Gary Fong Diffusers

[JoeDif]

Does anyone use any of the Gary Fong products? I'm looking at the Origami flash diffuser and wondered if anyone here has any feedback on it

[maddmike]

I use Fong's Lightsphere and and Origami defuser. Both are excellent products and I highly recommend them. I used the Lightsphere first but due to it size it was hard stuff in the bag. I tried the Origami defuser and it works just as well as the ligthsphere and folds down to store. The only down side I could see to the Oragami defuser is that is really just a piece of plastic. Mine has held up well but when I first got it I had my doubt as to how long it would last.

[annnewjerz]

I have two Gary Fong lightspheres and I think they do a pretty awesome job at diffusing the light from my external flash. In general, I think you will find a lot of people satisfied with the Gary Fong products. That being said, my lightspheres are a little cumbersome and difficult to carry in a camera bag---so I've been looking for something a little more portable for when I travel.

I believe WenRob has the oragami diffuser---you might want to PM her.

Good luck!

[wenrob]

I have the Origami flash diffuser and I like it. I have vaulted ceilings and an open floor plan so the little flip thingy (don't you love those technical terms?) makes it possible for me to bounce. I'm thinking of some day getting the Flip It but for now this does what I need.

eta: Heh, we posted at the same time Ann.

[JoeDif]

Thanks for the excellent reviews!! Are the lightspheres flash specific or is it one size fits all?

[annnewjerz]

Thanks for the excellent reviews!! Are the lightspheres flash specific or is it one size fits all?

Flash specific, but if you go on his website he has a list of external flashes and you should be able to find out what size/model you need.

[fitzperry]

Love the Lightsphere, but like Ann find it a bit bulky to travel with. When you're just shooting casually, I think it can be a bit intimidating to your subjects too. I have another diffuser that just covers the top of the flash and carry that with it when I'm on the go, but it doesn't deliver the same results. Sorry, don't know anything about the Origami, but now I'm going to have to go check it out. :rolleyes1

[CaptainCook]

I have the original Lightsphere and just picked up the Puffer for my trip to Disney. I didn't want to be lugging my external flash around. I was extremely satisfied with the Puffer (and it was only $20) - I used it while dragging the shutter and got some great pictures inside during dark character meet-and-greets (e.g. Akershus and Cinderella's Royal Table).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3887118187_c2000f1cb5.jpg

[pgowder]

I have the original Lightsphere and just picked up the Puffer for my trip to Disney. I didn't want to be lugging my external flash around. I was extremely satisfied with the Puffer (and it was only $20) - I used it while dragging the shutter and got some great pictures inside during dark character meet-and-greets (e.g. Akershus and Cinderella's Royal Table).

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3493/3887118187_c2000f1cb5.jpg

What's your settings on that photo? Do you loose a stop with the puffer?

[ukcatfan]

Flash specific, but if you go on his website he has a list of external flashes and you should be able to find out what size/model you need.

They also offer a "Universal" model that mounts to "most" models. It works great on my Pentax flash. From what I have read, many people prefer the universal model as they believe it is more securely mounted to the flash.

[annnewjerz]

They also offer a "Universal" model that mounts to "most" models. It works great on my Pentax flash. From what I have read, many people prefer the universal model as they believe it is more securely mounted to the flash.

Just went on his site and looked at these, wish they would have had them back in 08 when I ordered mine!! I can't see spending the money to get the Universal now that I already have two that I rarely use since I'm not a fan of flash photos in general, but it would be nice to have a Universal that you can just tighten/loosen the strap on.

Joe, if I could turn back time, I'd get the Universal.

[CaptainCook]

Quote:
Originally Posted by CaptainCook
I have the original Lightsphere and just picked up the Puffer for my trip to Disney. I didn't want to be lugging my external flash around. I was extremely satisfied with the Puffer (and it was only $20) - I used it while dragging the shutter and got some great pictures inside during dark character meet-and-greets (e.g. Akershus and Cinderella's Royal Table).


What's your settings on that photo? Do you loose a stop with the puffer?

Settings were f/4.5, ISO 500, 1/25th, focal length 20mm. I dialled down exposure compensation, probably by a full stop. I used the slowest shutter speed possible to let in lots of ambient light and just used the flash as fill. It took a bit of trial and error in each location to determine the right combination of settings for the look I was after. Overall I didn't really notice a loss of flash power, but then again, I wasn't firing it at full capacity.

[handicap18]

I've been using the Lightsphere Inverted Dome II for the last 3 years. Its on my flash 90% of the time. I don't like using the flash without it.

[JoeDif]

Thanks everyone!!

[maddmike]

Just went on his site and looked at these, wish they would have had them back in 08 when I ordered mine!! I can't see spending the money to get the Universal now that I already have two that I rarely use since I'm not a fan of flash photos in general, but it would be nice to have a Universal that you can just tighten/loosen the strap on.

Joe, if I could turn back time, I'd get the Universal.

Its not too hard to make a specific flash lightspere into a "universal" one. You just cut the corners off so you have just four sides and then use a velcro strap to tighten it on the flash. I did that to mine instead of buying a new one and it works good.

[ukcatfan]

Its not too hard to make a specific flash lightspere into a "universal" one. You just cut the corners off so you have just four sides and then use a velcro strap to tighten it on the flash. I did that to mine instead of buying a new one and it works good.

If you place a rubber band around the flash head, it will stay on even better. It gives traction. One of the ones from broccoli in the produce section would probably work the best.

[JoeDif]

OK...heading in an entirely different direction :rolleyes1 I did some research based on Wenrob's post and have decided on the Joe Demb Flip -It

Thanks everyone for your input :thumbsup2