Omnibounce vs Gary Fong Lightsphere

[polkad0t]

First of all, I'm not a professional photographer and just like to photograph on my spare time. I bought a 430ex ii flash a while back and am now looking to invest on diffusers. At home, I have white ceilings and walls, so flash is easily bounced here, but I'm looking for something that would allow me to use the flash when the ceilings and walls are not white [gray ceilings or similar]. I have ordered the omni bounce a week ago but it got lost in the mail, so I actually have time to consider other options now, as I kinda bought the omni bounce on impulse. So what do you guys think? I'm just a high school student and not looking to invest in umbrellas/softboxes... yet ;)Thanks!

[SkipD]

The most versatile modifier package for a Speedlite (or any similar flash unit) which I have found is the LumiQuest Promax System (http://www.lumiquest.com/products/promax-system.htm). It allows you to configure it several different ways to allow it to work at its best in different situations. It all packs into a very handy flat "wallet" that stores easily in any camera case I have used. It's what I use most of the time when I'm using my Speedlite. My Speedlite is usually mounted on a bracket that keeps it directly above the lens axis.

I have no use whatsoever for any of the 'tupperware' diffusers.

[Titus213]

+1 for SkipD's response.

I actually have an LSII. It works under such a narrow range of situations that it stays in the closet. I've moved to the Lumiquest Promax System with a camera-rotator bracket for serious work. For snapshots I use a better bounce card made out of foam paper of some kind. I made four of them for about a buck and attach them with a rubber band.

[wcameron]

This site has a hate on for all things Gary Fong. I didn't get it at first and was amazed at what my Fong Dong could do with low white ceilings.

Later I stepped up to the Promax system and not only could it do anything the Fong could do but it could do SO much more - and it stores flat in my case so I actually have it when I need it.

The Fong is overpriced and it's bulky character makes it inconvenient to pack.

One advantage to the Fong is the ability to shoot vertical without needing an expensive bracket for your flash. Without a bracket that allows you to rotate your camera (and not your flash) your Promax craps out for verticals as it will end up pointing sideways. I (and many others) solved this by rotating my flash head 90 degrees and attaching the Promax sideways. I could then rotate the camera vertically and then do the same with the flash. Low and behold Lumiquest caught onto photogs doing this and designed the Quickbounce to take advantage of this fact. You might want to look into this if you don't have a bracket that allows you to rotate the camera rather than the flash.

Gary won't get any more of my bucks. His products are long on promises and short on practical portable packable delivery. But hey if you want one I have one I'll give you a good deal on mine lol.

[Mil]

+1 for SkipD's response.

I actually have an LSII. It works under such a narrow range of situations that it stays in the closet. I've moved to the Lumiquest Promax System with a camera-rotator bracket for serious work. For snapshots I use a better bounce card made out of foam paper of some kind. I made four of them for about a buck and attach them with a rubber band.
One voice more for Lumiquest!

[polkad0t]

Thanks for the feedback guys :)

I am confused about which one to use though... Pocket Bouncer vs 80-20... what's the difference? Which is better? Also, are the gold/silver inserts necessary?

[c2thew]

fong lightspheres are alright. they will fall short when it comes to filling the frame with a 50mm focal range.

the fong lightsphere is a different tool for different lighting needs. it is a diffuser best used for a short range zoom ala 16-35 or a 17-40 range.

to each their own.

[Mil]

Thanks for the feedback guys :)

I am confused about which one to use though... Pocket Bouncer vs 80-20... what's the difference? Which is better? Also, are the gold/silver inserts necessary?
You have more options with 80-20
http://www.lumiquest.com/products/promax-system.htm
Insert you use if you need different, lets say more warm or cold colours.

[Titus213]

I've seldom used the silver or gold insert. The white gets used when I have no ceiling for the 80/20.

[smorter]

I'm a fan of not using any modifier. I just use a 580EXII and bounce it. It doesn't matter if you don't have white walls or ceilings. You can bounce of anything. The only surface that is problematic is black, which cuts the range of your flash substantially.

Grey, Red, Green, Yellow...whatever...it's no issue as long as you colour correct. (Try experimenting first of course)

That's what I always use for when I do indoor shots anyway. I don't really like the idea of spending money on these devices when you can get decent light for free by using your surroundings.

For example, here's a recent shoot I did for a friend's function (images are SOOC so apologies for the overexposed shots here and there). EXIF viewable by holding mouse over photo and clicking the orange "I" symbol.
http://dawei.zenfolio.com/p1028959405/hd1159a0#hd1159a0

Anyway, if you think the shots match the light quality of using a bounce modifier, then I reckon just skip it and just work on bouncing only. If you don't like the shots, well then just ignore what I'm saying and go ahead and purchase one :D

When you don't have anything to bounce off, the Fong won't work either since it is a bounce modifier - it relies on bouncing, it just provides forward fill. In the absence of a bounce surface the Fong just becomes a large direct flash head...negligible diffusion of light

[jr_senator]

I have the 80-20 and love it. If I could buy just the white insert (I have no need for the others) I would. I also use Westcott's Micro Apollo Softbox (I have 2). The Lumiquest Quik Bounce looks good to me, but I already have enough attachments.

[drumsfield]

How do you guys think this compares to those systems?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380162630006&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[jr_senator]

Probably as effect as anything else.

[Titus213]

How do you guys think this compares to those systems?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=380162630006&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

You will have the same problem you would get with the Lumiquest in portrait orientation - some side shadows. That's why I use a bracket. This unit would not be as versatile as the Lumiquest system but a lot cheaper. If the unit would attach to the short side of the flash like the better bounce card (http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/) it would help. Not solve, but help.

