Do TINY Speedlights work in Large light modifiers? Testing with Godox MF-12

Speedlights don't fill a softbox. Speedlights don't have enough power to reach a large umbrella. These statements are commonly shared in flash photography conversations, but how true is it? Are photographers who want to create the softest, most even light required to upgrade to strobes?
Check out this video where I show practical and test samples showing the difference between one of the smallest speedlight products on the market, a Godox MF12 macro speedlight and the Godox AD600 Pro; a barebulb strobe.

Gear used in this video

[vdphotosnfun]

Thank you for this video. Your video cleared all my doubts. I always thought that may I use my godox flash with softbox or not. I found no video regarding it. But today, I found your video, and it's saves my money.

[robertaltman]

There is NO logical reason why a small strobe cannot be used in any modifier - it's just a matter of how bright the output will be. The softness/spread/character of the light are all determined by the physics of the modifier - not the brightness of the light source. Of course what ISO you are willing to shoot at, whether you need to overcome ambient light levels, and recycle times are a different matter! Kind of like the old Archimedes statement- Give me a lever long enough and I can move the world. Theoretically possible- maybe not really so practical!

[peterlund]

And those small speedlight work very good at sunset and in the blue hour.

[BrianHalePhoto]

Those MF12's are an overlooked gem. One unintended use: I lined the inside of a lantern with a CTO gel and put an MF12 inside to create a more authentic look than simple photoshopping light into it in post. These things are so versatile when you need a little extra touch in a shot.

[castielvargastv]

Speed lights are great. I saved lots of money when i realized this

[AiramDatoon]

Things that I do that baffle people. AD200 with the fresnel straight through a softbox. I rarely use the bare bulbs. this vid shows me I can use the junior lux with a small softbox with an extender.

[michaelroach]

3:43 Bro, your model DISAPPEARED in the AD600 Photo! It must have been TOO MUCH light! lol but yeah, light snobs in general make me laugh, good video! Here's another lighting hack: you don't have to ONLY shoot at ISO 100 when doing studio work / shooting flash!

[jamesmartin]

As usual, well presented and informative. Real world examples, just wish more YouTube influencers tried this approach. Well done Rob :)

[LumenSeeker]

What do you think about using that little guy for real estate photography? Think it would work by itself?

[kokoeblighatian]

Very important & interesting but rarely discussed/tested topic. Thanks for covering.
I was just wondering if the test shown here was really optimal to highlight the difference. The subject being relatively small compared to the softbox might minimize the observable difference (if there is any). not sure... because it still makes a lot of sense that the light from a bare bulb should be diffused much more evenly (maybe it is also output dependent? the higher the power the bigger is the difference?)

[GeorgeTorres]

Where is the zoom of the speedlite supposed to be in a soft-box?

[ARGHAMUKHERJEE]

I use Godox Tt685 & V1.. Both works almost same in most condition.
For event photography, it's easy to carry speedlights than strobes.

[joseph-the-seventh]

So why would we buy AD600 if a cheap speed light does the same thing?!?

[森禾柚木家具]

Great video! Thanks. I found myself wondering about this very issue since I'm considering up to a 65" soft box. I thought I wuild need two speed lights (and least) and a bracket to hold them.

[omegaman]

Used to have a round head ad200. I bounced it inside the umbrella. The quality was great.

[kbqvist]

Thanks, always very useful to clear up misunderstandings 😊

[Twobarpsi]

Excellent test! Amazed by the results!

[ghostfly]

Excellent video!! Finally the debate is settled.

[ohsnapitysnapz]

This video is super useful i have someone asking about photos outside this helps me decide if i need to spend a major amount of money or not (iI already have 2 of the MF-12 for macro stuff) and obviously i want to get better lights just cant afford them at the moment

[photozen]

Nikon sb-22 is magnificent with Phottix Odin trigger/receiver system can fill gym with enough light.