So, I've ordered the Speedlite 580 EXII. What kind of diffuser should I get?

[seenew]

I've heard a lot of good things about Gary Fong's diffusers, but I want to make sure I get a nice one that I can use for a variety of different shots. I'm completely new to using an external flash, so if anyone could guide me in the right direction, I'd be grateful.

(PS: I'm shooting a friend's wedding in November, so keep that in mind, but like I said, I want something I can use in other situations, too)

 

[GoCubsGo]

Everyone will have an answer so I'll go with mine. Gary Fong's Lightsphere. Check it out.

 

[seenew]

Everyone will have an answer so I'll go with mine. Gary Fong's Lightsphere. Check it out.

Yeah, that's what I've been looking at.

 

[Westside guy]

You might want to talk to the bride and find out if they want you using a flash at all. A lot of times people want the ceremony shot using only existing light because a flash is a big distraction - and a diffuser won't really change that.

 

[bousozoku]

I like my Gary Fong Lightsphere as well. Cloud colour for smaller areas and clear for bigger areas.

 

[compuwar]

I've heard a lot of good things about Gary Fong's diffusers, but I want to make sure I get a nice one that I can use for a variety of different shots. I'm completely new to using an external flash, so if anyone could guide me in the right direction, I'd be grateful.

(PS: I'm shooting a friend's wedding in November, so keep that in mind, but like I said, I want something I can use in other situations, too)

If you search Google or DPR, you can find instructions for making a diffuser from craft foam that's more directional and significantly cheaper than the cloudy Tupperware-ish stuff everyone recommends. You have the advantage of being able to control the shape/size for different crowds and how much it "cups" for places where you can't bounce off the ceiling. Even if you spend a lot of time to get it looking good and buy lots of Velcro for doing different ones, you'd be hard-pressed to spend more than about $15.

 

[seenew]

You might want to talk to the bride and find out if they want you using a flash at all. A lot of times people want the ceremony shot using only existing light because a flash is a big distraction - and a diffuser won't really change that.

Oh, I've talked extensively with her, she even did me the huge favor of making a checklist of the 'must have' shots she wants, but really came to me because she wants a more personal approach than commercial. But yeah, I wouldn't use the flash during the ceremony, just for maybe in the limo or at the reception, and other times before and after.

And thanks for the idea, compuwar.

 

[M@lew]

I've got a Sto-fen Omnibounce for my Speedlight. It probably doesn't soften the light as much as the Lightsphere though, so the Lightsphere is probably better for wedding portraits.

 

[glennp]

If you search Google or DPR, you can find instructions for making a diffuser from craft foam that's more directional and significantly cheaper than the cloudy Tupperware-ish stuff everyone recommends. You have the advantage of being able to control the shape/size for different crowds and how much it "cups" for places where you can't bounce off the ceiling. Even if you spend a lot of time to get it looking good and buy lots of Velcro for doing different ones, you'd be hard-pressed to spend more than about $15.

Peter Greggs' site will show you how to make one out of foam.

http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/

 

[seenew]

Peter Greggs' site will show you how to make one out of foam.

http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/

excellent!

 

[MacUserSince87]

Make your own for $2

First read this discussion about flash modification and the advantanges of using two flashes: http://super.nova.org/DPR/Design/

Next visit this page http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/ where you will find templates for making a very effective reflection diffuser for about $2.

Canon flash tutorials can be found here: http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/Links.html

Chuck Gardner

 

[Grimace]

Hey guys, I'm reviving this recent thread because I too am looking to get one of Gary Fong's Cloud Lightsphere diffusers.

My problem is that on the GF web page, the Canon 430EX is listed as being a size P3/C in the large chart but then at the bottom it says that the P4/C4 size will fit the 430EX. Conflicting sizes!!

Has anyone used a Canon 430EX flash with a Gary Fong Lightsphere diffuser? What size do you use?

 

[scamateur]

ever so slightly off-topic...

Most wedding-reception photographers use a FLASH BRACKET, whether the diffuser is in use or not. A bracket will increase your "keeper" rate in the photos where flash is required.

 

[Butthead]

Most wedding-reception photographers use a FLASH BRACKET, whether the diffuser is in use or not. A bracket will increase your "keeper" rate in the photos where flash is required.

Other than moving the on camera light source a greater distance from the lens, how would this 'increase' keeper rates? Diffusion w or w/o bracket should get much better image quality, hench 'keepers'.