softbox / LS2 / stofen / cardboard...

[jdear]

Ive been looking for around a month at the difference types of diffusion options for on-camera flash units... (target: Nikon SB800)

Ive found a few different types, each unique...

* Sto-fen Omnibounce


* Lastolite Micro-Apollo Softbox


* Lumiquest 8-20


* Lumiquest Big Bounce


* Gary Fongs Lightsphere 2


* Photoflex Inflatable oncamera XTC

* Nikon SB-800 own diffusion panel

Then theres the cheaper options...

* cigarette paper
* rubber-banding cardboard to the flash head - see also below
* DIY bounce card


* DIY sphere - apple juice container


I Need to cover essentially 24-120 (not with digital multiplier) and 15mm would be nice.

LS2 looking pretty tempting...

Who uses what?

JD

[Onyx]

Nikon's included diffusion dome for the SB800 is very similar to Stofen's omnibounce. It is one often misused by people IMHO. The illustration in your post shows correct usage - angled upwards. If one were to fit a diffusion dome and then proceed to point the flash head directly at the subject, then it completely defeats the purpose of having one - all you end up doing is wasting a stop of power.

The SB800's retractable white card is the professional looking version of rubber banding a piece of white cardboard. Its usefulness to me is one rung above ashtray on a motorcycle. It's just not big enough to catch the reflected light, the bounced light usually overwhelms it I find.

The lightsphere 2 I would imagine has many supporters on these forums. It works extremely well but you're giving your NiMH cells and the flash capacitor a good workout (it robs about 1.5-2 stops of light?!)

[ElRonno]

Hi Onyx,

The built-in bounce card is indeed small and does not really reflect a lot of light, but it sure makes a nice little catch light in the subject's eyes! With only reflected light a portrait misses that little extra, making it a but dull.

[Glen]

Very thorough JD, the photoflex inflatable is cute, an airbag for our cameras

[PiroStitch]

Very thorough JD, the photoflex inflatable is cute, an airbag for our cameras

Useful for the drop test

[sheepie]

The built-in bounce card is indeed small and does not really reflect a lot of light, but it sure makes a nice little catch light in the subject's eyes! With only reflected light a portrait misses that little extra, making it a but dull.

Agree totally - while I'm no expert on flash usage and portraiture, I do know I prefer a glint in people's eyes - something the inbuilt bounce card seems to do just nicely

[Glen]

I do know I prefer a glint in people's eyes

That's what I use to say about my girlfriends


Real reason I wrote is to compliment you on your avatar Leon, is it your house or holiday house? Nice looking house and great shot.

[sheepie]

Real reason I wrote is to compliment you on your avatar Leon, is it your house or holiday house? Nice looking house and great shot.

I wish!!! - it's one of the guest houses at Jenolan Caves!

[Glen]

Nice shot, no wonder it looked like a holiday house