Softboxes...are there good and bad ones?

[CatsRants]

Hey guys, sorry, I know...asking about lighting..AGAIN!!!

I'm on eBay atm, just trying to work out the best ones to buy! Is there a certain type of bulb or anything I should look for? And is there any such thing as cheap and nasty ones? They all seem to be around the same price...I just want decent ones that won't fall apart and are easy to fold up lol! Thanks for any help

 

[Wreckless Eating]

The cheap ones will usually have poor quality stands that break down a lot more quickly because they aren't meant to be used on a regular basis. Sometimes the bulbs will also be of inferior quality, but as long as you're within a few hundred degrees of your target color temp, it won't make a huge difference if you adjust for it with your camera. The biggest problem I've seen is with stands that no longer keep the light/softbox in place at a particular angle.

 

[markkaz]

I purchased a pair of CowboyStudios light stands.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WLY24O

One bulb arrived DOA and the other started flickering on the second day.
Recently, I picked up the stand and it came apart.
I gave it a 2/5 rating. It was a $60 experience that told me it ain't worth it.

Now if you're vlogging and looking to cast a soft light on yourself, it may be OK.