Using a softbox with studio lighting is the best way to remove harsh shadows cast by the lights and get a more natural looking result. While some photographers like to use reflective umbrellas, softboxes are better at removing glare and are easier to place, as umbrellas can require a lot of experimentation to get the best results. There is a wide variety of softboxes available for use with Novatron lights.
Chimera
Chimera offers several different rectangular and octagonal softboxes. For strobe lights, the Quartz Plus 1 is deservedly popular and available in small (24" x 32"), medium (36" x 48"), and large (54" x 72"). The Pro II series is a more economically priced softbox for strobes, and available in small (24" x 32"), medium (36" x 48"), and large (54" x 72"). The OctaPlus is a five foot octagonal softbox with an expansion kit that can make it a seven foot octagonal box; the five foot box is for strobes and contininuous lights up to 1200 watts per second, and the seven foot one is good for sources up to 2000 watts per second. For Novatron hotlights, the Chimera Video Pro Plus 1 is a good choice.
Photoflex
Photoflex makes excellent softboxes for both strobe lights and hotlights. For strobes only, the Lite Dome is a rectangular softbox available in small (16" x 22"), medium (24" x 32"), large (36" x 48") and extra large (54" x 72"). Photoflex also makes a small (three feet), medium (five feet), and large (seven feet) octagonal softbox, the OctoDome 3. Those looking for a softbox compatible with strobes and continuous lights can look at the SilverDome nxt, available in extra small (12" x 16"), small (16" x 22"), medium (24" x 32"), large (36" x 48") and extra large (54" x 72"). For use with hotlights, the HalfDome 2 series comes in small (9.5" x 35") and medium (15.5" x 55").
Westcott
For strobe use only, Westcott offers the Apollo Softbox (28" x 28") and the Apollo JS (50" x 50"). The Photo Basics works with strobes and monolights, and is available in small (16" x 22"), medium (24" x 32") and large (36" x 48"). Westcott also makes the Softbox, available with a silver or white interior, in extra small (12" x 16"), small (16" x 22"), medium (24" x 32"), large (36" x 48") and extra large (54" x 72").
Tags: small medium, medium large, small medium large, available small, available small medium
