Getting a 580EX II...Which flash diffuser?

Well the Stofen Ombi-bounce is cheap and works just fine..

The lumiquest products are great, though on the flash they are huge.. Only problem with them is they aren't omni-directional.

I havent used the gary fong stuff before, but I will be soon, so I'll let you know!

These are the only ones I've used.

Mikefromearth wrote in post #7738922
The lumiquest products are great, though on the flash they are huge.. Only problem with them is they aren't omni-directional.

Hmmm... I had no idea that could be a problem...

The only thing I have kept using (although rarely) over the years with my flash is my Lumiquest Promax system.

I had the pocket bouncer but the shadows were too harsh so I gave it away.

I tried the betterbouncecard but the way it wraps around the flash head, forget about any group shots, it doesn't let the flash spread out far enough. I use the big flipit. I used it at a funeral home yesterday shooting the casket, flowers, etc. the entire room for a family and the flipit lit up the entire room and I gelled the flash turned out great....

I would definitely suggest staying away from Tupperware diffusers. No matter how many directions they are.

Titus213 wrote in post #7739480
I would definitely suggest staying away from Tupperware diffusers. No matter how many directions they are.

By that do you mean DIY ones? Or any opaque platic ones?

Titus213 wrote in post #7739480
I would definitely suggest staying away from Tupperware diffusers. No matter how many directions they are.

I tried all manner or DIY versions, I mean they are not any different than the commercial ones, and did not like a single one of them..I do however LOVE my Softbox III that came today and I have the Softbox on the way. Then if I make a gizmo outta the fun foam I am good for about whatever I might need for now...

Ivoryplum wrote in post #7739833
By that do you mean DIY ones? Or any opaque platic ones?

Primary target of my comment was the Gary Fong LS and the Stofen omni-bounce. Both are effective over such a narrow range of situations as to be of little use at all. When they do work so do simpler bounce methods.

I'd definitely refrain from buying that $65 retail - 2c worth options.
I simple piece of paper attached with a rubber band work as good and you can make it on the spot whenever needed. One thing I tried that is different is a small softbox. But that is also easy to make from a piece of cardboard and a napkin.

+1 for the ProMax. Great for amongst crowds at events.

I find it amazing that folks will spend upwards of $400 on a flash, $1500 on a camera and lens, and then rubber band a piece of cardboard and a napkin to it to improve the pictures.

Titus213 wrote in post #7740339
I find it amazing that folks will spend upwards of $400 on a flash, $1500 on a camera and lens, and then rubber band a piece of cardboard and a napkin to it to improve the pictures.

that's what some of the old journalists did back in the day...was told to keep a roll of tp with me by one of my professors but I think sometimes the easy/simple solutions work well for what you need. I myself use the stofen omnibounce.

I like Demb Flash Diffuser even more than Demb Flip-it!. I believe it gives you more room for creativity

IMAGE LINK: http://photo-tips-online.com/review/demb​-flash-diffuser/

IMAGE LINK: http://photo-tips-online.com …-flip-it-flash-reflector/

Mikefromearth wrote in post #7738922
The lumiquest products are great, though on the flash they are huge.. Only problem with them is they aren't omni-directional.

The size is a benefit - the ProMax is about the size of a human head. Softness is dependent on the distance and -size- of the light source.
And -not- being omnidirectional is often beneficial. I do use the "cap" style diffuser when a bare-bulb lighting is appropriate, but it is an infrequent need.