OUR
#1 PICK!
OUR #1 PICK
Neewer 32-47 Inch Octagonal Speedlite
  • Over 250 Reviews
  • 80 & 120cm Models
  • Amazons Choice Product
  • Affordable Choice
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Read our review
PROFESSIONAL
Westcott Rapid Box 26″ Speedlight Softbox
  • Heavy Duty Reflective
  • Reputable Brand
  • 125+ Reviews
  • High-End Build Quality
Latest Deals →
Read our review
BUDGET OPTION
Godox Umbrella Speedlight Softbox
  • Budget-Friendly
  • 32 Inch Diameter
  • Cover & Bag Incl.
  • 150+ Reviews
Latest Deals →
Read our review
WIDE SURFACE AREA
Fotodiox EZ-Pro Flash Octagon Softbox
  • Light on the Pocket
  • Omni-bounce Material
  • Easy to Set-up
  • 24 Month Warranty
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Read our review
MOST DURABLE
SMDV Professional S50 Softbox
  • For Outdoor Shoots
  • Quick Assembly
  • Super Light Weight
  • Hammock For Camera
Latest Deals →
Read our review
Photography

Best Speedlight Softbox Lighting Reviews

Best Speelight Softbox

It cannot be stressed enough how important light is to photography for taking photos that give a little more.

You could have the priciest and most comprehensive camera on the market and pair it with a wide array of different expensive accessories, but if you do not have an appropriate and effective lighting solution in place the image in your photographs will never be anything other than average.

This is why you will see so many recommendations for investing in the best speedlight softbox kit and photography umbrella lights. It is important at this stage to say not all softboxes come ready to use with a speedlight, some you will need an speedlight softbox adapter, but this is a cheap accessory and worth the investment.

Best Speedlite Softbox Reviews [for Beginners & Pros]

Let’s take a look at the best softbox choices available to buy right now.

Our #1 Pick: Neewer Octagonal Speedlite Softbox Light Reviews

Neewer Octagonal Speedlite Softbox Light Reviews

In other articles on the site, we have spoken favorably about the company Neewer and certainly, when it comes to a softbox for Speedlight flashes, they are one of the market leaders.

Although it may not feel like the most robust or weighty thing in the world, the Neewer octagon softbox for speedlight use gives you a wide range of different options with regards to storage, meaning you can store everything away and still have space leftover, in other words, it is a very portable speedlight softbox.

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Also being competitively priced as far as a softbox for a hot shoe flash goes it has a slick design that is aesthetically pleasing. What’s to like?

The double metal frame of this soft box is robust but lightweight, a lot tougher than it looks while giving you an amazing degree of portability which is what your arms and back will love when you are spending hours on a shoot moving around.

  • Color: Black/Silver
  • Dimensions: 47 inches
  • Weight: 10.05lbs

You will also find that the Neewer softbox is really intuitively designed so that it folds out easily in the same way as an umbrella. So you don’t have to be afraid of bulky and complicated equipment to figure out.

Now for the nitty-gritty. The dual-layer of nylon gives the softbox a wonderful surface for diffusing the light and does its job well, bouncing it back for a more appealing even soft light and tone that will help with capturing the best image for both product photography and portrait shots.

Please note that this model does not come with a light stand, flash holder or flash. Meaning you will have to buy separately.

The price tag and many of the other great benefits noted above, make this a very worthy investment if you are not looking to spend very much on a photography softbox.

Most Popular Mid Range: Westcott Rapid Box 26″ Octa Speedlight Softbox

2. Westcott Rapid Box 26 Octa Speedlight Softbox

Another very popular of the best portable softbox manufacturers is the photography lighting accessory experts Westcott’s Rapid Box Octa. We have chosen this model because of its very compact construction and just how easy it is to use.

Of all the softboxes the company offers, this is probably the most affordable while being made from the same high-grade materials and is able to produce fine results as good as the pricier softboxes in their collection.

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This is probably the best softbox outdoor photography as well as indoor shoots and even dealing with the darker shoots in the evening. Rapid by name, rapid by nature; this is a high-performance softbox light rig that delivers all the time and folds down into a handy carry case when you are done for the day.

This softbox for flash speedlights has an adjustable depth as well as height, it is also very adaptable and versatile. While some softboxes are designed to work specifically with certain flashes, this one will work with most, making it easily one of the most compatible on our list.

  • Color: Black/Siler
  • Dimensions: 12 x 26  x 26 inches
  • Weight: 3lbs

As noted earlier, because Westcott uses the exact same, high-grade materials on this portable softbox as they do on the higher-end models, you still can achieve the professional shot.

Despite the many positives, some customers have noted that it should perhaps have a little more diffuser strength than it does for the price tag.

