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01/23/2008 12:00:00 PM · #1 |
Howdy,
I've been looking at getting some diffusers for my Vivitar flashes since I cannot affix a softbox to my light stands. The choices seem to be the Omni Bounce, or the Gary Fong Lightsphere (if I can find one to fit the 285HV).
Would you recommend the Omni Bounce? Or can you think of any other diffusers I may have overlooked that would fit over the gigantic head of the Vivitar?
I'm not into the homemade stuff because mine always breaks so before you suggest it, I have considered and rejected those alternatives, but thansk all the same.
All tips greatly appreciated!
Thanks again guys. |
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01/23/2008 12:32:06 PM · #2 |
Don't spend the $15 on it. I bought one and now never use it.
I remember reading this thread, so I made one for less than $5. Worth every penny.
Check out the instructions here: //super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/.
Message edited by author 2008-01-23 12:32:55. |
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01/23/2008 12:39:00 PM · #3 |
I have the OmniBounce on my flash at all times unless I need the LightSphere on for more specific or challenging shots.
$15 is not a lot of money (unless you start thinking about it too much and realize it is a bit much for a simple piece of plastic) but I wanted something more compact than a bounce diffuser like the DIY thing. That may give more diffuse light, but the OmniBounce is practically "invisible" and is at least much better than using the bare flash. |
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01/23/2008 12:39:11 PM · #4 |
Wow, you're going for the worst two light modifiers on the market. Don't go there.
Lumiquest Softbox for shoemount flashes
or hell, why not umbrellas?
BTW, if you insist on wanting a Lightsphere Gadget Infinity has the same thing for less than half the price. - //www.gadgetinfinity.com
Message edited by author 2008-01-23 12:41:07.
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01/23/2008 02:00:54 PM · #5 |
thanks for the replies.
I have 2 umbrellas already (shoot through and bounce) but if i'm doing events/wedding candids where I need to be mobile and the cieling is a high one so bounce is difficult, i figured a diffusion device would be the way to go, sort of like a portable softbox thing I suppose.
I've heard massively conflicting things about both diffusers I mentioned but i trust and value the opinions of the actual users on this site over review sites because you never know whos paying their bills.
I wasn't aware Gadget Infinity produced something similar so I'll look into that. But Leroy, can I ask why you wouldn't recommend the fong of the omnibounce? Bad experiences? I'm basically looking for a device to give me soft soft soft light that I can stick over my Vivitar and not worry about it breaking or doing a crappy job. I'm open to all things and I wouldn't want to spend more than $30 per item because I need to pay shipping to UK (B&H bum me on shipping).
Thanks though guys, much appreciated.
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01/26/2008 01:40:06 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Tez:
But Leroy, can I ask why you wouldn't recommend the fong of the omnibounce? Bad experiences? I'm basically looking for a device to give me soft soft soft light that I can stick over my Vivitar and not worry about it breaking or doing a crappy job. I'm open to all things and I wouldn't want to spend more than $30 per item because I need to pay shipping to UK (B&H bum me on shipping).
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Both are terribly inefficient designs, scattering light EVERYWHERE. If you find yourself out in a large open room (which is often in weddings) both only waste available flash power, giving you shorter battery life and longer recycle times. Also, both trap heat at the front of the flash and can burn the flashes diffuser. I did that during a model shoot with a Lightsphere.
I've actually owned both those diffusers and wouldn't advise them as the end-all be all. The Lightsphere works ok for small rooms and slow paced shooting, but it's not the miracle Fong plays it to be. It's all hype.
The Omnibounce... try this... go to a drug store.. buy some rubbing alcohol in the squarish bottle. Cut the bottom off the bottle and slide it over your flash. $1.00 Omnibounce. Work with it a while. If you like how it works in various settings, you might spend some money on the "real" thing.
Message edited by author 2008-01-26 13:44:04. |
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01/26/2008 01:47:03 PM · #7 |
Hey Leroy, (or anyone else who knows)
I'm going tonight to shoot an event. I am thinking of stopping off and getting one of the Lumiquest pieces (like you mentioned).
Do you have an opinion on wether the softbox, or bounce is better?
For general purpose, and specifically for events, such as parties, wedding/receptions, etc.
The one I was actually thinking of getting is the Mini Softbox. |
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01/26/2008 02:01:02 PM · #8 |
Gene, I have both the Pocket Bounce and the Softbox and I tend to go with the Softbox more often. It, in my opinion, is a softer light, but both do a reasonably good job. The Pocket bounce is a bit quicker to go on the flash though. There is also a diffuser you can put on the Pocket Bounce to make it into a softbox.
Another option is the 80-20. It's a Pocket Bounce with holes in the top. For smaller rooms where you can bounce off the ceiling, it is MUCH better than the Lightsphere. It has cards that can make it into a Pocket Bounce, which you can put the diffuser on to make it into a softbox.
The entire system based around the 80-20 (or pocket bounce) is what Lumiquest calls it's Pro Max system.
The Nice thing about the Lumiquest diffusers is that they fold up and store readily in your bag...unlike the Fong thing. |
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01/26/2008 02:09:12 PM · #9 |
Thanks Leroy, that helps considerably. :-)
I was checking them out the other day, they carry the Lumiquest line at my local camera shop. The system one does look pretty cool. I think today I'm just going to grab the mini softbox, and probably get more later. |
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01/26/2008 03:45:31 PM · #10 |
I second the thanks to Leroy, I think i'm going to get 2 of the lumiquest softbox things for $30 a piece, which is £15 in my money.
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01/26/2008 04:08:15 PM · #11 |
the omnibounce is designed to do just that... it makes a barebulb from your directional light source. though at a bout a 3 stop lose of light. so inefficient in that sense - yes.
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Both are terribly inefficient designs, scattering light EVERYWHERE. |
Message edited by author 2008-01-26 16:10:33.
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