Omnibounce value?

[jokar]

I've got a 300D camera, a 550EX and a (recently acquired) 580EX flash.

After a little experience and a little research I thought that maybe a Sto-Fen Omnibounce would help me achieve some softer flash exposures, especially for portrait shots.

Today when I checked in at a local store I was surprised to find that the Omni Bounce was a cheap-looking little plastic doo-dad that was going to set me back $47 Australian dollars to purchase (around US$36 in the dominant currency). I get items of this apparent quality in my junk mail.

I kept my credit card in my pocket today (an unusual experience). Can anyone tell me why this Omni Bounce device is good value, or advise me of alternatives?

[etaf]

I have used them on all my flashes - 550EX, 430EZ and they provide a nice effect - cost me around £15 about 8years ago.
I dont now for sure but TRUST {and this maybe naive} but that the construction is designed to ensure that the light is constant across the face of the plastic - so that the light is even. also the one for the 550EX has a T on it - so again i suspect it has an effect.

but it does seem expensive for a bit of plastic - if i purchased another flash gun I would get the sto-fen for it, as i have been really please with it using film