Which diffuser for the 430EX II

I am looking at 2 different diffusers and I don't know which one to get. One is like a plastic cover that goes over the flash and the other is more of a softbox that goes over it.

Here are the links. (this will be used on camera or just off camera about 2ft)

http://www.amazon.com …/B003Y30334/ref​=pd_cp_p_2

http://www.amazon.com …NHXY/ref=pd_bxg​y_p_text_b


Thanks!

Larger equals better.

Keep in mind that a softbox like the one shown might interfere with your flash unit's AF Assist light. If you want a softbox, try this one:
http://www.lumiquest.c​om …ts/LumiQuest-SoftBox.html

Other than that, a 3x5 index card and rubber band will serve you well. Avoid spending money until you learn about light and how to control it.

I wouldn't use either. What are you hoping they will do for you? What kinds of pictures are you trying to take?

Ratjack wrote in post #14329595
I am looking at 2 different diffusers and I don't know which one to get. One is like a plastic cover that goes over the flash and the other is more of a softbox that goes over it.

Here are the links. (this will be used on camera or just off camera about 2ft)

http://www.amazon.com …/B003Y30334/ref​=pd_cp_p_2

http://www.amazon.com …NHXY/ref=pd_bxg​y_p_text_b

these two serve completely different purposes. you gotta understand how diffusers work. if you new to this, try making a bounce card first.
Thanks!

How do bounce cards work? And an index card with a rubber band would work ok? Do I just point the flash up when taking photos and the bounce card will push light towards the subject?

I might try this out:
http://www.themoment2c​herish.com/DIY-Bounce-Card/

Green Li wrote in post #14330017
these two serve completely different purposes. you gotta understand how diffusers work. if you new to this, try making a bounce card first.
Thanks!

They both serve the same purpose: killing your output while not doing anything useful!

When you can use a ceiling as a bounce surface, to turn the ceiling into a large virtual light source, you are better off firing with the flash head pointed upward and not bother with the plastic devices like the Omnibounce. The Omnibounce diverts light directly behind you, which virtually never gets forward to light your subject; and the intensity is diminshed, too, so it both wastes light and makes your flash work harder than without it, running down your batteries faster!
A small white card, used with the upward pointing flash, provides a catchlight to be seen in the subject eyes (just like the Omnibounce would do.

When you have no ceiling (e.g. outside) or a vividly colored ceiling, you cannot/don't want to use ceiling bounce. So a softbox which is 48 sq.in. is far better than using the native flash pointed forward, which is a tiny 3-4 sq.in. Shadow edges are much softer. And if the flash is on a bracket which keeps the flash above the lens axis, shadows are usually not visible to the lens.

walls and ceilings
(I wouldn't use neither of those 2 'options')

tkbslc wrote in post #14330175
They both serve the same purpose: killing your output while not doing anything useful!

one does make you look more like a dork than the other

Great advice about learning why your flash head rotates.

http://russellspixelpi​x.blogspot.ca …no-need-to-spend-big.html

Could someone tell me how you would use the hot shoe flash out doors and on the camera? Do the hot shoe flashes do ok outdoors pointed directly at the subject? Or is some sort of diffusion needed so there are not any drastic spots of light? Any photo examples would also be appreciated!

Ratjack wrote in post #14333715
Could someone tell me how you would use the hot shoe flash out doors and on the camera? Do the hot shoe flashes do ok outdoors pointed directly at the subject? Or is some sort of diffusion needed so there are not any drastic spots of light? Any photo examples would also be appreciated!

During the bright part of the day when used for fill you often need all the flash power you have so bare is the way to go. When you cant bounce your options are more problematic. Most of use dont use the flash in the hotshoe but rather use a cord or wireless trigger and move the flash off the hotshoe, either on a bracket or on a stand. That will allow you to use a bigger modifier like a 16 inch softbox on a bracket, or even larger on a stand.

Ratjack wrote in post #14333715
Could someone tell me how you would use the hot shoe flash out doors and on the camera? Do the hot shoe flashes do ok outdoors pointed directly at the subject? Or is some sort of diffusion needed so there are not any drastic spots of light? Any photo examples would also be appreciated!

Please click the link in my signature on How to Use Flash Outdoors.