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02/10/2008 10:48:04 PM · #1 |
I have read forum after forum on the subject but have not seen anything decisive. I am starting to get my feet wet in wedding photography and will be shooting my third wedding this summer (first outdoors). The first two weddings were for family and I had advised that they should hire professionals and I would provide my images for free. The professionals were fantastic and very helpful. The event this summer is the first time that I am supposed to be the "professional."
I was considering a flash bracket like this one and then starting going down the path of LumiQuest and then got caught up on the Fong band wagon to the point where I was going to order today. Then of course I decided to read more comparisons and am now totally lost.
It is a very simple request...It is just me, my cameras (Nikons) and my SB800s and I need to know what is the best diffuser for outdoor portraits? And ideally will your answer also provide the best result for indoor events?
Since looking into this, I have read many, many, many, many, many, many, many (you get the picture) pros and cons to everything and really need to make a decision before my head explodes. Please help me. |
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02/10/2008 10:49:57 PM · #2 |
The Demb Flipit! is pretty sweet.
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02/10/2008 10:51:21 PM · #3 |
You were on the right track at Lumiquest and not so well at the Fongsters site.
Look more into the Lumiquest ProMax system. Also, the Lumiquest softbox is great for outdoors portraits.
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02/11/2008 10:05:54 AM · #4 |
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02/11/2008 10:11:25 AM · #5 |
| You were on the right track at the Fongsters site and not so well at Lumiquest. |
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02/11/2008 10:21:58 AM · #6 |
:\ lol...
I say no flash at all. |
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02/11/2008 10:33:29 AM · #7 |
i have both the lightsphere and a lumiquest ultrasoft.
i think the fong works a bit better than the lumiquest, but my version is prone to falling off if i sling the camera around too much. the promax system leroy mentioned is what i wish i'd purchased, though...
that being said, both work fine, really...
of course, in outdoor work, i've had pretty good luck by pulling the bounce card out on the sb-800, putting the diffuser back on and turning the head up a click or two...
as always, once you pick a system, practice. a lot.
_before_ the wedding day...
;)
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02/11/2008 10:40:38 AM · #8 |
I use the Stroboframe Pro-RL for about 3 years now and I really like it. I'm personally not a fan of the flash-flipper brackets, I don't like the way the flash flops around even though I know it's secure on there. This one rotates just the camera only keeping the flash above the lens. The foam padded handle puts your (left) supporting hand right under the lens giving your fingers easy access to work the zoom or focus rings, while your right hand is free to press the shutter/other controls. It lets you tilt the flash very easily front to back, which is great for times when you have to shoot down at an angle while still bouncing the flash off the ceiling, or vice versa. It's bulky though, with no way to fold it to fit in the bag, but I just strap it to the outside of my bag.
As for diffusion, I like the Lightsphere for it's versatility. |
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02/11/2008 11:01:15 AM · #9 |
All depends...sunny or overcast? Under tree/shade of a building or portico or out in the full sun? One or two people or the entire 18 people in the bridal party? What are trying to get the flash to do? Fill in shadows or overpower the sun? How far away will you go ( 70-200 at 150mm full body is a LOT different that a head shot with a 50mm).
Diffusers (all of them) will eat about 2 stops of light from your flash. I've had the best luck with a bounce card (demb flipit is the you-can-buy-it alternative). A second flash will help outdoors by adding more light or with groups.
remember that it can be bright outside - pushing your shutter speed above the sync speed, so a 2 stop ND filter can be handy to have.
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