Flash Diffusers: Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them with a large soft box and sometimes behind a subject as a rim light. When I'm out at some function I always try to use...

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them with a large soft box and sometimes behind a subject as a rim light. When I'm out at some function I always try to use bounce flash (ceiling or walls - whatever is best). However sometimes the use of bounce flash isn't possible just because there are no walls nearby or the ceiling is very high. This has me thinking that I should get some sort of flash diffuser, so the question is, what do you guys and gals use? I've seen Gary Fong diffusers on Amazon but don't know much about them. They seem to get good reviews but are an the pricy side for a hunk of plastic. Maybe there are other brands that are just as good? I want some thigh that will do a good job providing fill light or key light without washing out the subject. Thoughts?

CO

I use the 8 inch Vello Octa Softbox. There's an inner diffuser panel inside that can be attached for double diffusion. They make a 12 inch version of it as well. I like that it creates round catchlights in the eyes. Here is a link:

8 inch
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1141534-REG/vello_fd_1510_octa_softbox_for_portable.html

12 inch
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1142558-REG/vello_fd_1520_octa_softbox_for_portable.html

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Gary Fong works excellent. I often use the black shade and diffused white sphere for outdoor portrait for fill and fill for real estate when stacking in photoshop. Many combinations work well and they are so convenient and portable. Indoor portraits can be surprisingly close to soft boxes. many combinations possible ;)

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Basil wrote:

Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them w... (show quote)

You might want to also look at "Digital Goja", they have a quality diffuser(s) that fits directly on the front of your Speedlight Flash unit. They presently are on Sale on Amazon Reg. $12.99, at present $10.99, I just bought the 6"x5" diffuser, they have two lager sizes available.

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Silverman wrote:

You might want to also look at "Digital Goja", they have a quality diffuser(s) that fits directly on the front of your Speedlight Flash unit. They presently are on Sale on Amazon Reg. $12.99, at present $10.99, I just bought the 6"x5" diffuser, they have two lager sizes available.

Thanks for the tip. Do you use one?

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Silverman wrote:

You might want to also look at "Digital Goja", they have a quality diffuser(s) that fits directly on the front of your Speedlight Flash unit. They presently are on Sale on Amazon Reg. $12.99, at present $10.99, I just bought the 6"x5" diffuser, they have two lager sizes available.

Hmmm, I went to Amazon and did a search for Digital Goja but could not locate the flash diffuser you speak of. I also tried searching just "Goja". Do you have a direct link you could share?

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

Basil wrote:

Hmmm, I went to Amazon and did a search for Digital Goja but could not locate the flash diffuser you speak of. I also tried searching just "Goja". Do you have a direct link you could share?

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Universal-Collapsible-Speedlight/dp/B01ERRQ802/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1513176618&sr=8-8&keywords=digital+goja

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Rich1939 wrote:

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Universal-Collapsible-Speedlight/dp/B01ERRQ802/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1513176618&sr=8-8&keywords=digital+goja

Good link, although the Altura Flash Diffuser here which I just paid $10.99 is now listed at $14.99, the SALE must have ended.

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

Basil wrote:

Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them w... (show quote)

A 6", 8" or even a 12" light modifier is not going to help much - unless you are very close to your subject. The larger the source of light, the softer and less deep the shadows will be. This is why an umbrella or softbox can be flattering when properly used, and why these little things are almost worthless, and they eat up so much power, particularly the GF domes, that you need to bring a bag of batteries.

You can get much better results using a Rogue Flashbender 2 XL Pro, which has a 13x16 reflective surface and comes with a grid to control light spill. Needless to say, it should not be on camera. It's still not a great solution - it could be larger, but it is much better than the small things. Keep your light to subject distance to less than 4 ft and you will be fine.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1118084-REG/expoimaging_roguexlpro2_rogue_flashbender_2_xl.html

Unless you are outdoors, you can still use your flash in bounce mode, but you'll need it's full power and you'll have to increase your ISO to at least 1600 or more. Or look around for a large person wearing a white suit or dress to bounce off of. I've done that in a pinch . . .

Basil Loc: New Mexico

Rich1939 wrote:

https://www.amazon.com/Altura-Photo-Universal-Collapsible-Speedlight/dp/B01ERRQ802/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1513176618&sr=8-8&keywords=digital+goja

Ok, I did see that one, but didn't think it was the right one since it said "Altura" not "Digital Goja". I take it they are synonymous?

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Basil wrote:

Ok, I did see that one, but didn't think it was the right one since it said "Altura" not "Digital Goja". I take it they are synonymous?

I think Digital Goja is the seller of the diffuser.

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

Take a look at MagMod if you are looking for a powerful system to use with your Speedlites. They offer a lot of great options and a ton of flexibility in how you combine the components and use them. I use there stuff with 3 Canon 600s.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Silverman Loc: Michigan

Notorious T.O.D. wrote:

Take a look at MagMod if you are looking for a powerful system to use with your Speedlites. They offer a lot of great options and a ton of flexibility in how you combine the components and use them. I use there stuff with 3 Canon 600s.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Way too expensive for a beginner, with limited photography funds.

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

Same price range as the Fong stuff and much easier to mount and way more flexible in my view. You need to let the OP decide what they want to spend their money on. There are a lot of cheap things one can spend money on that could end up being a waste of money too. There are a bunch of Youtube videos on such tools as MagMod, Fong and other solutions. Most of the good solutions are in the same price range as they are competing with each other. The Rogue Flashbender would be another possible option. Of course you can probably find cheap chinese copies of any of these devices.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Silverman wrote:

Way too expensive for a beginner, with limited photography funds.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I like A Better Bounce Card..... http://www.abetterbouncecard.com I bought the set of three but have gravitated towards the large.

Basil wrote:

Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them w... (show quote)