On Camera Diffusers / Softboxes
Jan 10, 2018 13:52:11 #
Being very new to flash photography, I am seeking advice on what is considered a good, but affordable soft box or diffuser to fit on the speed light that will soften light / shadows but is easily stored and transported in a sling style bag with top compartments (Lowepro AW150). It will not be used a ton, but will be used inside and outdoors. Some portrait photos will be taken, but necessarily the main use. In searching older posts on this site, there seems to be very little discussion about the subject and the range is from the very expensive (Gary Fong, to the out of the dumpster, used Dixie paper plate. From what I have looked at so far (Youtube / Google reviews) it seems that Altura and Flashbender seem to be very popular. So - looking for input, recommendations, how you use what you believe in and results ached based on wishes. I am not looking for a large unit, again something that packs down for portability. Thanks for the time you take to offer suggestions. Mike
Jan 10, 2018 13:56:17 #
Gray Goose wrote:
Being very new to flash photography, I am seeking ... (show quote)
The Lumiquest Big Bounce folds flat. It's in my bag most of the time.
I also use an index card with rubber band, and a letter-size sheet of index card stock fashioned into a scoop and Velcro'd onto my flash head.
All that said, these gizmos really don't do a lot to improve direct flash. If they let the flash bounce most of the light off a ceiling AND kick some light into eye sockets, they can help at short range.
Jan 10, 2018 14:08:20 #
I use a "Joe Demb DFD Pro...That said, I also use an on flash softbox at times...
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/products/flash-diffuser/
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/products/flash-diffuser/
Jan 10, 2018 14:45:12 #
Kozan
Loc: Trenton Tennessee
Gray Goose wrote:
Being very new to flash photography, I am seeking ... (show quote)
I have built the Chuck Gardner design flash diffuser you can find at http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/. Got the material at Wal-Mart and paid a lady about $5.00 to sew it together. It lies flat and works great.
You do need something as big as this (8.5" x 11") to do any good. I have used it for groups of 15 people and for event photos at the Civic Center.
I also have the Super-Scoop 3 which you can find at www.litegenious.com. It also works great, but does not lie flat.
A 4 x 5 not card is not big enough!
Kozan
Jan 10, 2018 14:52:46 #
Jan 10, 2018 15:18:56 #
I have the Vello 8" Octa Softbox. It has an additional diffuser inside that can be attached for more diffusion. The silver interior helps to reflect more light. It's also available in a 12" size.
Jan 10, 2018 15:20:59 #
Gray Goose wrote:
Being very new to flash photography, I am seeking ... (show quote)
If your purpose is to decrease the output of your flash, or if you are shooting tiny subjects up close, those small, lightweight things are just the ticket. If you opt for a reflector and not a softbox, I can highly recommend the largest Flashbender they offer. Gary Fong's stuff really doesn't work that well at a distance, and relies heavily on the size of the room to add ambient light. Gary Fong's stuff is not that expensive in the scheme of things, I think the Flashbenders cost more. When it comes to light, the bigger the better, and portability is secondary, unless you don't care that much about the quality of the light.
Jan 10, 2018 18:33:52 #
Try a White #10 business envelope secured to your upturned flash head with a rubber band. Seriously.
Jan 10, 2018 19:46:04 #
I have the flashbender which works quite well and was inexpensive and a Lastolite Exybox Speed-Lite which is a soft box, it folds flat (pretty flat) and I carry it and the Flashbender in the laptop section of my photo backpack.
Jan 11, 2018 07:24:24 #
When I can I bounce from a white surface. When I cannot I use a piece of thin white cardboard cut to about 6 inches wide and attache it to my flash with a rubber band.
Nothing fancy but it works.
Nothing fancy but it works.
Jan 11, 2018 08:15:28 #
Kozan wrote:
I have built the Chuck Gardner design flash diffus... (show quote)
I use the lite scoop also.
Here is the correct link
www.litegenius.com
If you google it there is also a video by the maker of it.
Jan 11, 2018 08:47:09 #
Recently ran across this one on Amazon. This thread reminded me that I wanted to give one a try. I do like that it's not necessary to stick Velcro goo to the flash to mount it.
https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Diffuser-Reflector-Kit-Positionable/dp/B01LZRBOME
https://www.amazon.com/Flash-Diffuser-Reflector-Kit-Positionable/dp/B01LZRBOME
Jan 11, 2018 09:18:56 #
I do a lot of tabletop work and find coffee filters and a rubber band work well and are very portable. For large groups or bigger objects they are not nearly what you need as in that case bigger is better. I use big softboxes with continuous lighting in those cases.
Jan 11, 2018 09:41:03 #
aflundi
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Gray Goose wrote:
... So - looking for input, recommendations, how you use what you believe in and results ached based on wishes. I am not looking for a large unit, again something that packs down for portability. Thanks for the time you take to offer suggestions. Mike
I tried a lot of speedlight bouncers and softboxes, but this 12 inch "lollipop" softbox has been by far my favorite:
<https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00URHR3TW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1>
This, like the other bouncers and softboxes are small, so they only work to soften the light if you are within a foot or two of the subject. I usually take the speedlight off camera and hold it in my left hand to get better positioning, and to get the light source closer. If you are shooting more than a couple feet away, you'd better bounce off walls/ceilings, and if you can't to that, don't bother trying to diffuse or soften as it for the most part won't work.
Good luck.
Jan 11, 2018 09:45:37 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
. I use a "Joe Demb DFD Pro...That said, I also use an on flash softbox at times...
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/products/flash-diffuser/
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/products/flash-diffuser/
I too use the Flip-It. It’s great.
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