Sto-Fen diffusers

Kev M

Kev M

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This is going to seem a really noddy question but do Sto-Fen diffusers have to go on the flash a certain way around? Given the way they divide thwe light I'd have thought so but there's nothing on it that indicates this is the case. I got it off Ebay and it came with packaging and instructions(ish) but I'm wondering if it's a copy.

cheers,
Kev
 
Nope - unless they've changed the design since I last used them Kevin, it's immaterial which way round you mount them - at least as far as light output is concerned.
 
The one I have only fits one way on the 580 due to the deisgn of the flash unit itself. It has a dimple in one edge of the flash unit (well more of a bump) meaning that it can only be placed on one way witout forcing.
 
Like Double Agent says - the Canon ones have a slight curve which makes them fit only one way, looking at the surface of the diffuser I think it would give the same results either way, as your supposed to use the flash head at a 45 degree angle with the diffuser in place.
 
Ally said:
Just out of intrest does a sto-fen turn your flash into a sort of soft box? is the light not as soft?
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The problem with camera mounted flash guns Ally is that they produce such an intense light from a very small light source, giving the hard shadows and harsh light which we all try to avoid. Sto-fen type diffusers don't really increase the size of that light source enough to be really effective, although they do help with softening the light and the shadows to a degree, so they're OK for a camera mounted solution to a difficult problem.

A proper soft box is a much larger and far more effective diffuser, so there's really no comparison. ;)
 
Ally said:
Just out of intrest does a sto-fen turn your flash into a sort of soft box? is the light not as soft?
Click to expand...

The ideas is that instead of pointing the flash straight at the subject you point it up towards the ceiling like you would to bounce the flash, with a Sto-Fen fitted it then splits the light so that some goes up to the ceiling to bounce and some goes straight forward. If that doesn't make sense I think there's a diagram on the warehouseexpress site.
 
The sto-fen for my Sigma will only fit (properly) one way. It has a "T" on the inside of it I guess to signify the correct way up.

I find the results when using the omni-bounce are much better. Bargain really.
 
my sto fen is shaped to fit the flash. thers is no difference in the plastic aside from its curve on the top side.
 
Chris L said:
The sto-fen for my Sigma will only fit (properly) one way. It has a "T" on the inside of it I guess to signify the correct way up. really.
Click to expand...

Odd, mine fits both ways and has no T, maybe I bought the wrong one :) either way it's a great bit of kit.
 
Mine is symetrical so can fit either way. Only got the flash last night so still trying to wade through the 2! manuals. Better than the onboard flash either way.
 
ChrisL said:
The sto-fen for my Sigma will only fit (properly) one way. It has a "T" on the inside of it I guess to signify the correct way up.

I find the results when using the omni-bounce are much better. Bargain really..
Click to expand...


The one that I got from bristol cameras was for the sigma 500 super dg and is apparently different to the sigma 500 one,..How I dont know because the flash is identical in size but different it is, or so they reckon, dont know how though:shrug:
 
paulc said:
The one that I got from bristol cameras was for the sigma 500 super dg and is apparently different to the sigma 500 one,..How I dont know because the flash is identical in size but different it is, or so they reckon, dont know how though:shrug:
Click to expand...

Mine was from WE and was also for the EF 500 Super DG. It will fit both ways but will sit a little proud when fitted the "wrong" way up
 
I used to have a Sto-fen diffuser for my 550 but didn't bother getting another when I upgraded to the 580.
From my experience it didn't make any difference. Bouncing flash off ceilings or corners behind me softens the light enough.
 
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