photek Softlighter Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit (46")

BH #PHHSD5000K • MFR #HSD-50K
50 reviews
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Photek Softlighter Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit (46")
Key Features
  • Studio-Quality Light From Small Flash
  • Umbrella, Diffuser, Adapter Included
  • Gold & Silver Discs for Color Control
If you're looking for better light using your on-camera flash, Photek's Softlighter Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit (46") fits the bill: you get a 46" umbrella with a white interior and black removable cover, a diffuser panel with an opening for a hot shoe flash (not included) and the umbrella shaft, a set of touch fastener tabs for the flash head, a hot shoe umbrella/light stand adapter with an adjustable hot shoe locking plate for mounting the flash/umbrella to a stand, and a set of silver and gold discs for modifying the color of the light. This setup gives you a broad, soft studio-quality light using only a battery-powered "on-camera" flash.
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Photek SoftLighter 46" Overview

If you're looking for better light using your on-camera flash, Photek's Softlighter Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit (46") fits the bill: you get a 46" umbrella with a white interior and black removable cover, a diffuser panel with an opening for a hot shoe flash (not included) and the umbrella shaft, a set of touch fastener tabs for the flash head, a hot shoe umbrella/light stand adapter with an adjustable hot shoe locking plate for mounting the flash/umbrella to a stand, and a set of silver and gold discs for modifying the color of the light. This setup gives you a broad, soft studio-quality light using only a battery-powered "on-camera" flash.

Studio-quality light from small flash
Umbrella, diffuser, adapter, and touch fastener tabs included
UPC: 811761011248

Photek SoftLighter 46" Specs

Item Type
1x 46" Convertible Umbrella with Softbox Diffuser Cover
 • Color: White Translucent Umbrella + Black Interior/Exterior Removable Cover
Shaft Diameter
8 mm
Number of Rods
8
Included Mount/Stand
1x Swivel Umbrella Bracket with Shoe Mount
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.65 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
30.1 x 3.6 x 3.5"

Photek SoftLighter 46" Reviews

Softlighter is great but received used

By Jim
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-30

The Softlighter I received works great, but the one I received looks used. It has a dirty (moldy) hole in the case and there was debris throughout the umbrella. It was complete, however. For those who aren't sure, my came with the gold and silver inner reflectors.

** Update to previous review

By Harry
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2024-04-22

Last time I reviewed this Light modifier I gave it '3' rating because even with my AlienBees 320 I could not get sufficient light on the subject. Not sure what i was doing wrong but I decided to test this a gain 3 years later and had no problems. It could have been I was blocking the light somehow by improper placemnt ? It works fine now ! Beautiful diffused light at 1/2 power with subject 15 feet away with my AB's. No shadows whatsoever on the background which is only about 2-3 behind the subject. ISO 320 @ f5.6.

See any errors on this page?

question

Can this version also be used with monolights?
Asked by: Paolo
This is a standard Photek Softlighter umbrella, so it can still be switched between a monolight and a shoe mount flash.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2019-07-29

question

Another question about the 46 softlighter... what light stand do you recommend using to support the weight of the light?
Asked by: Sharon
Either a 40 in c-stand or a master stand when used indoors.
Answered by: Guillaume
Date published: 2023-03-29

question

Why not use the sock version, will it not work with speed light? Also, hot shoe ? Shouldn't it be cold shoe ?
Asked by: John
The standard Photek SoftLighter Umbrella with Removable 8mm Shaft (46 ), B&H # PHSL5000FG (with the sock as you describe it), is designed for use with monolight fixtures, not hot shoe speedlights. The sock as you state is centered around the umbrella shaft, and as most all monolights and/or studio strobes typically have built-in umbrella shafts and are designed to rest close to the center umbrella shaft, the sock is designed to wrap around the monolight or studio strobe and can then be sealed with Velcro to prevent light from escaping.Hot shoe flashes are not designed to fit onto light stands; as their name indicates, they are designed to connect to the hot shoe on the top of your camera. As such, to use a hot shoe flash on a light stand, a stand adapter or an umbrella adapter is required. By design, the umbrella shaft receptacle is below the head of the hot shoe flash, which is much taller and has the head of the hot shoe speedlight anywhere from 6-9 inches above the center umbrella shaft. There is no way the standard Softlighter diffuser cover would work with a hot shoe speedlight flash. The Softlight Hot Shoe Diffuser kit has a long vertical slit with Velcro that allows the taller hot shoe flash and umbrella adapter to all sit inside the umbrella and to then be sealed for usage.The item is called the Photek Softlighter Hot Shoe Diffuser Kit as it is designed for hot shoe flashes. The name of the kit is not in reference to the shoe mount adapter on which the flash connects (which would be a cold shoe); it is in reference to the flash type for which it is designed.
Answered by: Manzell L.
Date published: 2018-08-28

If I used this with a Canon 600EX-RT ii ...

If I used this with a Canon 600EX-RT ii speedlite, how far from a couple would I be able to place it at sunset. Would it have enough power to be 8-10 feet away? Or does a single speedlite only work if you are using it close up to a model in the studio? Thanks
Asked by: tim
A Canon 600 EX-IIRT in this modifier will be capable of 8-10 feet in most cases shooting at sunset.
Answered by: Reuben K
Date published: 2019-06-06

Will the 8mm shaft work for the Profoto B1?

Will the 8mm shaft work for the Profoto B1?
Asked by: Dan
Yes
Answered by: Gareth
Date published: 2023-03-29

Will this SoftLighter work well with a Godox ...

Will this SoftLighter work well with a Godox AD200?
Asked by: Timothy
Yes they work together
Answered by: vilson
Date published: 2023-11-10

How many stops of light do you lose with the ...

How many stops of light do you lose with the diffuser on?
Asked by: Scott
About one
Answered by: Matt
Date published: 2021-09-01

question

Will this work with the Interfit Honey Badger, which has a flange?
Asked by: Darryl
While you can use the umbrella with the Honey Badger monolight, the diffusion cover will not fit the outer flange of this light.
Answered by: Kirk R
Date published: 2019-08-08
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