Mini Softbox VS Joe Demb Flit it

[MinhThien]

Hello i will be buying a pro-looks diffuser! soon! So I am interested in the Lumiquest mini box and the Joe Demb Flip-it! Should i get both or just one?
btw: i do have a better bounce card!
Thanks!

[tim]

I have no idea what "Hello i will be buying a pro-looks refused soon" means.

I suggest you invest in books on lighting to improve your understanding before you buy gimmicks. Check my FAQ thread, I link to some recommended books.

[MinhThien]

Sorry typo "diffuser"

[ooo]

I was trying to figure out which of the two I should get. I ended up going with the demb flip it because I mostly use my flash with portrait shots so the lumiquest wouldn't work for that.

[tim]

"pro-looks diffuser" makes slightly more sense. Not much. Slightly.

The answer also depends on what type of photography you do, where you do it, etc. I have most diffusers, but rarely use anything except an off-camera umbrella, a ceiling, a wall, or direct flash.

[MinhThien]

I was trying to figure out which of the two I should get. I ended up going with the demb flip it because I mostly use my flash with portrait shots so the lumiquest wouldn't work for that.
So mind if i ask do you like the Joe Flip-it so far? Does the picture looks better than bounce card method?

[Titus213]

I would think for portrait work the mini-softbox would be great. I also know that the Lumiquest ProMax System has a diffusion screen that will convert the unit into a mini-softbox and I've used it a bit. I have not seen a comparison of images from it but there may be some on the Lumiquest web site (http://www.lumiquest.com/compare.htm).

[ooo]

I've only used the flip it once so far and it worked pretty well. I haven't tried the better bounce card.

I think the reason I didn't go for the lumiquest promax was that the bouncing would not work, a softbox would work, but the bouncing products would basically be useless.

[MinhThien]

I've only used the flip it once so far and it worked pretty well. I haven't tried the better bounce card.

I think the reason I didn't go for the lumiquest promax was that the bouncing would not work, a softbox would work, but the bouncing products would basically be useless.
maybe I'll get both and see what really works! and sell the other:)

[ooo]

Haha I feel like purchasing the softbox myself even though I have the flip it.

[MinhThien]

Haha I feel like purchasing the softbox myself even though I have the flip it.
I guess both will give different result! Because one is directly and the other is bouncing! Maybe you should buy it NOW and let me know which one is better? ;)

[MinhThien]

I would think for portrait work the mini-softbox would be great. I also know that the Lumiquest ProMax System has a diffusion screen that will convert the unit into a mini-softbox and I've used it a bit. I have not seen a comparison of images from it but there may be some on the Lumiquest web site (http://www.lumiquest.com/compare.htm).
But the Promax system you can't do vertical shot! I wonder if the Mini Softbox can?

[Bob_A]

What kind of shooting are you going to use it for? If it's for portraits, then you'll be much happier with an umbrella or using a larger softbox with an off-shoe cord.

If you want to improve your images a bit then the Lumiquest mini-softbox works ok ... about as good as you can expect for the small increase in surface area. Definitely better than nothing, but nowhere close to the result you can get with an umbrella.

You can shoot in protrait mode with the mini-softbox, but you'll still get harsh shadows to one side (it's such a small diffuser), so sometimes it's better to shoot landscape and crop to protrait to hide the shadow behind the subject.

I also have the Lumiquest 82/20 (20/80? :) ) and it usually does a better job than the mini-softbox because it gives a bit of a blend between a diffuser and bouncing off a ceiling. Only works in landscape mode though, unless you use a flash bracket I suppose.

Bouncing off a white ceiling or a white wall can often produce a better result than using any of these small modifiers. I've about given up on diffusers and opt for something to bounce off or making better use of available light.

By the way, I've also tried a Stofen Omnibounce. It is more convenient than the mini-softbox, but convenience comes at a price as it doesn't work as well IMO.

[MinhThien]

Bob! I haven't get to the umbrella stage yet:) I want something that i can carry it around too! btw I am shooting portraits!

[Hermes]

The Lumiquest Big Bounce is the only softbox/diffuser they make that is large enough to make a noticeable & worthwhile difference. The mini softbox is better than direct flash, but only just.

[Bob_A]

I agree with Hermes. These little modifiers are better than nothing but don't make a dramatic difference. If you want decent results and something portable mount your flash in one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496983-REG/Lastolite_LL_LS2438_Hot_Shoe_EZYBOX_Softbox.html

and use an off-shoe cord. You can have someone hold it for you while you take your shots or use a small handle (stick) and hold it yourself if you're using a tripod. I have one of these and it's pretty nice. It folds flat into a package the size of a Frisbee.

Or maybe get a collapsible reflector to bounce off of and have someone hold it for you?

