On flash modifiers... anyone used them / which is best?

ajax_andy

ajax_andy

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I have a cheap version of the lightsphere and quite frankly think it's rubbish, so I'm looking at alternatives.

So far I've come across:

Lumiquest Quick Bounce - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001X4BAB0

and

Lumiquest Softbox III - http://www.lumiquest.com/store/products/LumiQuest-SoftBox-III.html


I like the look of both and i'm considering buying them... the quick bounce mainly for during wedding receptions where bounce isn't possible (held off camera in my left hand via TTL cable), and the softbox for OCF as it shouldn't blow over easily like a brolly.

Has anyone used either of these before and what were your experiences?

Also has anyone used other modifiers I haven't considered and were they good or bad?
 
ajax_andy said:
I have a cheap version of the lightsphere and quite frankly think it's rubbish, so I'm looking at alternatives.

So far I've come across:

Lumiquest Quick Bounce - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001X4BAB0

and

Lumiquest Softbox III - http://www.lumiquest.com/store/products/LumiQuest-SoftBox-III.html


I like the look of both and i'm considering buying them... the quick bounce mainly for during wedding receptions where bounce isn't possible (held off camera in my left hand via TTL cable), and the softbox for OCF as it shouldn't blow over easily like a brolly.

Has anyone used either of these before and what were your experiences?

Also has anyone used other modifiers I haven't considered and were they good or bad?
Click to expand...

This doesn't quite stack up.

What's wrong with the Fong? I'm not a fan, but it certainly works well enough in situations that suit it. It's a bounce-fill device, works on the same principle as a Stofen, or bounce card, or LQ Quik Bounce (with flaps open). The Fong wastes too much light IMHO, and is poor outdoors. Personally I like the Quik Bounce a lot, because it works well, is wonderfully versatile, efficient with light, and very fast to deploy.

But if you don't want to bounce, as you say, why do you want the Quik Bounce? It works okay without bouncing, but others are better at doing only that because they're bigger. Personally I'd get the Big Bounce for shooting direct, either in your hand or on-camera. It's quite good on-camera because it sits higher than a regular softbox (eg Softbox III).

I think every wedding photographer should have a Quik Bounce, because it does so much in that kind of environment, especially bounce-fill. But if you just want nice soft direct light, get the biggest softbox type attachment you think you can sensibly handle.
 
HoppyUK said:
This doesn't quite stack up.

What's wrong with the Fong? I'm not a fan, but it certainly works well enough in situations that suit it. It's a bounce-fill device, works on the same principle as a Stofen, or bounce card, or LQ Quik Bounce (with flaps open). The Fong wastes too much light IMHO, and is poor outdoors. Personally I like the Quik Bounce a lot, because it works well, is wonderfully versatile, efficient with light, and very fast to deploy.

But if you don't want to bounce, as you say, why do you want the Quik Bounce? It works okay without bouncing, but others are better at doing only that because they're bigger. Personally I'd get the Big Bounce for shooting direct, either in your hand or on-camera. It's quite good on-camera because it sits higher than a regular softbox (eg Softbox III).

I think every wedding photographer should have a Quik Bounce, because it does so much in that kind of environment, especially bounce-fill. But if you just want nice soft direct light, get the biggest softbox type attachment you think you can sensibly handle.
Click to expand...

Hi mate, sorry I should have mentioned that it's mainly for when bounce isn't possible, and in that situation I find the Fong pretty poor and leads to red eye and harsh light.

I'll definitely get one of the mini softboxes... either the one listed here or Lasolite Ezybox.

I read a few mixed reviews about the Quick Bounce after posting this yesterday and came across the Demb Flip-It and this seemed to get nothing but positive comments and does a similar job, so have gone for this instead :)
 
ajax_andy said:
Hi mate, sorry I should have mentioned that it's mainly for when bounce isn't possible, and in that situation I find the Fong pretty poor and leads to red eye and harsh light.

I'll definitely get one of the mini softboxes... either the one listed here or Lasolite Ezybox.

I read a few mixed reviews about the Quick Bounce after posting this yesterday and came across the Demb Flip-It and this seemed to get nothing but positive comments and does a similar job, so have gone for this instead :)
Click to expand...

Demb Flip is handy enough little device, but it's just a bounce card. Not much use outside and not as good as the Quik Bounce indoors, if only because it's smaller (though there are bigger versions) and nowhere near as versatile.

There are some good user-reviews of the Quik Bounce on the LQ website :D
 
HoppyUK said:
Demb Flip is handy enough little device, but it's just a bounce card. Not much use outside and not as good as the Quik Bounce indoors, if only because it's smaller (though there are bigger versions) and nowhere near as versatile.

There are some good user-reviews of the Quik Bounce on the LQ website :D
Click to expand...

I've gone for one of the larger Flip-It's so should be ok I think / hope. The bounce card comes of a hinge so you can angle it forward to send more of the flash in that direction... will have to have a play around with it when it arrives though and see how effective it is without bouncing off a wall or ceiling.

I'm still keen on getting an on-flash softbox for most occasions though... have you ever used one?
 
ajax_andy said:
I've gone for one of the larger Flip-It's so should be ok I think / hope. The bounce card comes of a hinge so you can angle it forward to send more of the flash in that direction... will have to have a play around with it when it arrives though and see how effective it is without bouncing off a wall or ceiling.

I'm still keen on getting an on-flash softbox for most occasions though... have you ever used one?
Click to expand...

Yes, quite a few. I've still got an LQ Ultrasoft, but always go to the Quik Bounce now as it's almost as good for direct flash and does so much more.

My 'serious' location flash is more like a like a studio on legs. Not for everyone as it's big and quite cumbersome, but it's basically a modified Lastolite flash bracket with a Gamilight 43cm softbox http://photo-tips-online.com/review/gamilight-square-43-softbox/ with the option of a second gun to add bounce when needed. Works brilliantly well, wonderful light, plenty of power, even if I say it myself :)
 
HoppyUK said:
Yes, quite a few. I've still got an LQ Ultrasoft, but always go to the Quik Bounce now as it's almost as good for direct flash and does so much more.

My 'serious' location flash is more like a like a studio on legs. Not for everyone as it's big and quite cumbersome, but it's basically a modified Lastolite flash bracket with a Gamilight 43cm softbox http://photo-tips-online.com/review/gamilight-square-43-softbox/ with the option of a second gun to add bounce when needed. Works brilliantly well, wonderful light, plenty of power, even if I say it myself :)
Click to expand...

Haha cool... I'm thinking of mixing up the softbox being on camera or held at arms length and just walking around with it on a light stand depending on the venue i'm shooting in... lots to think about so cheers for your help :)
 
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