Diffuser Tests- Omnibounce/Lumiquest Pocket Bounce, Index Card

These are the results of a test I did recently using a 20D, Newton Flash Rotator Bracket, 550EX, and Quantum QFlashT2D. The diffusers used on the 550EX include the Omnibounce, Lumiquest Pocket Bounce, and an Index Card. I leave it to you to decide which worked best. I was surprised how well the Omnibounce did pointed directly at the subject.
http://www.pbase.com …bergerphoto/dif​fuser_test

I like the old fashioned index card.

That can't be any good, it hardly costs anything!

The QFlash makes her tshirt look grey

I hope to do a similar test before too long, I have a good range of diffusers - LS2, omni, softbox, pocket bouncer kit, umbrella.

scottbergerphoto wrote:
That can't be any good, it hardly costs anything!

I can put together a pack of 'Photographic Flash Bounce Cards' for only $29.95 plus shipping...

Yeah, the direct omnibounce was surprisingly much better compared to direct flash. Been thinking of ordering one for quite some time, should get around to do it...

Liked the bare bulb QFlash as well, even if the blue channel is waaaay off - it must have looked funnier on the camera, since she has a hint of a smile on that shot. :P

Over the years I have read many posts about how the Omnibounce serves no purpose when used directly, that it just weakens the flash output which is compensated by ETTL. This test suggests that even when pointed head on the Omnibounce is a useful diffuser when there is no cieling to bounce off of.

Tests such as this often generate more questions than answers.
1) What was the distance from the camera to the subject, and from the subject to the wall behind her (this seems to vary somewhat, especially with the first shot)?
2) What was the color and height of the ceiling, and how high was the subject (standing or sitting)?
3) What zoom setting was used on the flash? This could presumably change how it bounces off the card/diffuser/ceiling.
4) Has anyone done similar comparisons with Gary Fong’s Lightsphere II?

To my untrained eye, the index card seems to be as good as the more expensive options. It would seem to be more efficient, doesn’t take up much storage space, and has other uses. Perhaps those more experienced in evaluating portrait lighting can see differences that I can’t.

Regarding your comment on the omnibounce: Even when pointed at the subject, it would still bounce some light off the ceiling/walls/etc. Outdoors would be a different story.

Curtis I appreciate your questions. This was a very naturalistic study. I just took the pictures as I would in front of a white bacxkground, all from within the same distance, about ten feet, a white cieling about 9-10 feet, and the subject about a foot in front of the background. I could be wrong, but I think most people choose a single portable diffuser and use it in most situations. I liked the way the Omnibounce Direct gave me bright highlights that it didn't in 45 degrees. I don't think that's from any bounce effect. It's a matter of personal taste. I will test the Omnibounce Direct outside and post the results.

I would guess that the omnibounce results would depend very strongly on the distance & character of nearby floor, walls and ceiling. could be wrong though...

as for the index cards, some of the white ones have a red stripe near the top. those should be more expensive.

I acutally like index card and pocket bouncer.....

I would be interested to see shots of direct flash vs. all of the various diffuser options outdoors. My money's still on the index card.

Thanks for taking and posting these shots. This thread could be useful to refer to in the future.

Curtis N wrote:
I would be interested to see shots of direct flash vs. all of the various diffuser options outdoors. My money's still on the index card.

Thanks for taking and posting these shots. This thread could be useful to refer to in the future.

Come to think of it, that's actually already been done for the Omnibounce. If you check out the Teddy Bear Test at www.Nikonians.org , they found that out of doors, the Omnibounce didn't do much.