[MinhThien]

I agree with Hermes. These little modifiers are better than nothing but don't make a dramatic difference. If you want decent results and something portable mount your flash in one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496983-REG/Lastolite_LL_LS2438_Hot_Shoe_EZYBOX_Softbox.html

and use an off-shoe cord. You can have someone hold it for you while you take your shots or use a small handle (stick) and hold it yourself if you're using a tripod. I have one of these and it's pretty nice. It folds flat into a package the size of a Frisbee.

Or maybe get a collapsible reflector to bounce off of and have someone hold it for you?
Thanks for the link bob! I only have a 430ex! Should i buy the 580exII for that unit? Do i need to buy the "OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord 3" and "ST-E2 Transmitter" for off shoe flash?
Sorry for so many question:) am a newbie!

[Bob_A]

I just use the OC-E3 for the EZBox since I use it fairly close to the camera. If you want to get into a two light setup there are pros and cons as to using Speedlights. However, because they are so portable and easy to setup, and because I have both a 420EX and 580EX II anyway I do the following for family portraits:

- 580EX II as master (and fill) using the off-shoe cord and EZBox
- 420EX (wireless slave) as my key light bouncing into an umbrella (I know it's weird to use the weaker flash as key, but a 420EX can't be a wireless master :) )

With this setup you don't need a ST-E2.

Not necessarily what I'd use if I were a pro, but it works fine for me and the photos of my kids are WAY better than anything we get from the outfit that does their class pictures. :)

[AlanU]

I use the jumbo flip all the time. I typically bounce the flash but the card will throw light forward regardless of portrait/landscape.

You can flip the card back in seconds and shoot direct flash. Joe's system is so simple and logical. I see other products out there but joe's flip it is light and you can put it in the side pouch of a small camera gear bag.

If you want a soft box check out Alzo's softbox for hotshoe flashes. I doubt people will walk around with that setup when your at at family gathering/party/wedding. I see most bounce rather than using a small softbox. I am not in the industry so this is just my observations.

A mini softbox probably works well too but its still a small light source. I like using the flipit because bouncing off walls and ceilings works for me.

[ooo]

My diffuser from the demb flip it doesn't seem to do anything? I mean it doesn't make a difference with it / without it.

[Bob_A]

I use the jumbo flip all the time. I typically bounce the flash but the card will throw light forward regardless of portrait/landscape.

You can flip the card back in seconds and shoot direct flash. Joe's system is so simple and logical. I see other products out there but joe's flip it is light and you can put it in the side pouch of a small camera gear bag.

If you want a soft box check out Alzo's softbox for hotshoe flashes. I doubt people will walk around with that setup when your at at family gathering/party/wedding. I see most bounce rather than using a small softbox. I am not in the industry so this is just my observations.

A mini softbox probably works well too but its still a small light source. I like using the flipit because bouncing off walls and ceilings works for me.


Yup, for family snaps just finding a good way to bounce is the way to go IMO. But if you want to take portraits, you need to either use reflectors (and maybe window light), be very creative how you bounce or use more than one light source with large diffusers. None of the tupperware or tiny diffusers do a great job for portraits, but they're better than nothing.

[MinhThien]

I just use the OC-E3 for the EZBox since I use it fairly close to the camera. If you want to get into a two light setup there are pros and cons as to using Speedlights. However, because they are so portable and easy to setup, and because I have both a 420EX and 580EX II anyway I do the following for family portraits:

- 580EX II as master (and fill) using the off-shoe cord and EZBox
- 420EX (wireless slave) as my key light bouncing into an umbrella (I know it's weird to use the weaker flash as key, but a 420EX can't be a wireless master :) )

With this setup you don't need a ST-E2.

Not necessarily what I'd use if I were a pro, but it works fine for me and the photos of my kids are WAY better than anything we get from the outfit that does their class pictures. :)
So i guess i have to spend more money for the 580exII and the core!:cry: What do you think about this setup:
1. 580exII on camera with Flip-it.
2 430EX on the Mini box near the object!

or

1.http://www.adorama.com/FP620AK.html
2.ST-E2?

With the second option i guess i have to buy the ST_E2 right? I figure the first option and second option will be around same price! Please give me some advice please!

Thank you very much!

[MinhThien]

This isn't so bad for bouncing of the wall right?

[AlanU]

Eric,

My take on thing is buy the 580exII. This way you'll have a master to control the 430 you already have. Theres much more versatility having a second flash vs. using an ST-e2. It depends on how much equipment you really want to buy and the amount of money you want to spend.

For indoor shots the canon trigger system will work even if its not in the line of site. The 580eXII isn't a cheap flash but in certain times you'd want more power on tap when you do go out taking photos at a family function/wedding etc etc.

Take a gander at Joe dembs website and just read his recommendations. The nice thing about the flip it is its light and you can adjust how much light you throw forward just by tilting the card. Yes you can play with FEC but you can play around to see what fits your needs.

