Bessell vs Lastolite Speedlite Softbox

A or B? Which image was shot with a £12.99 modifier and which with a £64.95 modifier?

I use both the Bessel 30cm round pop-up speedlite flash modifier & a Lastolite Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus - both have their place in my lighting kit.

  

There are physical differences between the flash modifiers, but the light output is very similar. The Bessel bounces the light inside the modifier, whilst the Lastolite uses double diffused direct flash.

 

 Lastolite Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus

 Bessel 30cm Round Flash Gun Diffuser

There differences in build quality and fitting to the flash head - the Lastolite Ezybox is well made with a clever screw locking strap, whereas the Bessel 30cm is lightweight man-made textile with a fiddly hook & loop strap fixing.

 

Pack down carry size is surprisingly different! Consequently the Lastolite is not something I carry in my EDC (Every Day Carry) camera bag. The square shape do offer control in the studio and there's also a egg crate available giving more direction to the light.

The answer to my question, A or B? 

A was shot with the Bessel 30cm and B with the Lastolite which is 22 x 22 cm.

The Bessel 30cm has cost & portability in its' favour, whereas the McNally is more versatile, easy to use and benefits from an egg crate grid. Although larger when packed away, there's ample space in the bag for a Speedlite and mounting accessories.

Bessel 30cm Round Flash Diffuser

https://www.bessel.co.uk/acatalog/30cm-Round-Flashgun-Diffuser-5060339964287.html#SID=55

Lastolite Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus

https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/lastolite/joe-mcnally-ezybox-speed-lite-2-plus-ll-ls2430jm/ 

Lit with a single Pixapro Li-Ion 580 TTL MkII Speedlite with Bessel 30cm flash diffuser from about 2m camera left held above head height by an (un)willing volunteer.

Lastolite Joe McNally Ezybox Speed-Lite 2 Plus to camera left to put a uniform highlight onto the bottle and provide a fill light on the label.

That's it for now and don't forget if you really enjoy lighting to visit and join The LIGHT Side - a place to learn, be mentored, nurtured and learn about lighting, lighting and photography, whatever your level or experience.