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Flash Diffusers
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Dec 14, 2017 08:35:22   #
revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson
 
I once read that you could use one of those small vomit bags from airplanes as a diffuser. Cheap as all getout -- if you or someone you know -- flies and takes one home.

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Dec 14, 2017 08:51:33   #
gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast
 
I use a Lite-Scoop. Works fine for my needs.

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Dec 14, 2017 08:59:12   #
pahtspix
 
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-Universal-Cloud-lambency-flash-diffuser-White-dome-cover-and-fits-all-flashes/301781979155?hash=item46439b9013:g:6Y8AAOSwAYtWMXii This is a virtual "clone" of the Gary Fong which I've been using for years. This will give you the softest, and most "shadowless light".. You will need to boost Your ISO to 800-1600 do get some distance however..You can't go wrong for the money on this one IMHO.

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Dec 14, 2017 09:31:28   #
jcboy3
 
Basil wrote:
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?
Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them w... (show quote)


I use Gary Fong when I'm shooting in a room that has ceilings and walls that bounce light. Otherwise, it just cuts your power.

Bouncing works if the wall/ceiling are white. Otherwise, you are adding strong color casts to your shot. I set exposure to get close to ambient, and use flash for fill, whenever possible. I also meter ambient temperature and gel my flash(es) to get close.

I also use Flash Benders (of various sizes), and when I need to I'll mount a second flash on a monopod with small umbrella.

I nearly always shoot with a flash bracket, so I can switch between landscape and portrait without changing the lighting.

You did provoke an interesting thought, however. Next glamour shoot I do, I will get some bounce off a good thigh.

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Dec 14, 2017 09:33:25   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
Breasts, thighs, legs and an occasional wing...I shoot chickens!!!

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Dec 14, 2017 09:34:51   #
Basil Loc: New Mexico
 
jcboy3 wrote:


You did provoke an interesting thought, however. Next glamour shoot I do, I will get some bounce off a good thigh.


LOL Danged auto-correct! But yes, nothing adds to a picture like some good thigh bounce!


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Dec 14, 2017 09:36:46   #
jcboy3
 
revhen wrote:
I once read that you could use one of those small vomit bags from airplanes as a diffuser. Cheap as all getout -- if you or someone you know -- flies and takes one home.


Cut an isopropyl alcohol bottle to fit; make a neck with gaffers tape and use a velcro strap to attach.

But I shoot events, so I don't use any obvious DIY stuff just to maintain that "professional" look. Having a machine that goes "ping" is a plus.

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Dec 14, 2017 09:38:13   #
Basil Loc: New Mexico
 
revhen wrote:
I once read that you could use one of those small vomit bags from airplanes as a diffuser. Cheap as all getout -- if you or someone you know -- flies and takes one home.


Preferably not a used bag.

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Dec 14, 2017 10:51:26   #
Dano Loc: North Carolina
 
Silverman wrote:
Way too expensive for a beginner, with limited photography funds.


Selens is a knockoff of the MagMod at a much more reasonable price. Their snoot, gels, and grids are especially useful (and can be stacked just like MagMod). Their diffusers are fine (comparable to the GF), but as others have pointed out, small and requires more power. A full kit runs ~$90. Offers a lot of creative flexibility if using speedlights, but a bounce card is definitely the most cost effective option for a simple diffuser (a set of 3 different size Peter Gregg's ABBC flash cards runs ~$30). Here's a link to a Selens kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Selens-6-in-1-Magnetic-Flash-Honeycomb-Grid-Sphere-Bounce-Snoot-Diffuser-Filter/222311391650?hash=item33c2caa1a2:g:Ag0AAOSwa3BZ7ajE and a link to flashcards: http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/abetterbouncecardversion2.html. And don't forget about using a collapsible reflector or even a piece of foam core board... it's cheap, versatile, provides a large light source, and can give amazing results.

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Dec 14, 2017 10:58:34   #
GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City
 
Dano wrote:
Selens is a knockoff of the MagMod at a much more reasonable price. Their snoot, gels, and grids are especially useful (and can be stacked just like MagMod). Their diffusers are fine (comparable to the GF), but as others have pointed out, small and requires more power. A full kit runs ~$90. Offers a lot of creative flexibility if using speedlights, but a bounce card is definitely the most cost effective option for a simple diffuser (a set of 3 different size Peter Gregg's ABBC flash cards runs ~$30). Here's a link to a Selens kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Selens-6-in-1-Magnetic-Flash-Honeycomb-Grid-Sphere-Bounce-Snoot-Diffuser-Filter/222311391650?hash=item33c2caa1a2:g:Ag0AAOSwa3BZ7ajE and a link to flashcards: http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/abetterbouncecardversion2.html. And don't forget about using a collapsible reflector or even a piece of foam core board... it's cheap, versatile, provides a large light source, and can give amazing results.
Selens is a knockoff of the MagMod at a much more ... (show quote)


Thanks for the link. The Selens system looks interesting w/o spending a bundle.
This kit should work well with my Flashpoint eVolv200.

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Dec 14, 2017 11:10:06   #
Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.
 
http://www.dembflashproducts.com/

These work beautifully and very simple and quick to use.

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Dec 14, 2017 12:23:25   #
Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada
 
Basil wrote:
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?
Ok, so I have a couple of 600EX-RTs and use them w... (show quote)


For many years now have been using the Lite-Scoops by Lite Genius. Just upgraded to their new line of flexible models which are much more durable and loving them. Personally prefer the "Super" sized unit which gives great soft light without throwing too much light away like the "domes". Here's an image I "borrowed" from their web site at www.litegenius.com


(Download)

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Dec 14, 2017 12:46:48   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
Silverman wrote:
Way too expensive for a beginner, with limited photography funds.


Someone who has spent close to $1000 on a pair of 600EX-RT probably isn't a beginner or very concerned about spending $75 or so on a diffuser ($50) and an adapter ($25) to fit it to their particular flash.

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Dec 14, 2017 13:05:46   #
Pochon53
 
I diffuse by using the ancient method of one thickness of a white handkerchief over the front of the flash, which has a clear snap-in filter which holds it in.

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Dec 14, 2017 13:34:11   #
photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA
 
I went to Wal-mart and bought a large piece of white craft foam. I turned it into a large bounce card. Youtube has a number of videos on how to do it.

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