Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification

Lastolite's Ezybox Speed-Lite is a collapsible softbox for portable flashguns such as Nikon and Canon Speedlights or any other independent flash from the likes of Sunpak and Metz or older Vivitar, National etc. It sells for around £45.

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Features

The Ezybox is a 20cm square panel diffuser softbox that collapses and folds flat into a case approx 30x30cm. It has an inner diffuser panel to ensure the flash doesn't produce a hot spot and attaches to the flash with an elasticated neck and Velcro fastening straps.

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Handling

Assembling the Ezybox Speed-Lite is simple. Once out of the case you just pull the edges and it pops into shape. Then add the inner baffle, via the four corner Velcro strips, and fasten the outer diffuser panel with Velcro strip all around the perimeter.

To attach to the flash head lay the box face down and poke the flash head into the elasticated neck. It expands to approx 80x40mm to take modern Speedlights from the likes of Nikon, and Canon, but is too small for the larger Metz 45CT and Sunpak G4500 Hammerhead types. Then wrap the gripping strap around the back and Velcro fasten. And a secondary Velcro strap prevents the box tipping downwards over the lens.

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Performance

The Ezybox is lightweight so doesn't cause any problems when seated on a flashgun mounted on the camera's hot shoe. It gets in the way of the auto sensor of a flash like the Vivitar 283, but is fine when using TTL auto flash on dedicated flash systems. It also blocks the AF assist sensor on modern flash guns so you may need some manual focusing in really low light.

The output provides a fairly direct light that has softer shadows than bare flash, so the results are more pleasing and the catchlights in the eyes are slightly larger. 

It means you can shoot with the flash on camera for better lighting. But it could also be used off camera for small product photography such as jewellery etc, where a panel light would be better than bare flash tube.

Without the Ezybox the shadows have hard edges, especially around the nose.		With Ezybox the result is a slightly warmer and more diffused output.

Likewise when shooting with the flash from above the shadow under the chin is hard with bare flash and far more appealing with the Ezybox in place, also notice the larger catchlights brighten the eyes.

Value For Money

£45 for a softbox is a reasonable price to pay. The similarly priced Gary Fong Lightsphere is more portable but won't be as effective when shooting outdoors where there's no walls to bounce light back.  Other softbox options tend to be off camera stand mounted affairs, so the Ezybox is fairly unique.
 

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Verdict

The Ezybox is compact to carry around and quick to set up, so offers a convenient method of diffusion for portable flash users. It's a bulkier to use than products like Gary Fong's Lightsphere, but does give a better spread of light when there's no ceiling or walls to bounce off. Good for functions and events, but may get in the way if you're shooting at crowded events such as re-eneactments or stadiums.

A really useful studio style diffuser for flash photographers who prefer to shoot direct flash.

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Pros

Lightweight
Easy to assemble
Fits most modern hot shoe flashguns
Larger catchlights in eyes than bare flash

Lastolite Ezybox Speed-Lite Cons

Blocks AF assist light and sensor on older flashguns

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Lastolite EzyBox Speed-Lite Specifications

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