ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

Thank you all for your helpful suggestions. I am wondering if anyone has used both the Gary Fong lithosphere and the Magmod sphere? If so is there a noticeable difference between the two?

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Chris,

I have two of the MagSpheres and I never have used the Fong LightSphere but have watched his videos and examined one in the photography store.
The biggest downside to the Fong stuff to me was that you have that strap to attach his stuff and then have to remove it to change to some other modifier. I am also not sure that his collapses as much as the MagSphere. You can scrunch it up and put it in your pocket and pull it out and it attaches in a second with the magnet. Two Speedlites with MagSpheres on each can make a lot of really soft light for a portrait or group portrait. Some of the videos that show Pros shooting with Magmod products talk about this use.

The one thing I have read is that the Fong Lightsphere costs more light output than the MagSphere. Again not something I have tested, just read it online. You could always get several options from B&H and do your own test and return the one you don't like. They offer a 30 day return policy IIRC. To me Fong was the best system going until the MagMod came along...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

Todd,
Your observations are similar to what I have seen watching videos and reading about the products suggested. Yesterday I went around and took pictures of our kids and pets with and without my rogue flash bender 2. The thing I noticed was the fumbling and time it took to put the RFB2 on and off my flash compared to the apparent ease of the Magmod. Not that the RFB2 is difficult to use but comparatively to the Magmod videos. I also played with bouncing the flash off of walls, ceilings or objects as many have stated and the results were quite pleasing :) I was uncertain of any difference between the two therefore my question was posed. I have learned much from you and many others and I am thankful for all of the input!!!
Have a wonderful day,
Chris

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Since someone mentioned the Black Foamy Thing in this thread I will throw out this idea that I have played with in the past. It is so simple and costs from nothing to a couple dollars. Take a Can Coozy and cut the bottom out of it can slip it over the head of your flash and you can make a decent short snoot. Trim away some of the side and you have a quick self attaching BFT. It is best to get a black or dark colored Can Coozy, but you can play with different colors for different effects too.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I find the "Flip-It" light modifier and an off camera TTL flash cord to be all that is necessary for a nice variety of pleasing lighting results. The Flip-It is incredibly easy and versatile to use. Much easier and more effective than any othe device on the market.

www.dembflashproducts.com

KK

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

That's my go-to method, if I can.
Bouncing makes for a larger source, thus softer light.
I don't bounce straight up, I turn the head so I get some directional light.
Works even with 20' ceilings.
Looks a lot more natural and a more gradual fall-off.
Balance the ambient light levels closer with some drag shutter and filter the speedlight to more closely match the ambient and it will look like natural light.

20' ceiling


cement header over garage door

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Reminds me of a MagBounce but why so many different options to potentially purchase?

Best,
Todd Ferguson

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Off camera flash will give you a lot more flexibility, get a cord, that way you can place your flash anywhere within 20 to 30 feet!

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

I've used the Fong Lightsphere for years and have been very happy with the results, but I was intrigued by the MagMod and did some research on it. I believe that in terms of performance, they would be neck and neck if used correctly. I saw a video, I think on the MagMod website, of the Fong Lightsphere casting a harsh shadow, but even before seeing the resulting image, I noted that they were not using the Fong the way Fong himself tells you to use it.

I decided to stay with Gary Fong. I didn't love the added bulk of the magnetic mount, nor that I had to buy a mount for every flash (or use one on different size flashes, like the SB-910 and the SB-600, which has the problem of the mount remaining tight on the smaller flash after being stretched out by the bigger one). Also, I realized that the magnet system, which seems to work almost like magic, also means you have to keep your polarities correct or the magnets will repel each other instead of attracting each other.

But here is the bottom line of why I am staying with Fong: I bought my Lightsphere in 2013. After four years of hard use, it began to split along one of the collapse points. Fong comes with a lifetime warranty, and sure enough, they replaced my Lightsphere free of charge with the latest model. MagMod has a one year warranty. By the way, the way MagMod incorrectly used the Fong also caused at least some of the light loss. It's bogus. So anyway, those are my thoughts and as always, YMMV.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I am glad you enjoy your Fong modifiers. I was looking very seriously at his system a few years ago until I found and decide to go with the MagMod system. I think both Fong and MagMod have probably made videos trying to bash the competition. I saw Fong using the MagMod system in what I felt were misleading ways. I think the Fong system was probably the best system going but today the MagMod system continues to grow. Now not everyone needs or wants all those capabilities,but if you do it is nice to have everything work together. I am not sure that Fong even offers anything that compares with the MagBounce. The MagSphere yes, he does.

As to the mounting I have not found any issues with the way the MagMod mount attaches to a Speedlite. I think if you are going to use either system with multiple Speedlites at the same time you will spend as much or more to buy the Fong system. If you are only using it on one Speedlite then the costs are pretty close. I knew I would be looking to use multiple Speedlites over time and from that standpoint I am happy with the flexibility of the MagMod system. The polarity of the magnets is such a minor issue that I am not sure it even warrants mentioning. Likewise there is another feature with the magnets in that you can use the magnet to hold the components on a light stand or other places. Again a minor point.

As to warranty I guess a lifetime warranty trumps a year warranty. But I doubt that Fong has to actually replace many of his items under warranty. But for me ease of use and the power of the system is far more important to me than warranty coverage. I buy based on what I think will do the things I want to do, not in the expectation that I will need to use the warranty.

I think both are probably useful tools when used as intended. Certainly I have seen good photos created with both systems. If the MagMod system had not come along I most likely would be using some of Fong's system. The MagMod works for me but may be more that what others are looking to spend or more system than they need.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Neewer 88015585 Hot-Shoe Soft Pop-Up Flash Diffuser for Digital SLR Cameras (White, Blue, Orange)