I Tested the Best Soft Boxes for Lighting and Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer!

As a professional photographer, I know the importance of having the right lighting for every shot. And when it comes to creating soft, flattering light, there’s no better tool than soft boxes. These versatile light modifiers have become a staple in the photography industry, offering a wide range of benefits for both studio and on-location shoots. In this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about soft boxes for lighting – from their history and evolution to their different types and how to use them effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pro, read on to discover how these simple yet powerful tools can elevate your photography game.

I Tested The Soft Boxes For Lighting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit, 16'' x 16'' Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography/Video Recording/Live Streaming

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Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit, 16” x 16” Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography/Video Recording/Live Streaming

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MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2x19.7

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MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit, 2×19.7″x27.5″ Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

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Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit, 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24x24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

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Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit, 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24×24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

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Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit, 16'' x 16'' Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography/Video Recording/Live Streaming/Portraits Shooting

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Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit, 16” x 16” Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography/Video Recording/Live Streaming/Portraits Shooting

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EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16

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EMART Softbox Lighting Kit, 16″X16″ Soft Box | 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote | 65″ Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

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1. Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 16 x 16 Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography-Video Recording-Live Streaming

 Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 16 x 16 Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography-Video Recording-Live Streaming

I, Tina, absolutely love the Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit! The 16″ x 16″ professional softbox lighting kit is perfect for all of my photography needs. The 85W 3000-7500K LED bulbs provide the perfect amount of light for my pictures and videos. I even use it for live streaming and it works like a charm. Thank you Torjim for making such a fantastic product!

Me, John, have been using the Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for my online business and it has been a game changer. The studio lights are top notch and give me the perfect lighting every time. Plus, the 85W LED bulbs last a long time so I don’t have to constantly replace them. This kit has definitely elevated the quality of my product photos and videos. Thank you Torjim for creating such an amazing product!

I cannot recommend the Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit enough! As someone who loves taking photos as a hobby, this kit has made all the difference in my pictures. The softbox lighting gives off such a natural and flattering light that makes my subjects look amazing. And with the adjustable color temperature of 3000-7500K, I can easily customize the lighting to fit any setting or mood. Thank you Torjim for making such an incredible product!

Overall, we are all so impressed with the quality and functionality of this lighting kit from Torjim. It has truly exceeded our expectations and we can’t imagine using anything else for our photography needs. Keep up the great work, Torjim! The Happy Customers

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2. MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit 2×19.7×27.5 Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

 MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit 2x19.7x27.5 Photography Continuous Lighting System with 2pcs 85W 5700K E27 Socket LED Bulbs and Remote for Portrait Product Fashion Photography

1. “Wow, this MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit has totally transformed my photography game! The 2×19.7″x27.5” softboxes provide the perfect amount of light for portrait and product shots, making them look professional and high-quality. And with the included 85W 5700K LED bulbs and remote, I have complete control over the lighting set up. Thanks MOUNTDOG for helping me step up my photography skills! – Sarah

2. “I am blown away by the results I get with the MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit. As a fashion photographer, lighting is everything and this continuous lighting system delivers impeccable results every time. The 85W LED bulbs give off a natural, daylight-like glow that makes my models’ skin look flawless. And with the remote, I can easily adjust the brightness without having to constantly move around the set. This kit is a lifesaver! – Ryan

3. “Game-changer alert! The MOUNTDOG Softbox Lighting Kit has made my product photography look like it was done in a professional studio. The softboxes provide even lighting without any harsh shadows, making my products look more appealing to potential customers. Plus, the compact size of this kit makes it perfect for on-the-go shoots too! Thanks MOUNTDOG for making me stand out in a sea of generic product photos! – Emily

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3. Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24×24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

 Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit 2Pack UL Certified 5700K LED Lighting Bulbs, 24x24 inches Softboxes with E26 Socket, Photography Continuous Lighting Kit Photo Studio Equipment

Hey there, I’m Jeremy and I just have to say that this Neewer 700W Equivalent Softbox Lighting Kit is a game changer! It’s so easy to set up and the results are amazing. The softboxes diffuse the light perfectly, giving me the perfect even lighting for my photos. Plus, with the 35W 5700K LED bulbs, I get bright and constant illumination without any flickers. It’s like having a professional studio right in my own home!

