review: Impact Quikbox Softbox (24 x 24″)
My favorite diffuser / modifier for off-camera flash, is the Lastolite Ezybox 24×24 for speed lights (affiliate). The Lastolite Ezybox has featured often on the Tangents blog. (Here is the review). It’s easy to use and super-easy to set up. And in its original configuration, folds up to a surprisingly small bundle.
The good news for photographers who have been curious about the Lastolite Ezybox, is that Impact now makes a softbox – the Impact Quikbox 24×24 softbox (affiliate), which is virtually identical, at a lower price.
The main advantage of this type of softbox, is how it folds open, and clips onto a “lollipop”. None of the metal rods that need to be flexed into a speeding, like you’d have to do with more traditional soft boxes. This makes the Impact 24×24 softbox supremely easy to set up.
The Impact Quikbox also comes with two diffuser layers (or baffles). The inner baffle attaches via rings that clips into hooks, and the outer baffle velcros onto the inner edge of the sofbox. Dead simple
The one significant difference to the Lastolite Ezybox, is that the cold-shoe to which the speedlight attaches, has a thumbscrew to secure the speedlight’s foot. The Lastolite has a tendency to slip out because of the slipperiness of the plastic coldshoe. Not a problem with the Impact Quikbox.
The one thing I didn’t like about the Impact Quikbox, is that it comes in a large triangular soft bag. The original Lastolite folded up double, and fitted into a much smaller bag. Lastolite appears to have changed that configuration though, and only offers their Ezybox in a large soft bag too now. Oh well.
It’s easy enough to recommend the Impact Quikbox 24×24 softbox (affiliate), when it works so well, and brings a grab design in at even a lower price.
I would still recommend these two accessories to make the softbox even more flexible:
The cold-shoe for the speedlight can swivel around and lock into different positions. This makes it perfect if you use wireless TTL flash, and need to turn the slave flash around so that the sensor faces your master speedlight.
Back to the photograph at the top.
To see how this softbox worked in practice, I met up with a model, Molly K, in Manhattan.
- camera settings: 1/100 @ 5.6 @ 800 ISO … flash in TTL mode
- Nikon D4; Nikon 24-120mm f/4 VR
- The lens was zoomed to 28mm, but the image was cropped to 5×4 ratio
- Impact Quikbox 24×24 softbox
- Nikon SB-910 Speedlight controlled by PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver & AC3 Controller
or alternately, the Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite controlled by Canon ST-E3 Transmitter
I used TTL flash, and dialed down the FEC to -2 EV.
The technique is as simple as described here – why I love TTL flash
Here is the pull-back shot. I stood where the bags are.
- camera settings: 1/250 @ f/4.0 @ 400 ISO … flash in TTL mode
- Nikon D4; Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II
- The lens was zoomed to 135mm, but the image was cropped to 5×4 ratio
- Impact Quikbox 24×24 softbox
- Nikon SB-910 Speedlight controlled by PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver & AC3 Controller
or alternately, the Canon 600EX-RT Speedlite controlled by Canon ST-E3 Transmitter
I used TTL flash, and dialed down the FEC to -2 FEC
And again, the the technique is described here – why I love TTL flash
Here is the image with the flash disabled, which will show just how sweet the light is from this type of softbox.
I stepped back for this pull-back shot – and it clearly shows the importance of being very specific about the background we choose for our photographs.
- More articles on Off-camera flash photography
Neil,
Does the Lasolite lollipop ring fit in the Impact Quikbox bracket? If so, one can order just the lollipop from Manfrotto directly rather than buying the entire Lastolite Hotshoe Mark II.
Also, have you tried removing the Impact Quickbox cold shoe and seeing if the Frio screws in its place? I have a frio, but I can’t use it on the Lastolite bracket.
Neil,
I just read your previous article:
I might be able to use that Matthews Hot Shoe part to mount the frio cold shoe.
Neil, What is the ‘LightStick’ that you use to hold the softbox? In your archives you list a B&H Manfrotto 679B monopod, would this be correct? Thanks, Doug
Many thanks Neil for this review. I have the Lastolite Ezybox 24×24 for speed lights, and I take it with me when I’m doing wedding shoots. But so far have never used it as I try to use the black foam thingy lighting technique. However, there have been a couple of times when I should have used the Ezybox as it would have made my life far easier. I reckon my 2nd photographer will have to accept that he will be my portable light stand every so often from now. :)
Gary
Personally I would get Cheetah QBox24″. Comes with a grid.
Neewer also has a great option as an alternative that is pretty affordable. The construction of the speed ring is a bit stiff to move around and there is no front diffusion panel but so far it has been very good for the price.
http://tinyurl.com/7zveh8n
Also Neil, thanks for all these tutorial, reviews, and inspiration. Your work is genius.