We still think if you are a fan of Westcott already or have more of a budget to play around with and are looking for a versatile unit, this could be the one for you.

On a Budget: Godox Softbox Octagon Speedlight Softbox Reflector with Carrying Bag

Godox Softbox Octagon Speedlight Softbox Reflector with Carrying Bag

Although the Godox softbox is not quite as full to brimming with features as other softboxes we have spoken about or the one below, it is still worthy of a spot on our list thanks to its bold color options, innovative construction, and modern design that will get you the shot.

This is the ideal softbox for you if you are a photographer that is not afraid to get up close and personal with your subjects.

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Considering the fact that you can get this Godox softbox very affordable, it performs far better than anything should for that price point. A major downside of the lightweight design and sturdy construction is the fact that it can sometimes be quite hard to adjust and tilt into the positions you need to produce the best shots with this Godox softbox.

  • Color: Black/Silver
  • Dimensions: 31-inches
  • Weight: 22Lbs

By far the biggest selling point of the Godox option is the light quality it produces and the fact that it softens harsh light and reduces shadows adequately.

These are the kind of things you expect a basic softbox to do, sure, but when such a modestly priced item does it, you have yourself a softbox that offers a great return on your investment.

The biggest flaw is also its biggest strength. As you’d expect, the lower price means that there is a compromise in the quality of the construction. However, if you are not intending on getting involved in anything too arduous, it will do the job it was created for well.

Low-Mid Range: Fotodiox EZ-Pro Flash Octagon Softbox Review

4. Fotodiox EZ-Pro Flash Octagon Softbox Review

The Fotodiox EZ-Pro Flash Softbox for speedlight flash may be one of the lower price point models on our list, but don’t let its modest price tag fool you into thinking it is inferior.

What you get for your bucks is softbox photography lighting that has a wide surface area for diffusing light to ensure the soft light you want, that performs incredibly well and is just as easy to fold away as it is to set up.

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One of the best things about it is undoubtedly the high quality reflective Omni-bounce material with an outer layer that will keep it safe from various weather conditions if you are shooting outside.

  • Color: Black/Silver
  • Dimensions: 7 x 18 x 7-inches
  • Weight: 3lbs

Among a selection of great extras, there is the rotating flash speed-ring and hot-shoe mount, giving you a few more accessories to play around in the studio.

So, if you are not looking to break the bank, but want a high-quality softbox that will give you great results every single time, this is a worthy addition to your lighting setup.

High End: SMDV Professional S50 Softbox for Speedlight Hexagon Diffuser Review

5. SMDV Professional S50 Softbox for Speedlight Hexagon Diffuser Review

Last, but certainly not least on our list is this very high specification model from SMDV.

We had to feature this, despite it being pricier than the last two because it will definitely suit the budding photographer who has been working for a while now and is looking to expand the capabilities of his photography studio and outdoor shoots.

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The one thing that SMDV does really well with their softboxes is making them reliable, durable and extremely portable. Whether you are fearful about clumsy models (or clumsy photographers) knocking into it in the studio or it getting damaged in transit or use on the road – you needn’t be with the Speedbox-40.

  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions: 13.3 x 7.4 x 3.9 inches
  • Weight: 2.4lbs

There is an ingenious hammock attached to the interior that holds your camera suspended above the bottom of the pack, providing an extra protective layer that will keep your equipment safe from hard bumps and bangs.

You will be hard-pressed to find a reviewer who doesn’t have something glowing and positive to say about this softbox’s sturdy construction, but in addition to the construction and high-quality materials used in its creation, it also has double diffusion panels that mean you will have a reliably pretty reflection of light each and every time it is used.

Add to that the fact that it can be used with just about any studio flash setup, so there’s no need to fret about whether it will adapt to your brand and model of flash or not.

The initial setup can be tricky and a little complicated. You should also factor in the steel reinforcements incorporated into the frame as these make this heavier than other similarly priced softboxes.

If those downsides are not deal breakers, however, you will find in the Speedbox-40 a reliable and high performing softbox.

For a quick recap, here’s the 3 best softbox for speedlight flashes:

OUR #1 PICK
Neewer 32-47 Inch Octagonal Speedlite

  • Over 250 Reviews
  • 80 & 120cm Models
  • Amazons Choice Product
  • Affordable Choice

Check Amazon →
Read our review
PROFESSIONAL
Westcott Rapid Box 26″ Speedlight Softbox

  • Heavy Duty Reflective
  • Reputable Brand
  • 125+ Reviews
  • High-End Build Quality

Check Amazon →
Read our review
BUDGET OPTION
Godox Umbrella Speedlight Softbox

  • Budget-Friendly
  • 32 Inch Diameter
  • Cover & Bag Incl.
  • 150+ Reviews

Check Amazon →
Read our review

Buyers Guide (All Your Questions Answered!)