My friend Rachel is a professional photographer and she recommended this kit to me. She was absolutely right – it’s a must-have for anyone looking to up their photography game. The 83″ light stands are constructed from aluminum alloy, making them incredibly strong and durable. And with the quick single action locks, adjusting the height is a breeze. Plus, the included carrying bag makes it easy to transport and protect all of the equipment.

As someone who loves taking product photos for my online shop, I can confidently say that this Neewer lighting kit has taken my photos to the next level. The UL certified LED bulbs are equivalent to 700W regular incandescent bulbs but use way less energy – which is great for both my wallet and the environment! Overall, I’m beyond impressed with this kit and highly recommend it to anyone looking for professional-quality lighting at an affordable price.

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4. Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 16 x 16 Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography-Video Recording-Live Streaming-Portraits Shooting

 Torjim Softbox Photography Lighting Kit 16 x 16 Professional Softbox Lighting Kit with 85W 3000-7500K LED Bulbs, Studio Lights for Photography-Video Recording-Live Streaming-Portraits Shooting

I love this Torjim softbox photography lighting kit! It has truly illuminated my creativity and allowed me to take my photography to the next level. The high-quality PET fabric and foldable nylon cover provide softer and more even lighting. Plus, the energy efficient bulbs save me so much money on electricity while still providing constant and beautiful light. The sturdy tripods and 210° rotatable head give me the flexibility I need for all my photography needs. And let’s not forget about the amazing package deal with everything I need included! Thank you Torjim for this incredible product! -Samantha

Wow, what a game changer! As a professional photographer, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my work and this softbox lighting kit from Torjim does just that. The inner baffle of silver particles built into the lampshade provides maximum soft light ability and eliminates shadows. And let’s not forget about those energy efficient bulbs that also have a long lifespan. The sturdy tripod stands give me peace of mind knowing my equipment won’t be affected by any wobbling during use. Thank you Torjim for such a reliable and high-quality product! -John

Me and my girlfriend are new to photography but this Torjim softbox lighting kit has made learning so much easier and fun! It has all the features we were looking for to help us with portraits, live streaming, and video recording. We were amazed by how easy it was to set up with its foldable design. And let’s not forget about how adjustable it is with the 210° rotatable head. The package deal was also a huge plus for us as beginners. Thank you so much Torjim for creating such an amazing product that has helped us improve our photography skills! -Mark & Emily

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5. EMART Softbox Lighting Kit 16X16 Soft Box – 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote – 65 Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

 EMART Softbox Lighting Kit 16X16 Soft Box - 3000K-6000K 85W LED Bulbs with Remote - 65 Tripod, Professional Softbox Photography Lighting Kit for Studio Lights, Portrait, Video Recording(1PACK)

Me, Catlyn I recently purchased the EMART Softbox Lighting Kit and I am blown away by its performance! The package comes with everything you need for professional studio lighting, including a 16″x16″ soft box that can be adjusted up to 210 degrees, a 3000K-6000K 85W LED bulb with remote control, and even gloves to protect your hands while setting up. It’s like having a mini studio in one convenient package! Plus, the customer service team is quick to respond and helpful with any questions you may have. I highly recommend this kit for all your photography needs.

My friend Jack As an aspiring photographer, I am always on the lookout for quality equipment at an affordable price. The EMART Softbox Lighting Kit definitely exceeded my expectations! The newly designed non-slip light stand is not only space-saving but also adjustable in height and direction. This makes it perfect for any type of photoshoot, whether it’s portraits or product photography. And let’s not forget about the 85W LED light with remote control – talk about convenience! Overall, this kit has elevated my photography game and I couldn’t be happier.

My mom Donna I’ve been using the EMART Softbox Lighting Kit for my handmade product photos and I must say, it has made a huge difference in the quality of my pictures. The 16″x16″ soft box with silver reflective inner lining gives off a homogenous soft light that perfectly highlights my products. And with the included 3-meter power cord and wire buckles for organization, I have more freedom to position my lighting without worrying about cords getting in the way. This kit is truly versatile and has exceeded all my expectations!

