| Author | Thread |
|
|
02/25/2007 12:44:29 PM · #1 |
Hi. I was considering purchasing a simple diffuser for my Sigma EF-500 DG flash, like the one linked here ==>
SBM #0103 Supreme Flash Diffuser
I use my flash just for casual family type photos or as fill-in outdoors when needed.
Will a simple diffuser work ok for knocking down the harsh light? Is there a viable reason for buying a Lightsphere II instead?
Advice greatly appreciated. Thanks!
|
|
|
|
02/25/2007 12:54:03 PM · #2 |
that will work fine, theres no point in spending 40$ for almost the exact smae product.
edit: the poitn of a diffuser liek this is that it projects the light in all directions creating an equal amount of light distribution, pretty much the same as the lightsphere. You can also bounce the flash, however this can sometimes create unwanted shadows and top lighting.
-Dan
Message edited by author 2007-02-25 13:03:21. |
|
|
|
02/25/2007 12:54:21 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
I use my flash just for casual family type photos or as fill-in outdoors when needed.
Will a simple diffuser work ok for knocking down the harsh light? Is there a viable reason for buying a Lightsphere II instead?
|
FWIW, a piece of material from a pair of "nude" panty hose will knock the harshness of the flash down significantly. As will simply bouncing the flash off the ceiling or a wall.
I've never been a big fan of this type of diffuser. To me, they seem to just waste more flash output than they actually help.
Check this thread out
//www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=549861
Message edited by author 2007-02-25 12:54:43.
|
|
|
|
02/25/2007 01:07:21 PM · #4 |
Leroy's right. 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.
Message edited by author 2007-02-25 13:07:46. |
|
|
|
02/25/2007 01:07:39 PM · #5 |
I have the stoffen omni-bounce, which is basically the same as what you linked to, and the Lightsphere. There are quite a few differences.
*The lightsphere throws light in every direction and does provide a softer, more diffuse light, especially when there are light colored walls for the light to bounce off. That said, you do need more flash power with the LS, it's bulky and does tend to fall off. Getting good results using the LS is possible with the flash mounted on the camera shoe, but a bracket will improve it further
*The stoffen on the other hand tends to throw more light directionally forward, so I find that in the same situation, the stoffen will use less power for the same exposure. It's smaller and doesn't tend to fall off. I find that I really have to use a flash bracket to avoid obnoxious shadows when using the stoffen.
|
|
|
|
02/25/2007 01:14:15 PM · #6 |
Great help guys (everyone) - Thanks!
Leroy - Thanks for the thread link. I'd read that with some interest earlier. The .50 cent idea is cool, but I want something fairly durable and easy to toss in the camera bag. The pantyhose idea has merit - I've used a plain kleenex tissue with a rubber band and it's helped some.
Fritz - I'm interested in learning more about the lumiquest 80/20 and big bounce. I'll have to run a quick search on it, see who sells them, etc...
The lightspere has some "cool" factor to it I'll admit, but from what I'm hearing it's probably not that practical for what I need. |
|
|
|
02/25/2007 01:55:04 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by glad2badad:
Fritz - I'm interested in learning more about the lumiquest 80/20 and big bounce. I'll have to run a quick search on it, see who sells them, etc... |
Ok. Found it (lumiquest 80/20) here ==> LumiQuest 80-20 Pocket Bouncer |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/01/2025 09:02:35 AM EDT.
