I have a new on-camera NRG Varalux light, and am waffling between adding barndoors or a mini-softbox. The latter interests me more, even though the only mini-softboxes so far that I see available are Chimera models for every NRG light save the Varalux (however, what may apply to the NRG Versalite might also fit the Varalux?). How dramatic a difference does a mini-softbox make in general coverage, as compared to the presumed versatility of barndoors? Thanks!

You could use the mini barn doors with a piece or two of diffusion material, such as Roscoe 216, to give you a nice soft source similar to the mini soft box. You can find a mini soft box at most good photo stores, probably a lot cheaper than Chimera.

Thanks! I'm always interested in learning of other people's experiences with on-camera lighting and techniques.

The Photoflex Action Dome works well with the NRG.

Westcott have a model they call a "Run and Gun"
http://www.fjwestcott.com/new/index.htm

I own a photoflex softbox and think they have excellant price and quality .
www.photoflex.com