[highbarger]

I'm not sure if I should reply just yet... my first softbox is in transit at this moment. I can't speak from experience, but I can respond with the reasons that I ordered a softbox when I have been using umbrellas. One of the biggest reasons that I am trying out softbox lighting is being able to move the light source in closer to the subject. With my umbrellas, I can only get so close before the shaft of the umbrella starts to be a concern. Same story with the light stand. The softbox will get much closer and give a better wrap around light. I'm also looking forward to achieving the softbox catchlight instead of an umbrella reflection. In a nutshell, that's my reasoning behind spending a few more dollars, maybe I'll have some samples to share in a few days.
Craig