Buyers Guide (All Your Questions Answered!)

What Is a Photography Softbox?

A softbox is a light modifier, that diffuses the light and makes it softer and more balanced. If it is used properly, it can reduce and even eliminate hard shadows.

The general rule is that the closer you move it to a subject or model you are shooting the light produced will be softer and much more akin to the natural light that comes through the window.

Things To Consider When Choosing Softboxes

When you first start looking into photography lighting you’ll often be stuck with the burning question, Softbox vs Umbrella lighting. So now you know what a softbox is, we will discuss some of the factors to consider when choosing the best one.

Is It Well Made

This should go without saying but it is worth highlighting that it is important to invest wisely in a softbox that is not going to fall apart easily. You want to choose one with a robust material on the outer layer, like thick nylon. This helps to protect the technical components on the inside.

Ensure You Pick One That’s Adjustable

As with anything in photography, you are often dealing with a number of different variables, so you need to make sure you find one that offers you some versatility. This will help when it comes to positioning and setting up to achieve the lighting you really need for a particular shoot.

Within Your Budget

If you are serious about taking the best shot you possibly can, you will probably need to invest in more than just one (although there’s still a ton of great photo effect that can be achieved with just one softbox. None the less, you need to factor that into your decision when buying the best softbox for your photographic shoot style.

Quality Fabric With Minimal Creases

Obviously, there is no use in spending money if it does not perform well on your shoot. You want one that will help you to produce photographs that are illuminated and well-exposed and with as little shadow as possible.

If You Need Portable Softboxes or Not

Although you may not be doing a lot of outdoor shoots, having a model that is portable and easy to carry around can help you avoid fatigue on those long days. Alternatively, if you’re photographing smaller objects or products, you may be able to get away with a purpose-built small softbox for speedlight use.

These are available in a wide range of sizes, styles and price points and provide you with the perfect set up for product photography.

Alternatively, a purpose made light box for photography is designed to be used solely for product photography.

What is the Best Speedlight for Softbox Use?

There really isn’t a best portable speedlight for softbox use as most softboxes will hold any of the brands. It is worth checking to ensure that your flash does fit though, so the best is the one you know and love already.

So Why Spend More?

So Why Spend More?

Are you worried about getting the most out of the money you spend? It may be worth investing more upfront in a better model.

Although some of the highest spec softboxes on the market can cost as much as several hundred dollars, there are still many very affordable models that are not quite budget-priced but offer high spec in exchange for a mid-range investment. Far better than trying to get away with a DIY speedlight softbox or using other forms of lighting that just don’t do the job.

When you spend more, you can expect to find that it will be made stronger with greater durability. Often they will include an inner diffusion shield that is more reflective and a thicker layer of protective material on the exterior.

It is also generally the case that the more expensive models perform better and help produce softer and stronger light, as well as being more compatible and able to accommodate better studio flashes and folding right down for storage.

It is possible to kit out your photography studio on a shoestring budget, but spending a bit more will always future proof your equipment considerably more.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, wherever you are in your photography hobby or career journey, we hope we have helped you to understand the importance of light and why you should invest in speedlight softboxes.

We also hope that we have helped to make the task of choosing the best one out of the plethora available on the market a little easier. To help provide you with even more information, while offering you tips on what to look out for when making your decision we have answered some frequently asked questions below.

Can you use a Speedlight with a softbox?

Yes, you can use a speedlight with a softbox, but, for some models, you will need to buy the mounts separately as not all come with the mount fitted. However, the adapter is a budget accessory and well worth the money.

What is the best softbox for photography?

The best softboxes for photography will vary depending on the type of photography you are doing. If you do a lot of outdoor shoots then you need to ensure that softbox lights and equipment are all portable, well made and adjustable.

The larger the softbox the softer and more natural the light will be, but if you are doing wedding photography a smaller softbox would be best as you will still be able to diffuse the light but could handhold this diffuser for speedlight flash and gain more versatility without the need to move a light stand around.

Speedlight softboxes are ideal for those that just have the hot shoe flash but would like to improve their photographic results without the expense of purchasing a lot of photographic lighting equipment.

What is a softbox flash diffuser?

A softbox flash diffuser is exactly what it says, a box that diffuses harsh light from shoe mount flashes or other photographic lights. Otherwise called a light modifier, softboxes will soften the light source and give a more natural light whilst eliminating most of the harsh shadows you might otherwise have on your shot.

How do I use a softboxes with a speedlight?

How to use a softbox with a speedlight is really quite simple. Firstly, you need to ensure that the softboxes are softboxes for speedlights , as not all are. Most, however, can be modified with a simple mount that can be purchased easily and are inexpensive. You then simply fit the mount to the box and connect your hot shoe flash into the mount.

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