Fotodiox Ez-Pro-Mini Flash Softbox K50 20" (50 cm) Octagon for Nikon Flash, Canon Speedlight, Vivitar Flash, Sunpack, Nissin, etc

The softboxI was actually pretty amazed at the output of this small softbox despite having only the front diffusion layer. I can achieve some very nice looks with this box and I believe it should last quite some time. I use the fold down wide angle reflector of my speedlight and depending on needs may include a Stophen like diffuser on the flash head. You really need to have the head of the flash just inside the softbox.The soft box in its bag is 16” long x 7” diameter. Open it is 17 ½” across the flats and 19” point to opposite point, and 15” deep. Construction seems to good and they opted for metal ribs, however there is only the front diffusion which seems strange.The one I received takes some effort to both open and close. I’d suggest putting the back on the floor and then pressing down to lock it in place. This does make fabric taught though. To close it, again put the back on the floor, use one had to press down on the center section and the other to release the umbrella lock, again it takes some effort unlike any umbrella I’ve used.The diffuser fits well and there is just enough Velcro to attach the diffuser. Before closing the box, remove at least half the sides of the diffuser. The diffuser can remain inside the box when closed.The Mounting bracketInitially the mounting bracket seems pretty decent. The titling bracket has stops to keep the tilt locked in place when locked down. The bracket is made so that you have room to get decent downward tilt with an average size flash heads. If you have a small flash, then you won’t be able to tilt much. Many of the syncs that a flash slides into could easily be problematic with this bracket, and not allow you to get your flash in to the softbox. Rotate your flash head to minimize how much of the sync is near the softbox.Mounting the bracket to the softbox becomes an issue.There is a single socket head cap screw (allen wrench included) that fits from the inside of the softbox through the back ring and into the bracket. I have large hands and the back opening is nearly too small for my hand, plus the edges of the sheetmetal ring have an edge that could cut, although there were no burrs or knife sharp edges. Because of the ribs and center bracket on the inside of the box I could not reach through the inside of the softbox to place and tighten the screw. I had to remove the ring (requires a phillips screwdriver) and tighten the bracket in place then put the ring back on the softbox. This screw needs to be very tight as it is the only thing that will keep the softbox from swiveling on the bracket . These issues are such a shame as there are several inexpensive ways to make this work easily and properly, so just not a great design.When I went to mount my flash on the cold shoe, I had to nearly unscrew the coldshoe all of the way to have room to slide my flash in place. These screws are not captive, so its just a matter of when you will lose one. I’d recommend replacing the cold shoes.For occasional use these things could be tolerated. For use often and with time constraints, mounting and using this bracket would just be a hassle.An alternative bracketThe bracket was unsuitable for me. So I replaced the sheetmetal speedring inset with a Bowen’s compatible speedring insert, Fotodiox Speedring Insert Only, for Standard or EZ-Pro Softboxes & Beauty Dishes - for Bowens & Compatible And use a S Type Bowens Mount flash bracket,  Neewer S-Type Bracket Holder with Bowens Mount for Speedlite Flash Snoot Softbox Beauty dish Reflector Umbrella This adds about $35 to the cost if you don’t have these things on hand. But now I can be set up in 1 - 2 minutes. And not have to worry about losing anything nor any hassles.I really didn’t know how many stars to give this softbox assembly. 4 stars for the softbox, 1 star for bracket, cold shoes and assembly, 5 stars for the price, -1 star for having to make it work great and another $35 expenditure.

Product arrived quickly. Easy setup. I have 2 more larger ones that are amazing so having a smaller-one of the same material was great. I made a slight modification because I like extremely soft light and this just isn't soft enough without an inner diffuser for me. Also my flash does not go all the way in the box causing light to spill out the back. To remedy this I actually put a 1st generation Gary Fong light sphere inside with the diffuser on. Its a very tight fit but its perfect and sticks out of the back to allow the flash to go into something that focuses the light inside. By leaving the diffuser on the sphere it stops the harshness of the flash creating perfectly soft light once it hits the front of the box.It is slightly heavy once you add a flash with batteries and your receiver but nothing too bad. Overall I think this is a must have if you are into off camera flash as it creates the best catch lights and directs light on exactly what you are shooting. Over the years I've collected tons of gear but now I find Its so much easier and more profitable for me to use as less as possible and this now is a permanent fixture in my small bag of light shaping goodies.

Overall very happy I bought this. Just note there is NO internal baffle which really killed it from getting 5 stars. I ended up purchasing a "Westcott Beauty Dish Deflectr Plate f/Rapid Box" from B&H Photo for $19 (Mfr# 2030DP). Had to drill the deflector plate hole larger but it works great.Pros:+ Great design........SUPER easy and quick to setup and tear down+ Fully adjustable bracket+ Dual cold shoes --- one for wireless trigger!+ Carry bag+ Adjustable mount (part that goes on light stand)+ Compact and portable+ Produces great, soft, light (when used with a deflector/baffleCons:- NO interior baffle or deflector!- Screw that holds speed ring on has a washer which is very easily lost- Speed ring and bracket don't fit inside carry bag (unless you want to scratch the inside of the fabric just throwing them inside. I plan on eventually getting a separate carrying bag just for these

I usually spend a couple hours searching around Amazon trying to find the best products for what I'm paying for. I needed a good professional looking and functioning softbox that was still affordable for anyones budget, after coming across the Fotodiox Ez-Pro Flash Softbox, I read nothing but good reviews and it beat all the other softboxes I had my eyes on, so I ordered it! I got it in the mail two days later and when I opened it I noticed the shoe mount was all metal and nicely built! not a cheap plastic flash shoe mount, the softbox part might seem confusing at first, but it works as all Umbrellas do. Just use it as you would an umbrella until it locks in and you're set to go, I've never owned a softbox so I didn't know what to do at first. When using it during shoots it fills up more of the room with light than I thought. Its incredible. I would suggest the product to anyone. 5 stars

I love this softbox, very portable! The quality is incredible for the price! I've dragged this softbox through tons of outdoor shoots and thrown it all over the place. I'm pretty sure that I've had it bouncing around in the trunk for about 6 months.The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is because it did not come with an internal diffusing panel which most softboxes do have.I did however have a reflector from another softbox that I bought from Fotodiox and it fit like a glove!Don't go with any cheap brand CRAP, Fotodiox is the best budget friendly light modification brand there is!!!!

Great product