[polkad0t]

I'm pretty much decided on getting the 80-20 then :)

Someone mentioned attaching the promax sideways for vertical shots... how does one do that? I don't feel the need to buy a bracket JUST yet so if it's possible to shoot veritcal without a bracket, do share how it works! Pictures are greatly appreciated, if there are any.

[jr_senator]

You will need a bracket.

[agv8or]

I am a Sto-Fen user myself but I do have the lumiquest 80/20, pocket bounce and the new Quick Bnounce which is kind of the best of both worlds plus it mounts to the side of your flash which allows you to to always keep the diffuser part facing forward without having to use a bracket when you rotate your camera. I hate brackets!

I also have the GF Lightspheres and have cussed them and berated them here as much as anybody. I have found they work well when shooting groups inside when your flash units are mounted on lightstands. I will no longer try use them when mounted to the camera. First they look stupid and attract attention hence you look stupid and attract attention using them and second I have yet to figure out how to keep the lids on.

I bought the Demb Pro a while back, based on advice from these forums, and it was just another $40 I didn't need to spend. For $16 dollars the Sto-fens will do practically everything that any of the other flash modifiers, costing 2 or 3 times as much, will do. They are small and don't scream for attention like alot of the other modifiers and to me that more than makes up for any limited shortcomings they may have plus did I mention they are only $16.

The problem most people have with flash isn't due to the modifier they are using but in the way they are using their flash. No light modifier in the world is going to replace proper technique. Most people try to use to low of an ISO thinking flash will compensate. It is amazing how many people on these forums think the 580EX's don't have enough power, what? If you are shooting in very dark situations using ISO 100 and an aperture of f11 then you are going to be power limited. Boost your ISO to 800, 1600, even 3200 and you would be amazed at how well your flash will perform and what little noise is produced in the process. When you balance ambient with fill flash your images will look great and it won't matter one hill of beans what modifier you had.

[Green Li]

First of all, I'm not a professional photographer and just like to photograph on my spare time. I bought a 430ex ii flash a while back and am now looking to invest on diffusers. At home, I have white ceilings and walls, so flash is easily bounced here, but I'm looking for something that would allow me to use the flash when the ceilings and walls are not white [gray ceilings or similar]. I have ordered the omni bounce a week ago but it got lost in the mail, so I actually have time to consider other options now, as I kinda bought the omni bounce on impulse. So what do you guys think? I'm just a high school student and not looking to invest in umbrellas/softboxes... yet ;)Thanks!
since you're a high school student you may want to consider making your own diffuser (something like ABBC, for example).
alternatively, you could go for the cheapest (but not the worst :)) commercial diffuser, which is called DiffuseiT (http://photo-tips-online.com/review/diffuseit-flash-reflector/)
http://photo-tips-online.com/review/diffuseit-flash-reflector/images/small/diffuseit-flash-reflector-1.jpg
also, you may want to dig a little more and take a look at best flash diffuser (http://photo-tips-online.com/review/best-flash-diffuser/)review

[Livinthalife]

got a question about the promax, I got a groups shot and lack any proper lighting. would the promax be able to help on a group shot of 7 people? or would the flash be too centered? What about off camera with no reflector?

[Green Li]

got a question about the promax, I got a groups shot and lack any proper lighting. would the promax be able to help on a group shot of 7 people? or would the flash be too centered? What about off camera with no reflector?
it depends on the distance you're going to be using your diffuser from...

this test may come handy: flash diffuser frame coverage test (http://photo-tips-online.com/test/flash-diffuser-frame-coverage/)

http://photo-tips-online.com/test/flash-diffuser-frame-coverage/images/small/lumiquest-promax-system-white-diffuser.jpg (http://photo-tips-online.com/test/flash-diffuser-frame-coverage/)

[jr_senator]

it depends on the distance you're going to be using your diffuser from...
And how one poses the group. 7 in a row is asking for less light on the ends. If one were to curve the ends in a bit even lighting might be achieved. However, then focusing of the group would be off. Maybe 3 in one row and 4 in another would work best even though not ideal. If one were to pose with 2 rows and take the picture from a height double (or there about) of the subjects then focusing and lighting might be decent.

[Jimster71]

I use the lumiquest promax system - I did a little write up on it on my blog a while back (http://jamiewillmott.com/blog/2009/03/10/lumiquest-promax-system). I also use a flash bracket to keep the flash in the same orientation, regardless of the orientation of the camera. This helps to keep the lighting consistent between shots.

The stofen gives you more of a bare bulb effect with your flash, spreading it out in all directions, rather than a soft light source. The softness of the light depends on the relative size of the light source to the subject. A small light source gives harder light.

[jr_senator]

The softness of the light depends on the relative size of the light source to the subject. A small light source gives harder light.
And this important fact is often overlooked.

[Curtis N]

I have the Promax System but the only insert I ever use is the white one.

If you want to save a few bucks, just get the 80/20 and make your own insert from cardstock.

I also like the Joe-Demb Flip-it based on its design and concept. I haven't actually tried one.

As for the Lightsphere vs. Sto-Fen question, the Lightsphere with the lid on is bigger. It might actually work for macro shooting where that size might make a difference and the inherent inefficiency is not really an issue.

[polkad0t]

I am now the proud owner of a Lumiquest Quik Bounce :D

Thanks for all of your help guys!