Magmod

Anyone use this system and willing to share some reviews?

I have some of the system.

I got it initially for the MagSphere to do direct flash versus bounce flash. I also got the gels. Was often using them indoors and blending ambient and flash. Also wanted the system for the MagBeamer for flash with telephoto for birds in lower light.

Overall, nice system, nicely made, rugged.

However, it's not really something special. Bounce flash is superior in every way basically if you can bounce. But if you have to direct flash, the Sphere seems to help a little with spreading light around a bit, but it's not truly omni-directional. There's literally no point to bouncing with the Sphere, so I don't use it for that. I use it again for direct flash at the subject(s). To soften light, I use the flash as mostly fill but bare flash works for that. It doesn't really soften light when not used as fill, such as using it as key exposure directly at the subject--its still a small surface source of light, so it will always look harsh when directly flashed at the subject from a distance. Doesn't soften that. The gels are a nice easy to insert hard card basically, so that part is quite nice.

Overall, not really impressed with the MagSphere. I got it hoping to do more direct at subject flash and getting softer light. Ultimately I just learned that bare flash is the same and I use it as fill light or near key but not quite full key and it softens it enough and blends into ambient anyways, minus the bulk and stuff.

For the Beamer, it's awesome, way better than a BetterBeamer (flimsy junk in my opinion, it works, but it's just so flimsy and thin, I like the MagBeamer, it's solid as long as your flash can take the weight).

I still have mine, still use it here and there. I leave the MagGrip on my flash for quick use when I want. I sometimes use the Sphere to experiment. Ultimately I think the Sphere is the least useful of the MagMods accessories.

Very best,

I use the grids and gels. I used to use the rogue system that employed velcro around your flash head but I didn't find the grid to hold securely. I also have some of the Magmod cuculoris stuff just for some variety when doing something in a controlled environment. I wouldn't buy the other stuff.

The system is durable, but while the magnets are excellent, I find the rubber part with the magnets take up too much space as I'm always strapped for space in my bag. I used to keep two of them with grids but reduced to one. It has its place but during a wedding, it's difficult to use in practice.

I mostly use it for engagement or portrait sessions when things are slower.

I have been intrigued by these, but frankly they look to expensive for what they are and not a great value. Do they ever go on sale?

~Bob

I have the mag grid, mag gels, mag bounce and mag sphere.
They're fast to use and very durable. I never worry about them falling off while walking around on a senior shoot or shooting wildlife.

I know they sell very well. I'm rather surprised they aren't talked about more on here.

I do not own the Mag sphere. Just haven't had a need for it. I don't shoot much indoors.

I shoot a lot indoors so, would this be worthwhile for me?

anitaw2 wrote in post #18648314
I shoot a lot indoors so, would this be worthwhile for me?

Not really. At least, not the entire line of MagMod products.

The mag grip with the grid and/or gels is probably about as useful as it gets. I use these still, because it is frankly nice to slap on a gel without having to use velcro, tape, etc. But the modifiers like the sphere and the bounce thing, etc, all that is not worth it at all.

Consider it a fancy magnetized gel system and it's good. Don't bother with the rest.

Very best,

MalVeauX wrote in post #18648316
Not really. At least, not the entire line of MagMod products.

The mag grip with the grid and/or gels is probably about as useful as it gets. I use these still, because it is frankly nice to slap on a gel without having to use velcro, tape, etc. But the modifiers like the sphere and the bounce thing, etc, all that is not worth it at all.

Consider it a fancy magnetized gel system and it's good. Don't bother with the rest.

Very best,

I was afraid you were going to say that. I shoot in a large banquet room, don't have any fancy lights and softboxes. I just do this for the office and if there is low light, I really struggle with exposure. I have a speedlight.

anitaw2 wrote in post #18648353
I was afraid you were going to say that. I shoot in a large banquet room, don't have any fancy lights and softboxes. I just do this for the office and if there is low light, I really struggle with exposure. I have a speedlight.

Set shutter to sync speed (1/200s or whatever your sync is). Aperture to whatever you want for DOF. Set ISO to something lower (200~400?). Look to see that you've basically stopped out most ambient light (especially under fluorescent lights). Set your Speedlite to ETTL and point your speedlite at the ceiling and you're set. Let the light do the exposure. The only way it will struggle is if the ceiling is transparent glass surface, or really dark wood or something. Most office ceilings are a light color tile and will work great as a bounce surface.

Very best,

I happened to have a second shooter at my wedding this weekend and she shot cocktail hour with a MagSphere on camera at about a 45 degree angle of so. Images turned out pretty good. I've also used it on an engagement session with good results off camera.

There's better options overall, but it's not bad for a super portable, light weight option. You'll get better light from a strobe and soft box, but at a much heavier weight to deal with.

The mag products work very well. Indoors and out.