Diffuser choice

Need help with a diffuser choice.

I've been an assistant photog at a few wedding shoots, and I've had the oppurtunity to use both the Lumiquest system as well as the Lightsphere.

Which do you use and why?

I have experience with the clear Lightsphere and Flip-it with Diffuser at weddings. I prefer using the Flip-it because it covers larger areas better and doesn't waste as much flash light as the Lightsphere. The Flip it also works great when there's no ceiling to bounce off of. Just direct the card forward. The Lightsphere is great in small rooms or close up shots. Both create nice, soft light, but I would use the Flip-it for weddings vs the Lightsphere. sorry no comment for the lumiquest.

I hear for weddings, gary fong's diffuser is a good choice

I have the LightSphere II, an Omnibounce, the Lumiquest mini soft box, the promax system, and probably other things lying around. I rarely use any of them, what I use most is a wall or the ceiling, with the 580EX bounce card up sometimes. If we're outside usually i'm using ambient light with flash as fill, which I don't feel the need to diffuse. If i'm outside on a bright day the 580EX doesn't usually have enough power to overpower the sun so you just work with what you have.

xtravaluemeal1 wrote in post #2357315
I hear for weddings, gary fong's diffuser is a good choice

I think the LightSphere is a good choice when you're a beginner, as it gives reasonable results when you don't have the time or mental capacity to think of anything better. Once you're more comfortable you can use more creative lighting, be it ambient, bounced, or off camera.

The LightSphere is also quite wasteful of light, and inefficient, so if you use one take plenty of batteries and use ISO400 or faster.

tim wrote in post #2358462
I think the LightSphere is a good choice when you're a beginner, as it gives reasonable results when you don't have the time or mental capacity to think of anything better. Once you're more comfortable you can use more creative lighting, be it ambient, bounced, or off camera.

The LightSphere is also quite wasteful of light, and inefficient, so if you use one take plenty of batteries and use ISO400 or faster.

Given that the original question was about which diffuser, not the rights or wrongs of using them or the alternative methods for correct exposure.....

I rarely use flash, and even less so with the diffuser, but when I do I use the LS PJII and I'd recommend it. Yes it can be wasteful of light - but then that's physics for you.

In the UK this months Professional Photographer magazine has a group test and the Lightsphere came out on top.

I use a mini softbox by Wescott, on a flash mounted on a rotator bracket so that most shadows are hidden from the lens, and any shadows that do appear have a softer edge to them. This is useful not only for using flash as main source of light, but also as synchro sun fill source. Whenever possible, I dual light (a radio remote fired flash on light stand) with this source serving as main light and with a softbox on it, too. By using softboxes I am never at the mercy of high ceilings, colored ceilings, or missing ceilings (outdoors).

watch this video:
www.abetterbouncecard.​com

if I had to buy any, it would be the Flip -It

tim wrote in post #2358462
I think the LightSphere is a good choice when you're a beginner, as it gives reasonable results when you don't have the time or mental capacity to think of anything better. Once you're more comfortable you can use more creative lighting, be it ambient, bounced, or off camera.

That's the plan. I've tried bouncing a few times with fairly good results, but I'm not super-confident with it yet.

tim wrote in post #2358462
The LightSphere is also quite wasteful of light, and inefficient, so if you use one take plenty of batteries and use ISO400 or faster.

Thanks for the direct advice.

Wilt wrote in post #2360011
I use a mini softbox by Wescott, on a flash mounted on a rotator bracket so that most shadows are hidden from the lens, and any shadows that do appear have a softer edge to them. This is useful not only for using flash as main source of light, but also as synchro sun fill source. Whenever possible, I dual light (a radio remote fired flash on light stand) with this source serving as main light and with a softbox on it, too. By using softboxes I am never at the mercy of high ceilings, colored ceilings, or missing ceilings (outdoors).

Thanks, I will check that one out. I felt pretty good about the two I was trying to decide between, but I try not to be close-minded.

coreypolis wrote in post #2360025
watch this video:
www.abetterbouncecard.​com

great video..long, but good.

thanks
kp

wall, ceiling (not as good for modelling) or a small Lastolite diffuser panel held in front of the flash.

coreypolis wrote in post #2360025
watch this video:
www.abetterbouncecard.​com

I watched the video. I'm usually a huge fan of do-it-yourself solutions, but this one makes me hesitant. The use of the thick rubber band with the homemade card didn't strike me as having as professional of a look as the narrator says in the video.

Not trying to say that looking professional makes you a better photographer. But I could see how a client might be unimpressed or even a little disenchanted with the appearance of that set-up.

I probably didn't say that very well. Again, not trying to get stuck on appearances.

imhotep wrote in post #2361700
Not trying to say that looking professional makes you a better photographer. But I could see how a client might be unimpressed or even a little disenchanted with the appearance of that set-up.

I probably didn't say that very well. Again, not trying to get stuck on appearances.

I know I would be hesistant to use a physician who listens to my heart thru a rolled up and taped paper cone, or who uses a popsicle stick for a tongue depressor! And I would hesitate to use a pro photographer who uses twine on his camera for a shoulder strap. The impression is, "If this guy cuts corners on a relatively small expense, has he cut corners in other more important places (like using a WalMart off-brand lens or a computer monitor purchased from Goodwill)?"