Photographers use a plethora of light modifiers to create special effects and diffuse studio lights and flash lighting. One of the most popular and frequently used light modifiers is a softbox. A softbox softens and increases the size of a light source and prevents more light spill from occurring. Because of their rectangular size, their light mimics the shape of a window to produce more natural light. Whether you take indoor portraits and headshots or shoot outdoor weddings and events, a softbox provides controlled illumination and aesthetically-pleasing light. To help you take professional-like photos, our team rounded up and reviewed some of the best softboxes currently on offer. We chose these specific products because of their collapsible and portable designs, sizes, shapes, and effectiveness at softening light. Bid farewell to harshly-lit photos!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a softbox?
Softboxes are used in photography to illuminate subjects and products with soft light. Softboxes minimize harsh shadows and offer more control over creating different effects in photos. The reflective material on the side increases the light’s intensity to fill an area with light. They can be used as a primary or secondary light source when shooting products, food, portraits, and much more.
Can I use a softbox outdoors?
Absolutely. Although softboxes are small lights designed for indoor use, they can be used for outdoor photography too. With a softbox, you can make subjects stand out without changing the color temperature of the natural settings around them. Collapsible and foldable softboxes are ideal for outdoor use and come with a carry bag for easy transport.
Buying Guide
Anyone who uses photography lights knows the importance of a softbox in softening the light and reducing shadows. Our guide below highlights the top things to look for when shopping for softboxes.
- Type: Both umbrellas and softboxes can be used to soften light. When choosing between the two, there are a few things to keep in mind. Umbrellas are comfortable to carry and easy to assemble and disassemble. Umbrellas create light with pronounced edges and shadows, and they are generally less expensive than softboxes. Softboxes create more of a window-like light. The flat design reduces the shadows on the edges and allows for more uniform light. Umbrellas provide more directional light, while softboxes produce broader and flatter light.
- Size: Softboxes come in different sizes to produce different effects. Larger softboxes produce softer light but require a larger light to completely fill the box. A medium softbox works best for portraits and headshots. For weddings and large groups of people, a large softbox is the ideal choice to achieve full-length coverage of all the subjects.
- Shape: Softboxes come in many shapes, from round to octagonal, rectangular, and parabolic. The shape of the box affects how the light is diffused, how the subject is covered, and how it reflects light. For portrait photography, a round or octagonal softbox works best. For product photography, a rectangular softbox fills the shooting area with light to illuminate products.
- Accessories: Fabric grids are placed in front of a softbox to narrow the light and reduce spillage. They help limit the amount of light in a photoshoot when you need high-contrast or low-key images. You can also pair softboxes with diffusers of different colors to change the color temperature of photographs.
- Mounting System: Some softboxes come with their own mounting systems, while others incorporate a Bowen mounting system that is compatible with most photography flashlights, speed lights, and LED light panels. Softboxes with Bowen mounts offer more versatility and are a favorite for most professional photographers.
- Portability: Some softboxes fold into a compact size for convenient storage and transport. Their lightweight designs, coupled with their foldability, make them the ideal accessory for photoshoots, whether in a studio or outdoors.
Godox Softbox
Best Overall
Versatile and Durable
Our top choice diffuses light to create the perfect lighting to capture professional-quality pictures. It folds down to a compact size for convenient storage and transport.
Why We Love It:
- Improves skin tone contrast and reduces blemishes while diffusing light
- Portable and foldable design that fits all Bowen-mount flash lights and lamp heads
- Silver reflective materials on the inside with a black back side
Something to Consider:
- Does not come with any brackets for mounting
Neewer Softbox
Runner Up
Multi-Angle Lighting
This option offers three layers of diffusion to increase contrast and depth, reduce harshness and soften the light, and diffuse it to a much wider area. It is compact and lightweight.
Why We Love It:
- Compatible with a wide range of Bowen-mounted moonlights and flashes
- Closing seal on the back prevents light from leaking and allows for easy assembly
- Folds down easily and comes with a carry bag for convenient transport
Something to Consider:
- Assembling this softbox for the first time takes a bit of time and patience
Glow Softbox
Contender
Easy to Install
This option is easy to use and opens just like an umbrella for hassle-free operation. A fast and smooth mechanism ensures it never locks up, making it extremely easy to install and remove.
Why We Love It:
- Heat-resistant materials with a reflective interior to diffuse light evenly
- Comes with a carrying case for safekeeping and transport
- Has a standard Bowen-mount speed ring for direct installation
- Fabric grid helps control the beam angle and remove unwanted light
Something to Consider:
- May sustain tears along the seams on the ribs with extended usage
Kamerar Softbox
Honorable Mention
Compact and Collapsible
This rectangular option straps onto any LED light panel thanks to its adjustable Velcro straps. A zippered carry pouch is also included to transport it to any photoshoot or event.
Why We Love It:
- Magnetic locks make folding this softbox into a compact size a breeze
- Unbleached nylon fabric diffuses light and does not change the color temperature
- Available in several sizes for a secure fit on different LED light panels
Something to Consider:
- May not be a very sturdy option as it tends to flop around on some light panels
Altura Softbox
Recommended
Rubber Anti-Slip Grips
This option is designed to fit on any shoe-mount flash unit thanks to its rubberized grip and an adjustable Velcro strap. It is available in three sizes for use in different light conditions.
Why We Love It:
- Reduces harshness and shadows thanks to an internal light diffuser
- Folds down flat and comes with a zippered pouch for convenient transport
- Durably stitched around the seams to prevent fraying and unraveling with extended use
Something to Consider:
- The sides are a tad flimsy and sometimes collapse when in use
