"Lightscoop"

I see value in this for casual usage when you don't want to mount or carry your dedicated flash. I have the Lumiquest diffuser you linked to and I find that I really really hate direct flash which it is after all, even if it is diffused.

Kobre: would the 30D lightscoop work with a 40D?

ventowtf wrote in post #3938400
I see value in this for casual usage when you don't want to mount or carry your dedicated flash. I have the Lumiquest diffuser you linked to and I find that I really really hate direct flash which it is after all, even if it is diffused.

Kobre: would the 30D lightscoop work with a 40D?

ventowtf, I haven't tested the 40D. Although the Lightscoop *should* work with it, I'd prefer to test it before saying so. It's the start of a new semester for me, so I may not get to the test right away, as I'll have to get my hands on the 40D. If you'd like me to notify you once I know, please contact me through the website, and I'll pop you an email.

re the Lumiquest diffuser (and teh many simlar devices on the market), while these devices will slightly diffuse the flash, the amount of diffusion is quite minimal, in my experience. Plus they also cut down on the amount of light that will reach the subject, so for light output its probably a draw between those and the Lightscoop. However, the Lumiquest-type diffusers are still aiming the flash directly at the subject, so all the disadvantages (shadows behind the subject, etc) are still present. The Lightscoop would avoid those issues. Bottom line is the two products will provide a very different look, and the odds are the Lightscoop will tend to produce a more flattering result. No, it won't be a match for a good flash unit, but in a pinch or the right situation it could be highly useful. Might be a handly little thing to throw into the bag.

jZ

For the not too serious SLR shooter (which I have seen many) I think this would go well at indoor family functions and birthdays etc! Good idea , hope it helps some SLR shooters with their images.

vento wrote in post #3938400
I
Kobre: would the 30D lightscoop work with a 40D?

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to this discussion. We finally got the 6th edition of my textbook to the printer, so I can get serious about the Lightscoop again. The Canon 40D works with the Lightscoop C2 model, NOT the C1, which was designed for the other EOS cameras. Go figure. In any case, the Lightscoop site has been updated for the 40D. By the way, there are now some independent reviews out there...

Wow, I have a DIY of the same thing before I got my 580ex. I still have it somewhere.
In my design, I could put a white bounce card so some will go forward as well.

I disagree with the person who claims this is for the "not too serious". I'm serious and I have it. But that being said I find that the same person was also correct that this is for snapshots and such. I can't imagine using it for portrait work, weddings, etc. It does make my pop up flash usable for snapshots and such indoors. I find it easy to use with some qualifications: you have to shoot at least at ISO 400 and you have to use a flash compensation of 1 or 2 stops, and you have to accept that you will be using an f stop of 4 or wider for the most part.

So for anyone wondering if they should spend the $30. That all depends on what you shoot. If you do a lot of indoor snaps like we do and you don't want to keep a good external flash on your camera all of the time, then the Lightscoop might be what you are looking for. I won't in any way replace a good 430 flash, so don't overexpect.

I have included a couple of snaps done recently that certainly wouldn't have turned out if I used the pop up without the Lightscoop.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.