Omnibounce difuser confusion...

[Salleke]

Hello,

Yesterday i saw on television a photografer using his flash unit with a omnibounce difuser outside in open air, and it was angled 45 degree up. I always thougt that you can only use a omnibounce inside because you need a ceiling or wall to reflect the light of the flash.
Can someone please explain if it's usefull to use a omnibounce with your flash if you are taking pictures outside?
Does the color of the ceiling and walls play a major roll in the lightning when using a flash with a omnibounce inside?
Thanks in advance.

Salleke.

[tim]

From my limited tests, I wouldn't bother with the omnibounce unless there's a ceiling to bounce off. When I tried it direct the colors came out quite odd, and the difference between bounce and 45 deg is negligable in my experience.

I mean to do a bit of a test in a week or so, once some new equipment turns up. I plan to test the following, both on-camera and on a flash bracket, inside and outside (no bounce outside):
- Direct flash
- Direct flash with lightsphere II
- Flash bounced
- Flash bounced with omni-bounce
- Flash bounced with lightsphere II

Keep an eye on the lighting forum if you're interested in the results.

[Todd Jacobsen]

From my limited tests, I wouldn't bother with the omnibounce unless there's a ceiling to bounce off. When I tried it direct the colors came out quite odd, and the difference between bounce and 45 deg is negligable in my experience.

I mean to do a bit of a test in a week or so, once some new equipment turns up. I plan to test the following, both on-camera and on a flash bracket, inside and outside (no bounce outside):
- Direct flash
- Direct flash with lightsphere II
- Flash bounced
- Flash bounced with omni-bounce
- Flash bounced with lightsphere II

Keep an eye on the lighting forum if you're interested in the results.

I'd recommend using a notecard, in association with a vertical omnibounce.
In order to conduct test comparisons, you need to conduct legitimate comparisons.

Omnibounce is meant for bouncing, it's use in other ways, dimish it's effectiveness. There are better tools (Lumiquest) to do other lighting approaches.

LSII vertical position is a "bounce" position
LSII direct (with lid) can be compared to Omnibounce direct.

I'll be impressed if you note a difference, I didn't.

LSII direct (with lid) can be compared to Ominibounce x2 direct.

I noted the Omnix2 performed better, but that difference is just 1 fstop, which you can manually adjust (without using 2 omnibounces).

I noted no differences between the LSII (vertical) and the Lumiquest 80-20.

I did note more diffuse light on subject utilizing Lumiquest Softbox as well as Promax system (white insert & diffuser) when compared to LSII.

LSII does what it says it does. I would debate that it does it "better" than other products.

[cactusclay]

Interesting, I was hoping for something better.

[scottbergerphoto]

The omnibounce is useless outside.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66120&highlight=teddy+bear+test

[natalka]

I have always used the Omnibounce outside, and I like the results. I've made it work for me.

http://www.borrowedbluephoto.com/lisa&sethengagement.htm

http://www.borrowedbluephoto.com/tasha&joeES.htm

http://www.borrowedbluephoto.com/libby&rogerES.htm

All taken with Omnibounce at 45* angle, FEL, 10D.

Natalie

[tim]

I'll keep that in mind for my tests, Todd.

[cactusclay]

So that's straight on with omnibounce, any ones without to compare?

[natalka]

Not sure if the question was directed at me, but no, I don't think there are any outside photos on those collages, or on the website, taken without an omnibounce.

When the flash doesn't fire, ie too rapid fire for it to recycle, then the images are either backlit, or look like they are in shadow.

Natalie

[Salleke]

Thank you all for your info.