Canon Speedlite 420Ex.

Ok based on the recommendations from the people of this forum, I will shortly purchase the Canon Speelite 420EX. The Website suggested buying the "Stofen OM-EX Omni-Bounce" which is reasonably priced at approx $20 and can fit into my budget. Does anyone have any experience using the Stofen OM-EX Omni-Bounce ? Any thoughts? Please remember I'm a rookie to photography so easy to use is a big factor.

Thanks,
Reggie

I don't know about the Stofen unit, but you surely would fine versatility in the Lumiquest ProMax System kit. I use mine in various configurations all the time and wouldn't be without it. See this link for info: http://www.lumiquest.c​om/lq931.htm

I bought the 420ex 2 weeks ago but still could not handle the problem of over exposure for the photos taken under the high ceiling environment. When the flash head directly pointed to the subject, the subject must be over exposure very much. When I turned the flash head upward around 90 degree, the flash could not even cover the whole subject. Last week I bought the Omni bounce, there was a little improvement but I still could not get a perfect picture as I expected!!!

Try using the "P" mode on the exposure control dial. If the camera and flash aren't broken, you should get nearly perfect exposures all the time.

I looked into the Lumiquest, and according to the web page it states that it is compatible with the Canon speedlite 420EZ and the Canon 500EX , but does anyone know for sure if it is compatible with the Canon 420EX?
Reggie

I bought the omnibounce and here is what I think:

1. when the flash is pointed directly to the subject and the subject is close enough you won't notice any difference.

2. in a large room with the flash tilted 45 degrees, with the omnibounce the flash illuminates the whole room and not just the subject.

3. when the flash is used in the bounce position and the room paint is not exactly white, the omnibounce improves the white balance.

(I did not see any other reports on WB and Stofen)

check out this link, it shows comparison pictures of Stofen and Lumiquest

http://twalker.d2g.com​/e20/flashtest/

(if you click on a setup picture it will show you the resulting image)

msvadi do you recommend this product?
Reggie

Well, I bought the Stofen omnibounce. I DO think that it's ridiculously overpriced. I DID consider to return it back to the store. But then I noticed its effect on the White Balance and I decided to keep the diffuser. The walls and ceilings in my apartment have yellow tint, so in my case the effect on the WB is quite significant.

So, as you can see, I have mixed emotions on this subject. You should keep in mind that in any case the difference won't be that great and it will require a little bit of practice to learn how to get some gains from the diffuser.

Some people say that Lumiquest is more efficient. Some people even report that they can achieve a studio light effect. I don't have Lumiquest system (yet ) But, judging from the pictures, the omnibounce is easier to handle.

So, if you have extra $20 then try it. If you don't like it try to send it back to the store (or keep it just in case, but don't tell anyone you've wasted $20 on a plastic cap )

When using flash you need to bracket your exposures until your confident in your exposure. There are many variables that effect the exposure. If you are too close, the flash can't shut down fast enough to not over expose. If you are too far, it will underexpose. If you bounce flash, make sure you add the distance to the bounce wall and from the wall to the subject. Are the walls light or dark? Take an exposure and adjust accordingly.
The Lumiquest and Omnibounce give similiar effects. The Lumiquest doesnt need a wall to bounce off of and I feel gives a nicer look, like a softbox. On the other hand, the omnibounce is easier to carry and snap on and off.
I suggest reading, "Mastering Flash Photography" by McCartney. Available at Amazon.
Scott

thanks a lot.

I have never had a problem with the 420 Ex. Maybe I am lucky. That flash is a deam come true.

I can only suggest that you play with varying degrees of flash bounce and exposure. The flash usually does most of the work, at least more that the OEM flash does.