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Favorite off-camera flash diffusers? The Gary Fong system was on Massdrop a hwile ago. I still rock the original Lightsphere from 2004 since it's a smidge better than your basic dome and compacts flat, so I can wedge it in my bag. On the other hand, you can leave a basic dome on the flash. Either way, no way to add a gel due to the securing mechanisms, but on the new Lightspheres you can swap the domes. It's still kinda limiting though.
lastzero
254
Mar 28, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fI never liked those lightsphere because they were expensive, you can get a tubberwear to do a similar job for cheaper, or so Tony or one of the other youtube photographers say, and they're not sturdy against the wind since it's multiple pieces.
I use a wide angle modifier that's metal back and plastic front diffuser cover, attached by three screws. The main issue with my recommendation is that they only work for bare bulbs by Godox which could be a problem, if you're not using those. The usual umbrella is what I'd recommend or softbox as well for cheap and reliable but arguably plain and simple.
I'd argue it depends more of what you're trying to do with the light since a gridded box has a very focused light compared to a snoot which is very concentrated but harsh vs soft light. Budget is another consideration as well as mounts.
lastzeroI looked at the new Lightsphere and it's got some kind of universal strap system that uses tension, and yeah, that'll fall right off in wind. The original was molded plastic, and it's still super-tight on mine. I'm kind of amazed at the quality of the plastic, to be honest. I've removed and attached it countless number of times, lent it to people with different brand flashes, and it does have some give to get it on in the first place. Yet it remains tight. I imagine it'll degrade eventually.
Yeah, it was expensive at the time just as it is now, but we didn't have the plethora of options we do today. So I can velcro a rainbow of Honl gels and wrap a softbox around it for the same price.
Umbrellas are great and I use them. I guess I should have specified for mobility/events, where the camera is in one hand and the flash in the other. So things like compact diffusers, mini-softboxes, and beauty dishes. Well, anything goes in this thread! That Godox sounds intriguing but yeah, I'm on Canon. It'll definitely help other people though!
Kenny1007
11
Mar 28, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fI have had pretty good success with the Rogue system. I have the large flash bender and am able to use it in many configuration. I have even rolled it into a cylinder shape to create a snoot. A couple of other advantages are 1 - you can introduce the Rogue color gels quite easily and 2- you direct your flash in a desired direction and not blinding the ppl behind you with unintended flash.
Matthias_Lambert
35
Mar 28, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fI have had nuce success with the Roundflash Ring diffuser for head shots it produces nice soft light and catchlights. If you shoot too short of FL though you get those distracting circular catchlights in the eyes, not my style.
PraxisCat
219
Mar 28, 2018
b9d9ffdad3ac59e7f6fAt least one wildlife photographer I know loves the Magboune / Maglight stuff.
lastzero
254
Mar 29, 2018
Kenny1007One thing to add with the Rogue is that it's flexible and can take up odd shapes, e.g. a shovel esque head or related. It's also very compact when storing unlike a beauty dish and you can attach a diffuse front on it.
I forgot about these after I went with monolights but I still have mine ready to use.
Kenny1007I went with the Rogue system a while ago and I'm completely converted. Primarily using the large bender with the diffuser and it's great, gel system works perfectly, compacts down to practically nothing for my everyday kit. Thanks for the rec!
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