Npt Bob Loc: Newport, RI

I have always tried to stay away from flash unless absolutely necessary. Definitely don't like the on camera pop up. Have started to use a Nikon SB600 (on D90) and am looking at diffusers. Finding many types. The plastic "cap", the "flat fan" soft strap on, a big "expanded box" that seems to be used only when directing the flash at the subject, a rigid/framed strap on "reflector" with gold, silver, translucent, white panels.
The question - which do you use and why?
Oh - my types of photography where I might use - outdoor with strong backlight, grandkids action, portraits, fill flash.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Can I suggest that you use the search facility as such topics are discussed very often and in fact only this week so replies would be going over old ground

Search flash diffusers

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-160783-1.html#2716459

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

I was a Gary Fong collapsible for my D800 with Nikon SB910 Flash Call then if you have any questions

Mercer Loc: Houston, TX, USA

I don't mean to offend the many fine diffuser products or their users, but I have gotten along fairly well for many years with:

1. Kleenex. It comes in pink, blue, green and tan. It sometimes comes in thicknesses of two layers, providing more or less light to come through.
2. Paper napkins, available just about everywhere. Also to be found in several thicknesses.
3. Thin colored cloth, like silk, from opaque to transparent.

Rubber bands or small clips: hairclips, bulldog clips, paper clips, or your fingers to hold your "filters" in place.

I feel sure you will discover many more sources for diffusion material. Tracing paper, thin rice paper, lens cleaning paper (wet or dry) and a pocket handkerchief come immediately to mind.

Over the years, I have used many of the above to good results.

Good luck, Mercer.

PS: Use clean Kleenex, if possible. :thumbup:

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Personally, I've had good results with the Tupperware-type modifier provided it is used the proper setting. The proper setting being room with white walls and ceiling so it can work its room-filling shadowless boring magic.

I've made my share of the strap-on fan type. You can still end up with shadows on the wall with those but they can come in handy outdoors or when you have no white walls for the plastic modifier.

Of course, there is always the ceiling/wall bounce with unmodified flash. This was where I lived until I discovered the joy of off-camera flash with lightstands and umbrellas.

Npt Bob Loc: Newport, RI

THANKS ALL!

JR - I wasn't thinking before posting - will do a search first in the future. Should have dawned on me that almost every aspect of photography has been discussed by very knowledgeable UHHers.

Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ

I have 4 diffusers plus the one that comes on my flash. My travel one is a collapsible because it can also double as extending the flash output. The one I like best that I use at a lot of the local photo shoots is the Graslon. It eliminates 95% of shadows.