Flash Diffuser

[BrianEE93]

I try to bounce my flash for use a deflector whenever possible but I was wondering what is a good diffuser if I need to point the flash directly at a person because of ceiling height or whatever? I have heard of people just making a simple sock but don't know what to use. I am also not against buying something that work good.

[bikerider]

Hi Brien, I've just ordered an Omni Bounce diffuser for my 550EX, $59.95 Aus and I believe it causes a loss of 2 f stops. I'm looking forward to trying it out on some people shots. I have used a couple of tissues taped over the head before but it's inconvenient when you need to change quickly.
Roger.

[robertwgross]

Lumiquest Softbox.

---Bob Gross---

[wilflee]

Just wrap several layers of tissue paper around the flash head and tie it up with a elastic band. Cost shouldn't exceed $0.10. Other materials to try include wax paper or just plain printer paper. Before using the flash, test it with a flash meter to determine how many stops of light you'll lose with the diffuser and be sure your flash is powerful enough.

[scottbergerphoto]

http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/diffuser_test

[Barb42]

http://secure.mycart.net/catalogs/catalog.asp?prodid=3354218&showprevnext=1

Lightsphere by Gary Fong

[guitarman]

http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/diffuser_test

Out of all those, I liked the pocket bounce.

[lostdoggy]

If you want to go cheap you can use the bottom 3 inch of a Shower to Shower powder container or similar.

[Bob_A]

Lumiquest Softbox.

---Bob Gross---

I use a Lumiquest mini-softbox and it works nicely. When I have a white ceiling to bounce off of I use a Lumiquest 80/20.

[Ballen Photo]

Lumiquest Softbox. DITTO! Here's an example of what one looks like. Nevermind the strange contortions the bracket is set at in this shot as I was using it for macro in this configuration. :rolleyes: This one is the Lumiquest Mini Softbox mounted on the 550EX. ;)
-Bruce
http://www.fototime.com/2E13F21CD31552A/standard.jpg

[Ballen Photo]

http://www.pbase.com/scottbergerphoto/diffuser_testThis is GREAT Scott. Looks like you got serious about putting this test together. (Your model even showed a hint of a smile in a couple of these shots.) ;)
I liked the little Q cards showing flash attitude. :D
-Bruce

[BrianEE93]

Thanks for the info everyone. Loved the tests Scott! I may try the tissue paper for now and look into the mini softbox or the pocket bounce.

[scottbergerphoto]

The 3x5 index card at 45 degress works pretty well and it comes in assorted colors!

[BrianEE93]

The 3x5 index card at 45 degress works pretty well and it comes in assorted colors!

I have a 5x7 white balance card that I have held up over a bounce flash with pretty good luck. I just wanted something that I wouldn't have to hold. I guess you could tape the index card on the flash or use the tissue and rubber band. If I decide to spend a little money, I really like the mini softbox.

[Wilt]

Keep in mind that a diffuser softens the source a bit but does not change the SIZE of the source significantly...so tissue will do little to alter the harsh edges of shadows much. You need to increase the apparent size of the source, which the Lumiquest mini does SOMEWHAT (but I think not enough!). Wescott makes a small softbox (Wescott 'Mini') that attaches to flash units that is larger than the Lumiquest mini. Chimera makes a small softbox that also attaches to flash units which is even bigger than the Wescott (Chimera Xtra-Small). Bouncing off a large card is similar, but with more 'spillage' of light onto the ceiling and walls, which is bad if they are colored because it taints the light that strikes the subject!!!

[Wilt]

I forgot to mention that I have used both the Wescott and the Chimera with Metz flash units for dual lighting when shooting weddings, for the formals as well as for candids, so I speak with real world experience with both products. I take pride in the fact that the lighting looks more like ambient rather than artificial sources.

[BrianEE93]

Keep in mind that a diffuser softens the source a bit but does not change the SIZE of the source significantly...so tissue will do little to alter the harsh edges of shadows much. You need to increase the apparent size of the source, which the Lumiquest mini does SOMEWHAT (but I think not enough!). Wescott makes a small softbox (Wescott 'Mini') that attaches to flash units that is larger than the Lumiquest mini. Chimera makes a small softbox that also attaches to flash units which is even bigger than the Wescott (Chimera Xtra-Small). Bouncing off a large card is similar, but with more 'spillage' of light onto the ceiling and walls, which is bad if they are colored because it taints the light that strikes the subject!!!

Do you have a link where I can buy these?

