I've got the flash, now what? - DPChallenge Forums

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 07:38:42 AM · #1

I recently bought a Canon 270EX flash. Not the best, I accept that, but I wanted something light to carry around in case I need it. Though small, it does have the flexibility of a head that rotates 90 degrees, though only up and not sideways. To make the light less harsh, I was looking at diffusing or bounce options and came across these two:
Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer LQ-101
Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce

I would love to know which of these will do a better job or if anyone has anything better to suggest, remembering that I want something that is small and light to carry around.

Once I have learned to use this flash properly, I may look at getting a bigger flash for when I know it will be needed.

Leo

Apple iPhone Xr

11/24/2009 08:07:11 AM · #2

I don't do a lot of flash photography but others I know seem to like the Sto-Fen type defuser. Maybe google "gary fong" for his products too gary fong link.
Here's a couple of old DPC threads on defusers:

old defuser thread
another old defuser thread

Message edited by author 2009-11-24 08:09:31.

faidoi

Pentax K10D

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

11/24/2009 08:08:26 AM · #3

//photo-tips-online.com/review/best-flash-diffuser/

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 08:27:23 AM · #4

Thanks for those suggestions. I don't have time to go through it all now, but will look properly later.

david_c

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/24/2009 08:27:38 AM · #5

In 1st with the Strobist link. OK, maybe it's not exactly what you're asking, but this is what got me all excited to start using a flash. This video, in particular, made me go "hmmmm, I like that", and then spend way too much money.

edit: and so I'm not too totally off-topic, I'd probably go for the Sto-Fen...but I could never bring myself to cough up $30+ on something that should be DIY-able.

Message edited by author 2009-11-24 08:29:07.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 09:02:37 AM · #6

Originally posted by david_c:

DIY sounds good. I wonder if anybody knows how.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

11/24/2009 09:05:51 AM · #7

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by david_c:
In 1st with the Strobist link. OK, maybe it's not exactly what you're asking, but this is what got me all excited to start using a flash. This video, in particular, made me go "hmmmm, I like that", and then spend way too much money.

edit: and so I'm not too totally off-topic, I'd probably go for the Sto-Fen...but I could never bring myself to cough up $30+ on something that should be DIY-able.

DIY sounds good. I wonder if anybody knows how.

Cut the bottom half of a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Seen that used and it works nicely. :)

11/24/2009 09:11:06 AM · #8

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Not sure how DIY can get much cheaper then this

Matt

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 09:34:10 AM · #9

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by david_c:
In 1st with the Strobist link. OK, maybe it's not exactly what you're asking, but this is what got me all excited to start using a flash. This video, in particular, made me go "hmmmm, I like that", and then spend way too much money.

edit: and so I'm not too totally off-topic, I'd probably go for the Sto-Fen...but I could never bring myself to cough up $30+ on something that should be DIY-able.

DIY sounds good. I wonder if anybody knows how.

Not sure how DIY can get much cheaper then this

Matt

If only I could get it for that price. Everything costs so much more in South Africa. On the local site that has it, using a fairly bad conversion rate, the price works out at over 4 times the Amazon price. And when last I heard, Amazon were charging huge prices for sending things here, so I don't think that's an option either.

11/24/2009 09:37:54 AM · #10

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by david_c:
In 1st with the Strobist link. OK, maybe it's not exactly what you're asking, but this is what got me all excited to start using a flash. This video, in particular, made me go "hmmmm, I like that", and then spend way too much money.

edit: and so I'm not too totally off-topic, I'd probably go for the Sto-Fen...but I could never bring myself to cough up $30+ on something that should be DIY-able.

DIY sounds good. I wonder if anybody knows how.

Not sure how DIY can get much cheaper then this

Matt

If only I could get it for that price. Everything costs so much more in South Africa. On the local site that has it, using a fairly bad conversion rate, the price works out at over 4 times the Amazon price. And when last I heard, Amazon were charging huge prices for sending things here, so I don't think that's an option either.

Did not realize you were in SA. HMMM that could create a problem. What would it actually cost to mail it to SA? Perhaps a purchase here by someone in the states and mail it to ya?

Matt

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 09:50:45 AM · #11

Originally posted by MattO:

Did not realize you were in SA. HMMM that could create a problem. What would it actually cost to mail it to SA? Perhaps a purchase here by someone in the states and mail it to ya?

Matt

The problems are all relating to the fact that our postal system is not that reliable. That's why I prefer to go to shops.

11/24/2009 10:32:27 AM · #12

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by MattO:
Did not realize you were in SA. HMMM that could create a problem. What would it actually cost to mail it to SA? Perhaps a purchase here by someone in the states and mail it to ya?

Matt

The problems are all relating to the fact that our postal system is not that reliable. That's why I prefer to go to shops.

Thats a shame as I was going to order and send it to you. But if you aren't going to get it..........would be a waste of a good thought. :(

Matt

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 10:45:05 AM · #13

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

Originally posted by MattO:
Did not realize you were in SA. HMMM that could create a problem. What would it actually cost to mail it to SA? Perhaps a purchase here by someone in the states and mail it to ya?