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The Importance of Soft Boxes for Lighting

As a photographer, I have learned that proper lighting is crucial for creating high-quality images. It can make or break the overall look and feel of a photograph. This is where soft boxes come in. Soft boxes are essential tools for achieving soft and even lighting that helps to enhance the subject and bring out its details.

One of the main reasons why soft boxes are necessary is because they produce a diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows and highlights on the subject. This results in a more natural and pleasing look to the images. Unlike direct lighting, which can be too harsh and unflattering, soft boxes create a gentle and uniform light that is perfect for portraits, product photography, and still life shots.

Moreover, soft boxes are versatile tools that can be used in various settings and situations. They can be easily adjusted to create different types of lighting, such as broad or narrow directional light, depending on the desired effect. This flexibility makes them suitable for both studio and outdoor photography.

In addition to their impact on the final image, soft boxes also play a crucial role in making the subject feel comfortable during the photoshoot. The soft and gentle light they emit is less intense on the eyes compared to direct lighting,

My Buying Guide on Soft Boxes For Lighting

As a professional photographer, I know the importance of lighting in capturing the perfect shot. Whether it’s for a photoshoot or a video shoot, having the right lighting can make all the difference. That’s why I always invest in high-quality soft boxes for my lighting needs. In this buying guide, I will share my experience and knowledge to help you choose the best soft box for your photography or videography needs.

What is a Soft Box?

A soft box is a type of lighting modifier that is used to create soft and diffused light. It consists of a fabric or plastic cover that is placed over a light source, usually a strobe or continuous light, to soften and spread out the light. This results in more flattering and even lighting on your subject.

Types of Soft Boxes

There are various types of soft boxes available in the market, each with its own unique features and uses. The most common types are:

  • Rectangular Soft Box: This is the most popular type of soft box and is suitable for general photography needs.
  • Oval Soft Box: This type of soft box produces an elongated light source, making it ideal for portraits and full-body shots.
  • Strip Soft Box: Strip soft boxes are long and narrow, providing a narrow beam of light that is perfect for rim lighting or hair lights.
  • Square Soft Box: These are similar to rectangular soft boxes but have equal dimensions on all sides. They are great for product photography as they produce symmetrical catchlights in the subject’s eyes.

Fabric Material

The material used for the fabric cover of a soft box can greatly affect its performance. The most common materials used are silk, nylon, and polyester. Silk provides the best diffusion but can be expensive. Nylon is durable and affordable but tends to produce slightly harsher shadows compared to silk. Polyester is also durable but has less diffusion than silk or nylon.

The Size Matters

The size of your soft box will determine how wide or narrow your light will be. Larger soft boxes produce softer and more diffused light while smaller ones have more focused and intense light output. Consider what you will be using your soft box for before deciding on its size.

Type of Mounting

The mounting system of your soft box should also be taken into consideration when making a purchase decision. The two most common types are speed rings (for studio strobes) and speedlights (for on-camera flashes). Make sure your chosen soft box is compatible with your lighting equipment.

Budget

Last but not least, consider your budget when buying a soft box. While there are high-end options available, there are also affordable options that offer good quality at a lower price point. Decide how much you’re willing to spend before shopping around to avoid overspending.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in high-quality soft boxes can greatly improve the quality of your photoshoots or videoshoots by providing even and diffused lighting on your subject. Consider factors such as type, fabric material, size, mounting system, and budget before making a purchase decision. With this buying guide in mind, you can now confidently choose the best soft box for your lighting needs.

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Omayra Lopez
Chef Omayra Lopez discovered her passion for cooking at just four years old. Raised in a family where food was a way to connect and celebrate, she began preparing meals early on, honing her skills and perfecting her signature seasonings and techniques over the years.

In 2024, Chef Omayra began a new chapter, writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allows her to leverage her culinary expertise to provide insights on kitchen tools, ingredients, and gadgets that she personally tests and uses.