Best Flash Diffuser (rating diffusers)

[Green Li]

Many times I wondered what the best flash diffuser is (Even though I understand that there is no such thing :). It all depends on the application.)
For professionals it is probably not an issue since they usually buy as many gadgets as necessary to get the job done ;). Amateurs tend to go for a versatile solution if there is one.
So, playing with different diffusers, I came up with some sort of a system. I got my thoughts organized and a number of diffusers rated. I still don't have Sto-Fen on my list and some of LumiQuest products I want to rank. That's coming later.
Here is my current Best Flash Diffuser (http://photo-tips-online.com/review/best-flash-diffuser/) list.
Any comments are appreciated.
Hopefully this info will help someone.

[vadim_c]

Many times I wondered what the best flash diffuser is (even though I understand that there is no such thing :). It all depends on application.)
For professionals it is probably not an issue since they usually buy as many gadgets as necessary to get the job done ;). Amateurs tend to go for a versatile solution if there is one.
So, playing with different diffusers, I came up with some sort of a system. I got my thoughts organized and a number of diffusers rated. I still don't have Sto-Fen on my list and some of LumiQuest products I want to rank. That's coming later.
Here is my current Best Flash Diffuser (http://photo-tips-online.com/review/best-flash-diffuser/) list.
Any comments are appreciated.
Hopefully this info will help someone.
A lot of rank points such as flexibility, ease of use etc.
Surprisingly the very first thing that is far more important than everything else combined - the quality of light is omitted completely :-(

[SkipD]

Unfortunately, you totally missed one package that is probably the most versatile modifier for camera-mounted flash units - the LumiQuest Promax System (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq931.htm). It can be configured in several ways, so it can be optimized for a variety of situations, either indoors or out, small room or large, etc. I use one, and it provides quality portable lighting in all sorts of conditions.

[Green Li]

Unfortunately, you totally missed one package that is probably the most versatile modifier for camera-mounted flash units - the LumiQuest Promax System (http://www.lumiquest.com/lq931.htm). It can be configured in several ways, so it can be optimized for a variety of situations, either indoors or out, small room or large, etc. I use one, and it provides quality portable lighting in all sorts of conditions.
The Promax is good. I'll add it for sure. The list is not final and probably never will be :). I had to start with something. I'll add more over time.
Sto-Fen, Lightsphere, LumiQuest Softbox...

[SkipD]

One thing that I have noticed with a very fast look-see is that you have not explained (primarily for the newbies who are shopping) what the limitations of the 'tupperware' diffusers (Stofen, Fong-ware, etc.) are all about. You don't explain that blasting light in all directions is counter-productive in large venues or outdoors. It wastes light, battery energy, and as a result can overheat the flash unit if it is used too rapidly at full (or nearly full) power.

[dpds68]

And you did not mention my Faves , (1) a white wall or ceiling (2) Index Card and Rubberband .

:rolleyes:

David

[martinsmith]

And you did not mention my Faves , (1) a white wall or ceiling (2) Index Card and Rubberband .

:rolleyes:

David
The cheapest and the best when you use on-camera flash IMO.

[Green Li]

One thing that I have noticed with a very fast look-see is that you have not explained (primarily for the newbies who are shopping) what the limitations of the 'tupperware' diffusers (Stofen, Fong-ware, etc.) are all about. You don't explain that blasting light in all directions is counter-productive in large venues or outdoors. It wastes light, battery energy, and as a result can overheat the flash unit if it is used too rapidly at full (or nearly full) power.

You're right. And that's why Gary Fong WhaleTail received low "flexibility" score and low "battery lifespan" score.

[Shooting]

And don't forget the abetterbouncecard which I hate but it deserves to be mentioned.

[cfibanez]

Quick question: how does the flash know what power to put out when it has a diffuser on it?

[Green Li]

Quick question: how does the flash know what power to put out when it has a diffuser on it?
It works in the exactly same way with or without diffuser:
pre-flash happens first
then light output is calculated based on the pre-flash
then proper amount of power is delivered with a second flashEverything happens very fast. Human eye cannot see it, and it's way faster then the camera shutter.

Diffuser does not affect this, but reduces the flash range of course.

[studiophoto.com.au]

Theres defiantely more trial and error involved too. I may find myself dialing up the flash a touch anyway. More so if using a bounce card.

[Wilt]

A lot of rank points such as flexibility, ease of use etc.
Surprisingly the very first thing that is far more important than everything else combined - the quality of light is omitted completely :-(

While true, this is a very difficult thing to ascertain! The same unit could be 9 on a scale of 10 (terrific) in some cases, yet be a 1 (horrible) in others. A Stoffen indoors in the living room vs outdoors would be an example of a single product at both ends of the extreme! A small softbox might be a 7 up close both indoors and outdoors, and only a 3 far away indoors and outdoors. Too complex to rate in a simple chart.

Rate a Ferrari and a Minicooper...on what criteria? economy, speed, acceleration, ability to carry 4 people, ability to move snow skis, practicality...and put this all into a single column for overall rating!