So you're determined to start shooting with off-camera flash. You've got a stand, umbrella bracket and some pocket wizards. Great start. Now you need some modifiers.

Umbrellas are a great place to start, but eventually you're going to need a softbox. Why? Because - especially when shooting indoors - you want a large light source that is directional. Shooting indoors with an umbrella, unless you're in a very large room, will result in lots of light spilling all over the place. To control the light better you'll need a softbox.

Which softbox to get?  If you're shooting with speedlights, there's pretty much one softbox of choice:  the Westcott Apollo.

The Westcott Apollo is a softbox that is mounted on an umbrella shaft. That's important, because it means (1) near instant setup and (2) you don't need speedrings or adapters - just mount the softbox to your umbrella clip and you're good to go.

You can find the 28" softbox here and the 16" softbox here. B&H sells them in various kit configurations, some including stands, umbrella mounts, etc. It'll be the best 100 bucks or so you've ever spent.

I have the 28" version.

I used this softbox for this quick snap of Shinji, one of my one-on-one lighting students.