LumiQuest Promax Midibouncer?

[Columbus Photo]

I may be buying a flash with a Lumiquest Promax Midibouncer. Would this be something preferred for portraits or should I use an omnibounce instead? The flash is a 550ex.

[Tom W]

If you're referring to the promax system HERE (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=32580&is=REG) , it is a pretty good setup. It is fairly flexible and allows for regular bounce flash, proportional bounce/direct flash, bounce off of the bouncer itself (as opposed to the regular ceiling bounce), or diffused bounce. The advantage over the Omnibounce is all that flexibility. Plus, if you use it strictly as a diffuser system, it will provide a much larger diffusion surface area than the omnibounce - more like a small softbox. That should soften shadows a bit if you aren't too far away from your subject.

[Columbus Photo]

That is exactly what I am referring to! Thank you!

[Tom W]

I have the Lumiquest Promax kit. I really like it.

[Columbus Photo]

Would this work ok outdoors? Or is it primarily for indoor use?

[Tom W]

It will work outdoors or in - you have a lot of options as to how you set up the reflectors. If you put the full reflector in (I think there's pure white, gold, or silver in the kit), it will act like a regular flash, except that it will appear that source of light is about 6 inches above the flash. If you're indoors with a low ceiling, remove the reflector and use the ceiling for bounce instead - the frame still will reflect about 20% of the light directly towards the subject to put a little "catch-light" in their eyes.

Its not perfect - it won't replace a big professional light set or multiple flashes, but it will get the most out of a single flash unit that can be gotten.

[malum]

I have a similar set up and it works great inside, bounced off the ceiling (with some flash directed at the subject)

[snibbetsj]

I prefer the Lumiquest softbox or mini softbox over the bouncer. I have both and the softboxes normally give me better results. If I need to bounce the light, I do have the bounce. They're not terribly expensive so you might get both and try 'em out.