Omni-bounce Direct? Yeah, try two...

[Todd Jacobsen]

I've been doing some testing using the Lumiquest Softbox, 80-20, Omni-Bounce, and LSII.

Never noticed it before but an Omnibounce is stackable...Discovered better histogram results when flash direct between LSII (with dome) and Omnibounce x2.

I've also noticed better histogram results with an omnibounce + Softbox when flash direct (when compared to LSII).

I have yet to try Omnibounce + 80-20. Results would be compared to LSII vertical.

[scottbergerphoto]

The only thing that the Omnibounce is doing when pointed straight on is reducing the amount of light. You can get the same result with -FEC.

[tim]

Would the omnibounce straight on not direct more of the light up and down, and perhaps because of that give a slightly better picture if there are low ceilings? I tend to use it when i'm close to the person i'm taking photos of, but i've not done any tesing to check if it actually works better.

What advantage does the Omnibounce have when you point it at the ceiling?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Would the omnibounce straight on not direct more of the light up and down, and perhaps because of that give a slightly better picture if there are low ceilings? I tend to use it when i'm close to the person i'm taking photos of, but i've not done any tesing to check if it actually works better.

What advantage does the Omnibounce have when you point it at the ceiling?

Bounced light provides a better diffused light than direct flash. The name of the Omni-"bounce" comes from it's best option - which is to bounce it off a surface and onto your subject.

The "seller" feature of the LSII is really a vertical bounce and direct diffuse light. If there are no low ceilings, the vertical bounce provides NO value but the direct diffuse capability still provides fill light.

Utilizing an Omni-bounce x2 reduces the light and provides a similar direct diffuse light suitable for fill lighting. In fact, tests (limited) that I've done have shown the Omnix2 direct works better than LSII direct (with dome). My "assessment" is based off of histogram results.

[Todd Jacobsen]

The only thing that the Omnibounce is doing when pointed straight on is reducing the amount of light. You can get the same result with -FEC.

I'd agree, except for the diffusing of light.

[scottbergerphoto]

This is a pretty detailed test demonstrating the effects of an omnibounce in various positions indoors and outdoors. Try not to let the fact that it was done on Nikon equipment get in the way. ;)
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/guides/teddy/teddy-bear-1.html

[tombryan]

The only thing that the Omnibounce is doing when pointed straight on is reducing the amount of light. You can get the same result with -FEC.

Excuse my ignorance, but what is "-FEC" ??

[magicmikey]

Flash exposure compensation - allows you to increase or decrease the exposure when using the camera's built-in flash exposure system (e-ttl).