Jim Bianco

Is the expodisk worth buying for correcting WB? Thanks Jim Bianco

aphelps Loc: Central Ohio

Yes. It is especially important in mixed light situations. Very accurate.

Jim Bianco

Thanks aphelps,I think I will get one. Jim Bianco

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

Consider a ColorChecker Passport...
Best money I ever spent on photography...
Videos by Joe Brady and Mark Wallace on YouTube.
Check it out.

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

Among other reasons, one example is my old Canon FD 35mm lens that has the coating that yellows over time. A quick adjustment using my Expodisk and there's no more yellow from any pictures I take with that lens...for that lighting situation. I'd still have to use it again in different lighting.

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

Another vote for ColorChecker Passport. Gives so much more than the expo disc.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I use the ColorChecker too.
Gives very accurate color across the entire spectrum.
But for faster work, where accurate color is not needed and I need to do the minimum or no amount of post processing, the Expodisk (or a similar custom white balance device) is hard to beat.

Someone ran a test on the ExpoDisc and other similar devices that cost a fraction a few years ago and the results were all very similar.....even the Melitta coffee filter.
Haven't found the article yet.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

I have found the ExpoDisc to be highly accurate in obtaining a correct white balance. I have 6 grandkids who play various indoor sports in the winter months. On top of that, each different venue that they participate in has its own unique lighting. Traveling to many different gymnasiums and sports arenas, using the ExpoDisc has put the color spot on. That is the good news. The bad news is, in my opinion, that you need to have 3 hands to set the device up properly. I have a Nikon D7100 and use an 85mm or 70-200mm lens for these indoor shots. If you were to read the instructions on setting up the ExpoDisc, the first thing to do is "Install the ExpoDisc over the front of the camera's lens." Well............easier said than done. The disc just does not "install", snap on, or in any way attach on its own. So, you need one hand to hold the disc against the lens. Reading further, you need to "press the WB button and rotate the command dial until the 'Pre' is displayed in the control panel." It is extremely difficult to do all 3 operations at the same time.

If anyone has advice as to how I can get the ExpoDisc to "install" on the lens, thus freeing up my other 2 hands for the WB button and command dial, I would appreciate it VERY much.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

No, particularly in mixed lighting situations.

The only tool I am aware of that can resolve white AND color balance issues with 100% accuracy is the Xrite ColorChecker Passport. And it is the only tool that can resolve two different light sources with different colors.

Spend a few minutes and watch this video. It will make sense why this works as well as it does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDtebpvATzc

I gave my Expodisc away after a couple of misfires while using it - not at all reliable in some circumstances.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

The model I have is sized to fit my lens and has two spring loaded pins that hold it in place.
I think there may be other models that you have to hold and, yeah, it takes a bit of practice.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Gampa

I’ve used the Expodisc and am happy with it. Saves time getting the color balance relight in post processing. It easily snaps to the front of your lens if you get the right mm size

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

I have the 67mm Expodisc and my 85mm lens is the same.

Dziadzi Loc: Wilkes-Barre, PA

ColorChecker Passport is quite a financial investment, and looks very complicated.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

But it does more than give you a good white balance.
Essentially, you could shoot with any raw-capable digital camera and the colors would be reproduced the same.
Great for shooting things like paintings or anything else where accurate colors are needed.
And while it sounds complicated, in practice, it's not really all that difficult to do once you get the hang of it.

I find the ExpoDisc really handy for quick custom white balance.
Depending on your needs it gets you in the ballpark, maybe even third base.
The ColorChecker gets you to home.