Hi Neil,
I’m not sure if you can angle the softbox because the bracket is in a fixed position when the speedlight is mounted on a tripod instead of having someone holding it with a monopod. In other word, if you want to angle the softbox down, can you do with the fixed bracket?
Hoang
Hoang .. if you want to angle the softbox while it is on a light-stand, you’re going to need something like the Tilt-Head with Spigot, as mentioned in the review article.
Neil,
Just to be sure, ttl is not possible off camera with the sb600 correct??
It seems I can only use commander mode and adjust the power from the
d90.
Troy,
The SB-600 does not support Commander mode. It can only be used as a remote flash. You will need the SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SU-800, or your D90 to serve as the Commander.
Neil,
I bought the Matthews Microgrip hotshoe adapter from Adorama. It fits on to the Lastolite Mark II bracket perfectly, so I was able to mount the Frio. Finally, a way to use my Frio adapater instead of the Lastolite adapter!
This is an enticing set up–thank you for offering such clear explanations.
I have one question concerning the cold shoe adapter. I have read that metal adapters may short the flash, but most companies seem to offer only metal versions.
Is my information wrong? Or should we use something on the cold shoes to make sure there is no contact (gaffers tape, etc.)?
Hi Neil, thank you so much for helping us to be better photographers using on / off camera flash units. I do have a question about the Pocket wizards ( don’t have them but I am going to buy my first units ) min TT1 and the transceiver TT5. Let’s assume that I want to use only one flash off-camera, so the question is, how do I dial my FEC to control ( from a distance ) the off-camera flash ? Do I need to dial the EC on the camera or directly on the off-camera flash ? I understand that if I use two flashes, one on the TT1 and the other on the TT5, that would not be a problem to dial the FEC from the flash unit mounted on the camera, but if you only have one flash off-camera, how do you do it ?
I also know that any EC setup in the camera when using a flash off the camera, is not the best option, so how do you do it when using only one flash off-camera with the pocket wizards in mention ?
Best regards,
Maurice
At Maurice – you can use the PW AC3 to control up to 3 groups from your camera…from +3 to -3 stops in TTl or from 1/1 to 1/32nd power in manual…
Theses softboxes are just what I need. I’ve had my eye on the 30″ one.
Any advantage to going bigger or is the 24″ the sweet spot?
Hi Neil, I’m interested in buying my first soft box and this one looks really good, however I have seen other comments around saying that such a small soft box requires you to have it close to the subject, i.e. more for close head and shoulders shots and that anyone using it more than 6ft away for more of the subject’s body may just as well use a bare flash.
Looking at the images above it certainly looks to be further than 6ft away and appears to evenly light up the model’s whole body.
What do you believe to be the optimal distance from the subject when using a 24 x24 softbox? And how much of a person’s body could you expect to light with it?
Thanks, Mark
Mark … tough question to give a specific answer to.
I’ve photographed small groups of wedding formals with this softbox. Holding it further back, gives even coverage of light, but the light becomes more contrasty. So there’s that.
With a photo of a model like this, I don’t necessarily want perfectly even light from top to bottom. I prefer a gradual fall-off.
It’s for this exact reason that a softbox like Bruce Dorn’s Asymmetrical Soft Box, is so popular. It gives you that gradient in light fall-off.
So back to your question … you can get even light, but you have to hold the light & softbox further back … and this makes the light more contrasty, and also cuts down heavily on the amount of light you get.
As with most things in photography, there isn’t one do-all device. One item might work perfectly in a specific situation … but if you change things around, or your scenario change, then you might have to go with another piece of gear. Same with lighting. Especially with lighting.
Neil, you always seems to have very low shutter speeds, wide open apertures, and relatively high ISO (800). In my area it normally is fairly bright throughout the day and this would lead to overexposure. How are you doing this? Is the ambient light just lower – the canyons of Manhattan – time of day? Or do you use an ND filter? Perhaps I’m missing something else obvious.
Thanks,
Blake
Why not just have a 1″ longer braket on it (costs them nothing)instead of making us spend another $74 in order to use a radio trigger. Makes no since. The real cost of this unit to make it usable starts at around $200. Plus another $35 for tilt.
Does the $175 Lastolite work with shoe mount radio triggers?
Looks like I got the two brands mixed up, its the Lastolite that needs the new Mk 2 braket. So my question is does the Impact version work with a shoe mount radio trigger?
The hotshoe thumbscrew is a welcome improvement. Looks like manufacturers are watching and listening, and that’s a good thing.
Great review Neil. I had just purchased this box a little before you posted this. I am loving it. I have been following your posts, here, and also reading your books like crazy. Your detailed examples have helped my outdoor and indoor photography get easier and easier.
Question about your use of the box: I am only using mine with my 580ex. Do you most always have both the inner and outer baffles in the box?
Love the 24×24 size for a softbox. Add in a monopod and you’ve got perfect ‘available’ light. :)
Good post – thanks!