Matt

The problems are all relating to the fact that our postal system is not that reliable. That's why I prefer to go to shops.

Thats a shame as I was going to order and send it to you. But if you aren't going to get it..........would be a waste of a good thought. :(

Matt

Much appreciated. I can't say for sure that I WON'T get it, I just can't be sure that I will.

11/24/2009 10:47:32 AM · #14

PM me the information on how I could get one to you. I'll order it and when I receive it I'll forward it on to you with the hopes it arrives.

It is a Canon 270EX correct?

Matt

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 06:22:31 PM · #15

Originally posted by MattO:

PM me the information on how I could get one to you. I'll order it and when I receive it I'll forward it on to you with the hopes it arrives.

It is a Canon 270EX correct?

Matt

I really don't want you to go to the trouble. I wasn't looking for help in getting the best price, but was trying to find out which was the best diffuser for my purposes before buying anything. I haven't even looked at the shops yet, but I have come across a few more on a local site which is similar to ebay.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 06:26:49 PM · #16

I wonder if anyone has an opinion on either of these:

Flash Diffuser Softbox for Canon 580EX/550EX/430EX

Universal SOFT Flash Bounce Diffuser for shoe mount Flashes

Neither mentions my particular flash, but with such a long list, it seems like they might work. And the prices are a lot better than the others I asked about.

Edit to add: I've been looking through some of the other threads and have seen some positive reports about the Lumiquest bouncer I mentioned in my original post as well as another similar one. Those are available locally at a site which has premises not far from where I live, meaning I could actually see whether I like them before committing to spending any money. Or if I really want a cheap one, they also have this Cloth Flash Diffuser.

Message edited by author 2009-11-24 18:47:50.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/24/2009 07:58:54 PM · #17

I found this information in an old thread:

Originally posted by kirbic:

The only way to get nice soft shadows is to change the apparent size of the light source. The sto-fen and similar devices do nothing in that respect. The only thing they do is redirect some of the light so it reflects off surfaces in the room, which you can do without the diffuser. They also waste a *ton* of flash output energy and trap heat.
A better approach is a lumiquest 80/20 or big bounce, or even the smaller pocket bouncer. I keep an 80/20 in my bag, with gold, silver and white inserts.

Perhaps that's the answer I've been looking for.

I'm still looking at DIY solutions as well. There seems to be quite a lot of information around and it will take a while to see if there's anything I think I can use.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/25/2009 06:21:03 AM · #18

i'm not sure if this has been mentioned, but a off-camera hot shoe cable can really give you lots of options.

i, too, am interested in what can be done to help from a shipping standpoint. are their any fedex/ups/dhl or similar offices or agencies available to you?

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/25/2009 12:43:48 PM · #19

Originally posted by Skip:

That looks really useful, but not for my current requirements. I have kept the details for future reference though.

I take photos at my Bonsai club's monthly meetings and the people doing the demos tend to move around a lot, so the flash really needs to be attached to the camera. Until last month I was using ISO 1600 without flash on a monopod and hoping the photos didn't come out too blurry. This month I used the new flash without diffuser. Some of the photos came out quite well but others had nasty shadows. I experimented quite a bit with changes in flash compensation and ISO, shooting mainly in manual, but it will take a while for me to work out what really works best in those conditions (the hall is not well lit).

I really appreciate all the offers of help with shipping, but I'm reluctant to buy anything that I haven't had a chance to see and test.

alfresco

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

11/25/2009 01:09:28 PM · #20

DIY option #237: //super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

I made on of these in all of ten minutes, supplies cost as little as a couple of bucks (but that depends on how much supplies cost in SA :( ).

Skip down to the end of the link and look at the cut-out pattern for the diffuser, you could improvise materials.

And it works like a champ - it has received the un-coveted JP-Seal-of-Approval!

(OT - the rest of the above-mentioned site is a wealth of information, for those interested).

Nullix

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

11/25/2009 02:59:31 PM · #21

Originally posted by The_Tourist:

another old defuser thread

I built one of these:

I always use it indoors. It cost me less than $5.

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital ED Fisheye PRO Lens

11/25/2009 07:09:36 PM · #22

I will probably try to make something like that. I hate sewing, but it might be worth it.

atupdate

Pentax K-R

Promaster 28-200mm f/3.8-5.6 XR IF

11/25/2009 08:20:15 PM · #23

Originally posted by GinaRothfels:

I will probably try to make something like that. I hate sewing, but it might be worth it.

You don't have to sew, you can glue it together.

alfresco's link provides complete directions.

I've made two sizes, the one shown in the link and another slightly smaller. I use the smaller one more often than the big one but both work great.

Tim

marcusvdt

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

11/25/2009 09:30:01 PM · #24

Buy cheaper from China, and with free shipping! I bought these below, and I'm just waiting for it to arrive in the next 10 days or so. FYI, I'm in Brazil.
For the on camera flash
This is for a big flash, but can work with yours since it looks to be adjustable.
Don't know the difference from the results with the previous one, but for the price, I bought just to try and compare.