Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Diffusion System

[BePositive]

Anyone know about "Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Diffusion System"?
How much is it and what kinds of flash can use this lightsphere?
I heard that we can not use 430EX with this lightsphere, is it true?
Thank you

[raptor84]

I believe they make the diffuser for almost all flash heads (fron nikon and canon) and IIRC its about $75+ for one.

Why can't the 430ex use it? There are a couple of CS'ers using the 430ex with the LS.

[BePositive]

I always shoot indoor. Is the lightsphere very helpful? How is it different from bounce flash?

[snapperkid]

The lightsphere is selling at $90 for the transculent one and $99 for the cloud one.

The lightshere is very good. Except that it adds a little weight to the top of your flash. The results are very natural. One difference between lightsphere and bounce lighting is the shadow below the eyes. When using bounce lighting, results turn out there is a shadow below the eyes and you won't be able to see the eyes. With the lightsphere, the whole face is lighted, and it's not harsh.

You can't shoot in high ceilings with bounce lighting but you can shoot it with the lightshere. But for fill-flash, I would prefer not using the lightsphere.

Final words, get it, it's worth the price.

[Adelfin]

Originally Posted by snapperkid But for fill-flash, I would prefer not using the lightsphere.

Care to explain further? I thought with the dome it should be soft enough for fill flash?

I'm also considering getting one, because the lumiquest/bounce card/stofen/flip it don't do portrait/vertical shots very well.. will have harsh side shadows... gary fong claims to have solved that problem. Anyone could enlighten me if it is true? Can the lightsphere do portrait shots well? I definitely don't want to use a flash bracket so i want to get a good diffusion system.

edit: And which lightsphere is better for general use? I like the idea of warm colours but i'm afraid colour contrast will be affected greatly if i use the cloud version. And is the amberdome useful?

[snapperkid]

the fill-flash mode is good only for close distance(1-2m). But for further distance, the light just can't reach!

Frankly speaking, the lightsphere is design for portrait photography. Have been doing well with it.

For general use, the transculent one. When you buy it, you will get an instructional DVD on using the lightsphere.

[Snoweagle]

The cloud one is only $91, not $99.

I got one for my 580EX and have since been using it all the time. Omnibounce and external bounce cards are not needed for me.

[Adelfin]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle The cloud one is only $91, not $99. I got one for my 580EX and have since been using it all the time. Omnibounce and external bounce cards are not needed for me.

You have the cloud version? how does it perform for outdoor shots where u want contrast or cooler colours?
And do you have the same problem like snapperkid (no reach for fill-in flash)?
how many stops does the lightsphere bring down the flash? is there a need to compensate much?

sorry if i ask too much.. quite new to flash photography.. i only know my built in flash not enough power, so i'm deciding if the 430 or 580 is the one for me.. if the lightsphere steps down alot den i'll get the 580 to compensate the power...

[raptor84]

Originally Posted by Adelfin sorry if i ask too much.. quite new to flash photography.. i only know my built in flash not enough power, so i'm deciding if the 430 or 580 is the one for me.. if the lightsphere steps down alot den i'll get the 580 to compensate the power...

If you have the $$ get the 580ex. For flashes get the best you can afford so you don't have to upgrade later.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by Adelfin You have the cloud version? how does it perform for outdoor shots where u want contrast or cooler colours? And do you have the same problem like snapperkid (no reach for fill-in flash)? how many stops does the lightsphere bring down the flash? is there a need to compensate much? sorry if i ask too much.. quite new to flash photography.. i only know my built in flash not enough power, so i'm deciding if the 430 or 580 is the one for me.. if the lightsphere steps down alot den i'll get the 580 to compensate the power...

I don't need the cloud one so i got the clear one. Warm colours can be done through colour temperature settings.

Usually with the LS, i get a lot better 'even' shots than without. Number of stops?? Not sure though...perhaps a stop or 2.

[Kongo]

Not true lah, I am using 430EX with LS PJ2.

Originally Posted by BePositive I heard that we can not use 430EX with this lightsphere, is it true?

[wanzw]

with the LS on there is sometimes a need to set exposure compensation. or else images will turn out bit dark.

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by wanzw with the LS on there is sometimes a need to set exposure compensation. or else images will turn out bit dark.

Not really, also depending on how far your subject is away from you.

[wanzw]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle Not really, also depending on how far your subject is away from you.

ya. ideally. if around 3 metres away. set about 2/3 to 1 stop of compensation. this is only a recommendation though. it depends on where you are and what kind of lights you are looking at.

[Adelfin]

ok... i guess i will just have to experiment around to find out how much to compensate... in that case i'll prob get a 580 to make up the loss in light... was thinking it might look too big for my 350D.. but a good investment nonetheless.. thanks for all your help guys!

and BePositive, here's a chart i found for the compatibility of the flash and size of lightsphere:
http://www.garyfonginc.com/images/ls_size_lg.jpg

This one's how to mount (note the part that says u may have to push it past the ridge line - that's wad happens for the 430ex):
http://www.digitalphotographers.net/LS2ID/page01.html

hope it helps...

[Snoweagle]

Originally Posted by wanzw ya. ideally. if around 3 metres away. set about 2/3 to 1 stop of compensation. this is only a recommendation though. it depends on where you are and what kind of lights you are looking at.

Correct, setting of the compensation depends on yr surroundings as well. Usually in difficult lighting conditions, i will not use ETTL but manually set on my flash to compensate.

[unseen]

Originally Posted by wanzw with the LS on there is sometimes a need to set exposure compensation. or else images will turn out bit dark.

I don't think so. It's just a problem with Canon flash, that it's inconsistent. We're using ETTL, the preflash would have already calculated how much flash output is needed to light up the subject, and the flash itself would be sufficient, regardless lightsphere or not.
You will never need to compensate just because you're using LS or bounce card etc.

[Venom81]

I'm also using 430EX with LS PJ2.

[Snoweagle]

Current LSPJ IIs are available for all new and current flashes, but i've not seen it for the Sigma 500DG Super.

[roDz]

Originally Posted by Snoweagle Current LSPJ IIs are available for all new and current flashes, but i've not seen it for the Sigma 500DG Super.

Bro,i'm using it with Sigma 500DG Super for quite awhile already..