Canon 430EX and LumiQuest accessories

[Paul Tinworth]

Hello folks,

I'm about to purchase a 430EX (I'm very excited! :D) and I've been looking for various flash accessories to go with it. So far I've settled on the LumiQuest Promax system for situations where bouncing would seem to be the most effective solution, but now I'm stuck as to which diffuser to buy.

My question is this: Would you recommend the StoFen diffuser (http://www.stofen.com/Info/infoWithWithOut.htm) or the LumiQuest Mini Softbox (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq951.htm)?

I want to keep a low profile (for both inconspiciousity and also because I'm shy!), so I'm disregarding the Lightsphere everyone seems to rave on about (plus I'm not paying that much for something I can make out of a plastic bottle) or a larger softbox.

I imagine I'll be using the flash primarily for portraits - both candid and constructed, inside and out - as I'm going to be working for my uni newspaper next term.

Thanks in advance, guys! :)

[SkipD]

Avoid both of those products and get one package that gives you the versatility of having both the ability to bounce off ceilings, etc., and having a controllable bounce package with or without the diffuser screen on the flash. That is the LumiQuest Promax System (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq931.htm).

[DavidW]

As Skip says, you really don't need any more than the Promax System. The white insert will cover you in situations where there's no ceiling to bounce off, and there's a translucent diffusion cover for situations where you need really soft lighting (albeit at the cost of an extra stop of light).

Consider buying a Lumiquest Cinch Strap if you don't want to have to stick velcro onto your flash head.



David

[cdifoto]

You'll need a bracket that keeps the flash horizontal to use the Promax system in portrait orientation.

[Paul Tinworth]

Thanks guys. Just ordered the 430EX and the Promax. As for the Velcro/cinch strap, I figure I can make something like that myself; I'm sure I've got a bit in a box somewhere. The StoFen is about a fiver on eBay so I grabbed it anyway. :D

All out of money now! Off-shoe cord and a bracket will have to wait until the winter. :(

[jr_senator]

Would you recommend the StoFen diffuser (http://www.stofen.com/Info/infoWithWithOut.htm) or the LumiQuest Mini Softbox (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq951.htm)?

I want to keep a low profile...so I'm disregarding...a larger softbox.



To answer your question, neither. If you truely want nice portraits then you need to use the proper gear. I have, and use, Westcott's Micro Apollo (in fact I have two). It's larger than the softbox you mention but not too large, and it's made of the same stuff the large studio softboxes are.

[poloman]

Until you get your bracket, you can make do by shooting in landscape mode. If your background is dark, going portrait mode might not give you offensive shadows.

[iseeihear]

From the LumiQuest Promax System site I cannot see how it can be used to give both bouncing and diffusion. Photos of how to use will be very much appreciated.

[SkipD]

From the LumiQuest Promax System site I cannot see how it can be used to give both bouncing and diffusion. Photos of how to use will be very much appreciated.Using the 80/20 alone bounces some (20%) of the light directly toward whatever the rig is aimed at and lets the remaining 80% bounce off a ceiling (or similar surface that the photographer may have placed for that purpose).

Putting one of the inserts into the 80/20 and bouncing off the insert does diffuse the light in addition to directing all of the light forward.

Adding the frosted cover further (with an insert in the 80/20) diffuses the light a little further, but does not make the apparent size of the light source any larger. I never use the frosted cover.

The whole idea of the Promax System is that it is versatile. You can set it up to do any of its various tricks depending on the need at the time.

[Souwalker]

Is a bracket necessary for horizontal shots? I've got the flip-It and I can flip the flash for horizontal shots.
the promax system interest me but it means spending more on a bracket.
Thanks
pat

[Paul Tinworth]

Is a bracket necessary for horizontal shots? I've got the flip-It and I can flip the flash for horizontal shots.

Would you mind elaborating, Pat? Not sure I've heard of it and it sounds interesting!

[Eric&Susan]

He's talking about this:

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

I have one and love it. I sold my stofen and GF LS after I got it.

Eric

[Paul Tinworth]

Interesting!

I'm telling myself not to regret buying the Promax... :?

[TMR Design]

Well I suppise it depends on how long before you think you might be able to get a bracket. If that's not going to happen any time soon then you might want to consider returning the ProMax system if it's already ordered.

But I would suggest you give it a shot and see how it works for you. Then you can make a decision and switch to a different modifier if need be.

[Eric&Susan]

Interesting!

I'm telling myself not to regret buying the Promax... :?

I wouldn't regret it. I always hear great things about it. Once I can justify( read: convincing wife) spending all the money on a bracket, cord, and the promax system I will be getting one

[Tubthumper]

I love my Promax. I can't wait to stick it on a 430ex, as even on a non-dedicated flashgun (see below) it gives great results. Of course, I'm going to have to get the 430 first....

I think, though, that a Sto-fen will also feature somewhere on the shopping list in the future: the promax isn't the most inconspicuous of attachments. So Promax and Sto-fen? Good combo, I reckon.

[Titus213]

ProMax system works great with a camera flip bracket - I have two and don't leave home without them.

Having more than one type of flash diffuser is not unusual. They do different things in different situations. But I'm not sure I'd ever get a Sto-fen.

[iseeihear]

Regarding the flip-it, isn't it by tilting the flashead (with a bounce card) achieve the same result?

[Paul Tinworth]

Received the eBay Stofens the day after I ordered, then the Promax two days later, and then finally the 430EX today! Forgotton how small and sexy the thing is! :D

Haven't been able to get into town, so I've no NiMH AA batteries to test it with, unfortunately. Hoping to get some today.

Hello, world of flash! We meet at last. :D