If you could only have one or two diffusers for your speedlight?

I am a long time landscape photographer who is finally ready to take the step into the world of portraits and flash photography. My flash is a 600EX RT, and now I am looking for one or two diffusers to use with it.

I already know basic things, like how a bigger light source gives softer light, and that a softbox is more directional than an umbrella. But there are still so many different diffusers to choose from, and I am having a hard time picking one that is "perfect" for speedlights.

Will my 600EX deliver enough power for a large softbox, or am i better off with a shoot through umbrella? (Which one will be easier for a beginner, e.t.c) Also, which diffuser will produce the best "anime-style" catchlights?

All info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Many people use speedlites with umbrellas/softboxes. Obviously strobes are more powerful but if you use a moderate size it will be fine. Around a 2 ft by 2 ft softbox or 32 inch umbrella. There are more knowledgeable about appropriate sizes here that will help. Currently I just use 32 inch umbrellas, both shoot through and reflective and have been thinking about a softbox.

http://www.zarias.com …ough-umbrella-vs-softbox/

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=RaebMg4oSeI

I'd choose a cloudy day and a silver reflector.

Beauty dish and a umbrella make a nice combo. Don't worry about whether or not your flash has enough power for a large softbox. I've used a YN560 speedlight in a 50" octobox and it worked just fine.

Cloudy day is nice but if the weather isn't cooperating a soft box. Another good one is a simple Stofen, with gel if necessary.

Mike

My favorite two modifiers for portraits when using speedlites are a 48" Octa or 3'x4' Softbox and a 60" Umbrella......

Bang for your buck, a 43" convertible umbrella like this one is extremely versatile and hard to beat. You get a decent size shoot through / reflector combo for under $20. Here's one of my first shots with the one I linked setup as shoot through. Even you settle on a soft box or beauty dish, an umbrella is a minimal investment to add to your arsenal and excellent to have around.

I've been surprised at the great quality of light that comes from the Honl Traveller 8" softbox, and a 580EX II. The 16" is of course better light in the sense of edge softness, but playing with both at a remote belly dance studio shoot, the 8" worked so well that I ordered another. This environment required portability, as I was flying to Oahu from California.

The apparent sizeof the light can be increased with reflector panels or disks, or even fabrics.

With care, and keeping FEX compensation within practical limits, the Honl's really delivered big beautiful light.

Thanks for the replies everyone! It seems that a speedlight has more power than I thought.

I have decided to go for the softlighter 2 (umbrella with diffusion sock) and a BD. Perhaps I'll add a square softbox later on.

Yes the speedlight can do quite a bit. My reflective ones are similar - diffusion sock. I also have a shoot through. Good luck and enjoy.

I am doing more outdoor shooting with my lights as of late. Umbrellas typically don't survive out in the wind very long so I use either my beauty dish or 24" Qbox when I'm shooting outside.

Another one I forgot...large Rogue Flashbender. Can work as a reflector, flag, or snoot.

Ginga wrote in post #15885704
I am a long time landscape photographer who is finally ready to take the step into the world of portraits and flash photography. My flash is a 600EX RT, and now I am looking for one or two diffusers to use with it.

I already know basic things, like how a bigger light source gives softer light, and that a softbox is more directional than an umbrella. But there are still so many different diffusers to choose from, and I am having a hard time picking one that is "perfect" for speedlights.

Will my 600EX deliver enough power for a large softbox, or am i better off with a shoot through umbrella? (Which one will be easier for a beginner, e.t.c) Also, which diffuser will produce the best "anime-style" catchlights?

All info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

In some cases the best diffuser is free: a relatively low and neutral-colored ceiling. Point the flash at the ceiling and use a rubber band to attach a small white card (like a business card) to the flash head and position the card to provide fill light.