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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> bounce card or diffuser?
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05/18/2010 10:34:40 AM · #1
I'm going to a wedding and I want to take some pictures for fun. I did some research on bounce cards and diffusers but not sure which one is better. I have a Nikon SB-600 with a omni bounce on it and looking for something better. What do the pros use for weddings? Any tips would be great thanks with love!!!

Message edited by author 2010-05-18 10:35:20.
05/18/2010 10:50:16 AM · #2
I'm no expert though I did a ton of research over the last few weeks and bought the Lumiquest Pro-Max System as recommended by Joe Mcnally and two Flash guru/salesman at B&H. So, far I'm digging it.

The Gary Fong system seemed to zap a lot of light away but it's still good and a really nice step up from the Omni Bounce. The Lumiquest also folds flat so, if portability is an issue it's far easier to tote around compared to Fong's Lightsphere Pro kit which is bulky and at half the price.

Message edited by author 2010-05-18 15:18:08.
05/18/2010 11:00:41 AM · #3
The ultimate goal is to enlarge the apparent size of the light source. The omni bounce really does a poor job of that. All it does is to spread out the light so that you get some reflection off surrounding surfaces. It's inefficient (wasteful of flash power) and somewhat ineffective.
If you are shooting at a reception, you are much better off just bouncing your flash off the ceiling (if it is a white or light-colored ceiling). You can control the bounce by setting the head angle and also by manually setting the zoom on the flash head (if it is capable of this). Bouncing off a ceiling can give great results. You can enhance the results by placing a white card to redirect a little of the flash forward (some Canon flashes have this built in, not sure about Nikon)
A good alternative if you can't do ceiling bounce is to use a bounce card. There are lots of good alternatives available, check retailer sites like B&H for ideas. you can even create your own if you are handy.
Lastly there are (expensive) "solutions" like the gimmicky Gary Fong stuff. IMO, they typically are poorly designed and can be bettered for cheap (or for free!).
05/18/2010 11:08:35 AM · #4
Nikon SB800 has built in card.

Originally posted by kirbic:

The ultimate goal is to enlarge the apparent size of the light source. The omni bounce really does a poor job of that. All it does is to spread out the light so that you get some reflection off surrounding surfaces. It's inefficient (wasteful of flash power) and somewhat ineffective.
If you are shooting at a reception, you are much better off just bouncing your flash off the ceiling (if it is a white or light-colored ceiling). You can control the bounce by setting the head angle and also by manually setting the zoom on the flash head (if it is capable of this). Bouncing off a ceiling can give great results. You can enhance the results by placing a white card to redirect a little of the flash forward (some Canon flashes have this built in, not sure about Nikon)
A good alternative if you can't do ceiling bounce is to use a bounce card. There are lots of good alternatives available, check retailer sites like B&H for ideas. you can even create your own if you are handy.
Lastly there are (expensive) "solutions" like the gimmicky Gary Fong stuff. IMO, they typically are poorly designed and can be bettered for cheap (or for free!).
05/18/2010 11:12:42 AM · #5
I use a Lumiquest pretty similar to the one Steve linked to. It works well for me, although as with anything new, it takes a little practice to get the right balance of light/flash.
05/18/2010 11:23:57 AM · #6
Has anyone ever tried that "bubble wrap" project?
05/18/2010 11:23:57 AM · #7
I was thinking about making one like this...

//www.themoment2cherish.com/DIY-Bounce-Card/

What do you guys think?
05/18/2010 02:54:40 PM · #8
That DIY design will do well if combined with ceiling bounce. In order to use it without a ceiling to bounce off of, you really want to tilt that card forward at close to 45 degrees. The Lumiquest products referred to above are designed like that. I like them (I have one), but I don't particularly like their method of attachment.
05/18/2010 03:07:01 PM · #9
I use a Demb Flipit with my flashes when using on board. It eats less light but takes a bit of getting used to. The Lightsphere(Fong dong) is pretty well at spreading light everywhere, but it eats a ton of light.

Matt

Demb flip it.
05/18/2010 03:15:31 PM · #10
Originally posted by MattO:

I use a Demb Flipit with my flashes when using on board. It eats less light but takes a bit of getting used to. The Lightsphere(Fong dong) is pretty well at spreading light everywhere, but it eats a ton of light.

Matt

Demb flip it.


That's a really nice design. Matter of fact, I think I might replace my aging Lumiquest with one of them. Thanks Matt.
05/18/2010 04:35:49 PM · #11
Another well reviewed company is HonL. Their snoots look great and I might look into the softbox in the near future.
05/18/2010 05:22:43 PM · #12
I tried this Photoflex Litedome diffuser but found it didn't soften the light as much as I would have liked, so wound up returning it. I still think it's a worthy product, but I'm opting for this Photoflex Octodome diffuser instead. The difference between the two besides basic shape (rectangular versus round) is that the Octodome has an internal baffle which provides more softening and even light, but probably more light loss, although not a problem for my uses. They both are a bit expensive but come with shoe mount adapters.
05/18/2010 06:23:17 PM · #13
Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by MattO:

I use a Demb Flipit with my flashes when using on board. It eats less light but takes a bit of getting used to. The Lightsphere(Fong dong) is pretty well at spreading light everywhere, but it eats a ton of light.

Matt

Demb flip it.


That's a really nice design. Matter of fact, I think I might replace my aging Lumiquest with one of them. Thanks Matt.


After using it for a couple of weeks I kicked the tupperware to the curb.....err I gave it to a nice DPC member and only keep the Omnibounce around for some quick odd stuff when I forget to pack the Flip it.

Matt
05/18/2010 08:08:59 PM · #14
thanks to all for the reply!! Helped me out alot!!!
05/19/2010 08:52:34 PM · #15
I have tried the stofen bounce and the demb flip-it

Love the demb flip-it
Easy to use and easy to set up

Does a great job of directing the light to where you want or just pull it backwards and bounce of the ceileing if its low enough
05/19/2010 08:56:57 PM · #16
Here's my solution
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