Thanks Neil. It looks like the Impact may have made some changes to the bracket as the B&H specs say radio receivers work along with the SB910 using the supplied bracket. So I assume we don’t need to buy an extra bracket now. I will probably get one soon.
“The included flash bracket is adjustable vertically, and features a universal shoe which is adjustable horizontally. These adjustments make this unit compatible with virtually all standard flash units (incl. Nikon SB-900 & SB-910), as well as radio receivers. In addition, for those receivers that do not feature a bottom shoe connector, the bracket shoe is removable to expose a male 1/4″-20 screw. There are also three plastic washers included in the shoe assembly, to accommodate receivers of various sizes”.
I got the Impact unit today, not very compact but fast to put together which is important. The bracket will not allow the SB900 and radio flash to attach together ( just 3/4″ too short). Even the SB800 when set sideways really does not go far enough inside the softbox. So for me I will be using velcro for the triggers. As a machinist, photographer & backyard engineer I can say this bracket needs a redesign.
Hi Neil, do you think the following would work for a more budget setup:
Sunpak PRO 424MX Carbon Fiber 4-Section Monopod
Manfrotto 026 Swivel Umbrella Adapter (Lite-Tite)
Interfit Strobies Folding Softbox (24 x 24″)
Ron J, was your setup the PocketWizard TT5 and SB-900 stacked together? It sounds like Impact’s lollipop is based on Lastolite’s old design. Lastolite increased the length of their lollipop shortly after the SB-900 was released.
Neil – you are the man!
Seriously, flash is a big part of what we do and we do a lot of night shooting with both flash and video lights here in Prague. I am very curious as to what you had your flash zoom set on in the last picture? 70 mm perhaps? Are you adjusting your zoom of your flash depending on the situation that you are in?
Many thanks in advance.
Kurt Vinion
I have lumedynes for outdoor shooting and I have been using the norman 19 inch octagon which slides on the lumedyne head. I have already broken a few bulbs since the system is not secure. Can you make a suggestion for some easy to fold up softbox that does not require taking off the lumedyne protective head and exposing the bulb.
Neil
my question is, are those lasolite accessories compatible with impact soft box. And do we need those accessories for sure if i am using flex tt5 for nikon SB700 flash.
Thanks
Hi Neil,
Do you use the QuikBox or EzyBox?
thanks,
Andrew
do you think Impact Quikbox 24×24 softbox can be used with LumoPro LP739 Double Flash Speedring Bracket. i think we can have more power faster recycle if we can use two flashes in one softbox. please share your opinion. thank you. if there is any other double flash softbox set up please let us know.
I’m getting ready to purchase this set up. What I’m wondering is, would I need any other adapter if I decide I want to use it indoors on a stand? I know you recommended this female-to-female spigot for the Lastolite Ezybox – which is similar.
Thank you!
The stud is so that I can use this on a monopod (held up by an assistant.)
A light-stand will have that kind of end anyway.
So you don’t need anything additional to fit it on top of a light-stand.
Here is the close-up shot:
But to make the softbox tilt-able so you can tilt it forward, you will need the Tilt-Head Spigot linked to, in the article above.
I have been trying to research the differences between the Lastolite Ezybox and the Impact Quikbox version which appear to be virtually the same (other than the price difference). When you mentioned the Lastolite Quikbox being supported with internal plastic ribs. Was that the same finding with the Impact version as well?
The reason I ask is somewhere in a another persons review the Impact model has metal ribs.
Can you confirm the differences between the two on this matter please?
Thanks
Dan – they are exactly the same.
Where I said they have plastic ribs inside – I might very well be mistaken, in that they are actually metal ribs – I didn’t open up the lining to see.
Thanks Neil
I wanted to save money by going with the Impact. If it does have metal ribs, it would concern me about always having to work the kinks out every time I would take it out of the little bag. Currently I have and Ebay knock-off that has same the problem. Because its ribbing is metal or soft metal. Either way not good. I need to find a better one that can hold up.
Might be why Lastolite stop making them to fold down to that donut shaped bag because of kinks.
I have three of the Lastolite EZYbox softboxes, and I bought them when they still came in the smaller, round bag. I still haven’t had an issue with them ‘kinking’.
EZYbox softboxes perhaps are plastic ribs. Which could explain why that’s never happened with yours.
I guess I will be purchasing an EZYLastolite softbox for my next one.
Thanks for your help on this.
Neil, is the Impact still a low-cost soft box you recommend, or are there newer or different ones that you’ve seen since writing this review that you prefer? I currently have shoot-through umbrellas and would like to experiment with softboxes. I really liked the quality of light we got with your Westcott rapidboxes at your class. I don’t shoot for a living, so cheaper is better for me. I also put a premium on portability. Thanks!
When I use speedlights for off-camera lighting, I still use the Lastolite EZYbox, if which this Impact softbox is a rebranding. So yes, I still use it … except that I mostly use the Profoto B1 now for off-camera lighting.