At times I put one of my 580's on a cold shoe with an umbrella shoot through and use my other 580EXII as master w/ flipit. Sometimes I'll fire my nikon sb's and use my 580exII as a master or I'll play around with my cybersyncs. Since this is only a hobby I dont feel pressures of being a perfectionist as I'm on a learning curve as a strobist.

my tupperware container works fine if you want simple light that is flat. Turn the flipit to a wall and get some contrast shadow. You can get super critical but ultimately if your happy with you photos thats what counts.

OC-E3 Ettl cords are short. In most cases I can see you using it if you had a flash bracket. The flipit IMO doens't require a flash bracket. Your better off crying once and buying a 580EXII or even a mint 580EX and use your 430 as a slave.

[MinhThien]

Eric,

At times I put one of my 580's on a cold shoe with an umbrella shoot through and use my other 580EXII as master w/ flipit. Sometimes I'll fire my nikon sb's and use my 580exII as a master or I'll play around with my cybersyncs. Since this is only a hobby I dont feel pressures of being a perfectionist as I'm on a learning curve as a strobist.
.

So how does it turn out by using this method? Did the picture looks better or does it looks professional done?
Thanks!

[ooo]

So I was at a fashion show today and I lost my demb flip it. I'm good at losing things at shows. I lost a stack of business cards last time. Anyways, I'm going to reorder one. Anyone have a jumbo / standard one? Do you guys see the difference? I'm thinking of jumping to the jumbo one now.

[AlanU]

ooo,

I bought the big flip w/ diffuser and added an addiontal jumbo index card. This way I can swap from big to jumbo. I guess realistically playing with FEC will vary whatever light you need.

According to joe the jumbo does help a tad. The jumbo is a shiney white card vs. flat white "big" card. The retro red back card is a shiney white card infront so that may aid in throwing light.

Eric, I haven't had too much time to play with the shoot through umbrellas but its definitely fun learning remote flash.

[ooo]

I'm debating whether I should purchase the jumbo or not. Man, this index card is going to cost me a total of $80. ($40 for my big bounce and $40 for this new one, and I only got it two weeks ago). It's one expensive index card =/

[MinhThien]

I'm debating whether I should purchase the jumbo or not. Man, this index card is going to cost me a total of $80. ($40 for my big bounce and $40 for this new one, and I only got it two weeks ago). It's one expensive index card =/

I emailed Joe! He told me for my 430ex the best choice is the Big Bounce! I guess if you are using lens like the 70-200 then the jumbo will do it better i think!

[ooo]

I tried big bounce w/ the 70-200L and the results were amazing. I just wonder how much of a difference the jumbo will make. I guess I'll shoot him an email tomorrow.

[MinhThien]

I tried big bounce w/ the 70-200L and the results were amazing. I just wonder how much of a difference the jumbo will make. I guess I'll shoot him an email tomorrow.
Yes do it and please let us know :)

[ooo]

His exact words were "It is mostly a style option for people who like big stuff." What I learned was that the jumbo was made of gloss. I never knew there was a gloss / matte version. I had the big black one and that was made of matte. I would think gloss reflects more light. The big red is in gloss as well, but I'm personally not a fan of the red.

I emailed him to ask if there was a difference in material / thickness between the two. I noticed the matte version was very flimsy / index card like. It's strong but not super strong. I was wondering if the gloss was hard plastic.

[ooo]

I was just digging around potn

"Have 2 big and 1 jumbo. Hardly use the jumbo - little diference in light quality. Have NOT used a flash bracket in 2 years since purchasing these Denba products in candid situations."

[MinhThien]

000,
So are you gonna order the Jumbo or just the Big version?

[ooo]

Reordered the big one this morning, the jumbo didn't seem worth it.

[cdifoto]

I have a mini softbox, but I don't use it. I'd sell it but the plastic broke.
I have an A Better Bounce Card, but I don't use it. I'd sell it but it's ripped.
I had a Lightsphere, but I sold it.
I had a Sto-fen, but I included it with a flash I sold.
I have little bounce cards with Velcro for convenience & my logo for shameless self-promotion, and I use those a lot.

The ones I don't use cost me pretty good money. The ones I do use cost me next to nothing (card stock came from a stack of photo paper, Velcro was purchased in a roll).

If you want to go cheap, use an index card & rubber band. If you want it to look "pro," print your logo on it with your inkjet.

[cdifoto]

Bob! I haven't get to the umbrella stage yet:) I want something that i can carry it around too! btw I am shooting portraits!
If it's a real portrait, set up properly with reflectors, umbrellas, etc.

If it's just a candid snap, use direct outdoors and bounce indoors.

[Okami]

LoL I think is a really good idea with logo on the cards