[BrianEE93]

What about something like this:


http://porters.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PCS&Product_Code=13-0406&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

[Wilt]

Do you have a link where I can buy these?

Check out B&H.

Their pro lighting catalog on my shelf (a number of years old) had all of them...Wescott, Chimera, Photoflex. The Lumiquest is in their ordinary ad in the monthlies, as are one or two products from Photoflex and Chimera.

Photoflex has 16x22 units, as Chimera has 12x16 and 16x22. Wescott's Micro Apollo is 5x8. The Wescott is a little more expensive than Lumiquest products, and the Photoflex and Chimera are more expensive, depending upon size. Keep in mind that these may not fit your flash unit, especially if it is an amateur-oriented unit rather than something like a Metz which pros often use for weddings.

[BrianEE93]

Check out B&H.

Their pro lighting catalog on my shelf (a number of years old) had all of them...Wescott, Chimera, Photoflex. The Lumiquest is in their ordinary ad in the monthlies, as are one or two products from Photoflex and Chimera.

Photoflex has 16x22 units, as Chimera has 12x16 and 16x22. Wescott's Micro Apollo is 5x8. The Wescott is a little more expensive than Lumiquest products, and the Photoflex and Chimera are more expensive, depending upon size. Keep in mind that these may not fit your flash unit, especially if it is an amateur-oriented unit rather than something like a Metz which pros often use for weddings.

I have a Sigma EF-500 Super. I will look a little more at B&H but at first I didn't see the Wescott Mini Softbox just the Apollo. I didn't think the Apollo would fit on a small strobe. How about the product above?

[PetersCreek]

I just received my Lightsphere II yesterday, so it hasn't exactly had a trial by fire under real-world conditions yet. But so far, the few test shots I've made look promising. I should have a better feel for it by this weekend when I can give it more of a workout.

[jgjulio]

Take a look at this test between the Lumiquest system and the Stofen system.
http://www.toddwalker.net/e20/flashtest/
This guy did a good job.

[BrianEE93]

I was at a wedding this weekend and the photographer was using a Lumiquest Softbox(about 5x7) for his off tripod shots. I got to see a couple of shots on the LCD that looked very good. I just like the idea of more area with the center weighting on the material.

[nat869]

I have a Lumiquest softbox and really love it.

[nightlifelink]

I use a Lumiquest mini-softbox and it works nicely. When I have a white ceiling to bounce off of I use a Lumiquest 80/20.

I love the 80/20. I usually practically for all my people shots even if the ceiling is too high or its a black ceiling. Love the reaction it gets... I've even had some people get scared of it like "WHAT IS THAT" :)

[BrianEE93]

I have narrowed it down to these two:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=32690&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/62832/WEMAQ/REG/3750

I have one more question. I don't have a flash bracket. Will these still work okay with a hot shoe mounted flash? I am wanting to buy this to get better candid shots at birthday parties etc. For portraits I use a multiple bounce flash set up.

[Wilt]

I have the Wescott Micro Apollo, and I believe they work fine with hotshoe flash units (I have potatomasher Metz units). The illustration certainly shows it mounted on a hotshoe unit. The ability to use it on YOUR flash would depend in part on the physical design of your flash's body, as one consideration might be whether or not the Wescott would clear your lens adequately to permit zooming or manual focus adjustment.
I hate appearance of the plastic inflatable balloon of the Lumiquest.

[RAW]

How about the galon milk containers (the white ones), make them to fit the flash and voila, you have an homemade diffuser...;)

If I could've taken them with me on weddings without lookin cheap I would've...anyhow, I bought the lightsphere II and also omnibounce diffusers, I gotta tell ya, I like the results I get from the Lighsphere...but omnibounces are more practical...

Regards,

[Tom Camilleri]

My questions here will no doubt betray a lack of knowledge, but here goes. If you are loosing a few stops with the diffuser, how do you compensate for it? Just open up? Won't that overexpose the background.


Just wrap several layers of tissue paper around the flash head and tie it up with a elastic band. Cost shouldn't exceed $0.10. Other materials to try include wax paper or just plain printer paper. Before using the flash, test it with a flash meter to determine how many stops of light you'll lose with the diffuser and be sure your flash is powerful enough.

[HJMinard]

My questions here will no doubt betray a lack of knowledge, but here goes. If you are loosing a few stops with the diffuser, how do you compensate for it? Just open up? Won't that overexpose the background.

I would suggest using flash exposure compensation (FEC), but (unfortunately) in your case I don't think either your camera or your flash has this feature.