Expodisc 2.0: I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so...

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so why am I just learning about it in an ad? I'm just an amateur with a penchant for landscapes and family events so time for using the device may not be a big problem.

WayneT Loc: Paris, TN

All you need is a card set. A lot less expensive, easier to use and just as accurate. You can always correct white balance in post especially if you're shooting RAW.
https://www.amazon.com/Calibration-Exposure-Photography-Included-Instruction/dp/B012TI52FS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1521496587&sr=8-5&keywords=white+balance+card+for+digital+photography

Robeng Loc: California

AVG wrote:

I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so why am I just learning about it in an ad? I'm just an amateur with a penchant for landscapes and family events so time for using the device may not be a big problem.

I was given the first generation Expodisc, and played with it for about a month. I found it was easier for me to set the white balance in my camera without it.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Waste of $$$ I purchased one a few years ago. Used it three/four times and... Well, it is gathering layers of dust.

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

AVG wrote:

I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so why am I just learning about it in an ad? I'm just an amateur with a penchant for landscapes and family events so time for using the device may not be a big problem.

It is not foolproof - it can provide wrong white balance in some situations. I agree with RGG = better to spend your money elsewhere. This is foolproof and never fails:

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

Shoeless_Photographer Loc: Lexington

AVG wrote:

I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so why am I just learning about it in an ad? I'm just an amateur with a penchant for landscapes and family events so time for using the device may not be a big problem.

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-515961-1.html

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

Better to put your money toward a ColorChecker Passport. That is the best money I have spent on digital photography assuming you will shoot RAW. It can handle your white balance as well... several videos explaining its use on YouTube by Joe Brady and Mark Wallace.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

AVG wrote:

I would like to hear the experts tell me if I should buy the Expodisc 2.0 for white balance corrections. I can't tell how it works and it isn't expensive (approx $50) so why am I just learning about it in an ad? I'm just an amateur with a penchant for landscapes and family events so time for using the device may not be a big problem.

I like, and use the ExpoDisc 2.0.
It's simple and works great.

To use it you take a shot pointing at the light source with the expodisc on the front of the lens. then you either keep that as a reference shot to balance later in post or your set your custom white balance right then using that frame.

it also tells you the proper exposure if you want to set your camera manually.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I bought one couple years ago! used it a couple times, found it was easier to use the grey card { or a concrete wall }

Aldente

Ever since I got mine (ver.1) around 2007, I've been using it religiously before every shoot.
It yields great results and in contrast with what others have mentioned about using color cards instead, its main intent has always been color consistency for speeding up post-processing - both of which were also the main selling points by its creators.
I think if you get one, you'll like the results.

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

Better to put your money toward a ColorChecker Passport. That is the best money I have spent on digital photography assuming you will shoot RAW.

CC Passport is my primary tool for white balance and color correction. For me, the Expodisc is fastest way to set my camera's custom balance and incident light readings. The Expodisc's diameter should larger than your lens diameter.

AVG Loc: Pittsburgh

Thank you to all. Every comment is important as I make a decision.

toxdoc42

i would never travel without mine. i already posted a set of photos i shot in Venice before i balanced the camera, allowing the auto white balance then after. i have to admit that i would have seen the problem, but not have been able to correct it in the camera, so i would have had a lot of photos to correct later

Aldente

peterg wrote:

CC Passport is my primary tool for white balance and color correction. For me, the Expodisc is fastest way to set my camera's custom balance and incident light readings. The Expodisc's diameter should larger than your lens diameter.

You're spot-on: Expodisc is indeed the fastest way to set white balance.
As for it being bigger than the lens, well, mine is 77mm -- the same size as my 24-70 f/2.8 lens, so I don't think I need to 'super-size it'. :)
And with my smaller 40mm pancake, its rubber lens hood ideally fits right under the rim of the Expodisc, keeping it in place while setting balance, so in that case expodisk's diameter is indeed bigger than the lens.. :))

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

I'm fairly fond of my ExpoDisk 2 and find I use it quite a bit in Gyms. No perfect in every situation, but pretty close in most. I also use the ColorChecker Passport which is (pretty much) always right on. Best of luck.