LIGHTSPHERE

[johnlo]

does anyone here use the LIGHTSPHERE? just wondering how good it works.

[photofinish]

I've used mine for about 6 months now and have not had any problems with it. I think the photos come out evenly diffused, better than just with the 580EX. I like being able to flip the camera vertical and have the lightsphere still maintain its vertical position as well. There have been occasions, though, with my 20D in "P" mode, if I'm too close, the photos will still be a bit overexposed.


The shape takes people by surprise. :-)

Overall, I'm happy with the purchase and would do it again if I had to.

Hope this helps.

[johnlo]

thanks jerry. ya, was reading about this yesterday.. I dont know why I didnt locate this reading earlier. I think I'm going to order one today since I got a wedding this weekend. hopefully it will come ontime. thanks

johnlo

[tim]

Yep, I do like the lightsphere, I use it often, but it's not perfect.

Good points:
- Nice diffuse light.
- Can be used bounced or direct.
- Reduces side shadow under some circumstances (though you still need a flash bracket for paid work).
- Gets a few laughs and many comments.
- Good for single person portraits, so long as you only want even lighting.

Bad points:
- VERY inefficient. It throws light everywhere, which uses a lot of battery power, at least double what the flash would use by itself.
- Doesn't eliminate need for flash bracket like some people claim.
- VERY inefficient.
- No good for groups
- Even lighting.

I would definitely buy one again.

[CyberDyneSystems]

I did a search for "gary fong"...

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=64950&highlight=gary+fong

this was a very long thread with lots of good samples..
And here's a search for "Lightsphere"

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/search.php?searchid=275500

[johnlo]

WOOHOO!!! Just placed an order for one. I hope it arrive by this Friday... Got a wedding assignment on Saturday. I was doing to do the Express Mail. But didnt want to pay $18. Only paying $4 now. Well crossing my fingers.. if it doesnt, its ok. I can live w/o it.

[johnlo]

WOOHOO!!!! Just got it in the mail.... right ontime for tomorrow wedding shoot. time to do some test shots on it later...

[ssim]

I have one and have used it only once. It does provide nice even light and reduces the harsh shadows you can end up with when using direct flash.

For the price it is probably worth it. If all else fails you can always use it for a funnel.:)

[scott stokes]

I have used one lately in the photography class that i have taken and it works great,we will be useing it more in the next two weeks.

[ksmattfish]

I like mine. It's just a big plastic diffuser. I also have a Stofen Omni Bounce. The Omni Bounce fits in the bag better, and doesn't look as obnoxious, but sometime I need a bigger diffuser. When you are shooting verticals with a Lightsphere and a flash that will swivel, the Lightsphere presents the same size light source as when the camera is horizontal. The omni bounce is reduced to about 1/3 the size when the camera is turned vertical.

Another great thing is that I fill it with cheese puffs at the reception, and people can snack as I shoot pics. ;)

[Curtis N]

Tim's post is pretty comprehensive. I would add a few more points.
- $39 US + shipping for something that has all the technology of a $3 piece of Tupperware
- Does not fit ALL flash units (such as my Promaster)

It's basically a lampshade for your flash unit. I have experimented some with an empty 1 gallon milk jug. Initial results seem similar to the examples shown on Gary Fong's site. This project (codename "Milksphere I") is still in the engineering phase.

[johnlo]

I used it yesterday at my wedding shoot. from looking at the LCD screen. I was amazed how evently the light balance out with indoor photography. I havent look at any of the pics I shoot yesterday on my computer yet... I need a day of rest. I will check them out tomorrow and will most one and let you see for yourself.

[Todd Jacobsen]

I used it yesterday at my wedding shoot. from looking at the LCD screen. I was amazed how evently the light balance out with indoor photography. I havent look at any of the pics I shoot yesterday on my computer yet... I need a day of rest. I will check them out tomorrow and will most one and let you see for yourself.

That amazement should be tempered with comparative results.

If you did not take any pictures without the LSII, it will be difficult to show whether or not the diffuser helped or hindered.