Flash Diffuser

pyloh · 19th December 2007

Hi all,

I am a newbie. Like to know what is a flash diffuser? And what is the purpose of it? Is it the White color cap that is attach to the tip of the flash?

Thanks

Snoweagle · 19th December 2007

Originally Posted by pyloh

Hi all,

I am a newbie. Like to know what is a flash diffuser? And what is the purpose of it? Is it the White color cap that is attach to the tip of the flash?

Thanks

The white cap is called an omnibounce. Mainly diffusers are to spread out the light more evenly and wider so that it would not appear as a harsh bright spot, similar to lights in a room.

Other diffusers available are WhaleTail, Lightsphere, bounce card and the 'sock'.

pyloh · 19th December 2007

Originally Posted by Snoweagle

The white cap is called an omnibounce. Mainly diffusers are to spread out the light more evenly and wider so that it would not appear as a harsh bright spot, similar to lights in a room.

Other diffusers available are WhaleTail, Lightsphere, bounce card and the 'sock'.

Hi, Thanks for your help. Then what is the use of a omnibounce?

zac08 · 19th December 2007

Originally Posted by pyloh

Hi, Thanks for your help. Then what is the use of a omnibounce?

It is used to diffuse the flash output esp when you use it for bounce flash lighting. Some use it to diffuse the flash output when used directly as well.

blackdrakes · 19th December 2007

what is the "sock"?

Snoweagle · 19th December 2007

Originally Posted by blackdrakes

what is the "sock"?

It's a cloth bag-type used to wrap the flash head.

Snoweagle · 19th December 2007

Originally Posted by pyloh

Hi, Thanks for your help. Then what is the use of a omnibounce?

As above, but do remember all flash diffusers reduce the flash output. How much it reduces depends on the material type.

mrericlee · 25th December 2008

Does that mean with Omnibounce, just shoot direct? No need to tilt 45 deg no more.

Snoweagle · 25th December 2008

Originally Posted by mrericlee

Does that mean with Omnibounce, just shoot direct? No need to tilt 45 deg no more.

Depends what u want to achieve.

Blur Shadow · 25th December 2008

Originally Posted by mrericlee

Does that mean with Omnibounce, just shoot direct? No need to tilt 45 deg no more.

You can still pretty much do everything with the Omnibounce. Can still reflect off ceiling, can shoot 45 deg, can shoot direct... It's what you are trying to accomplish.

sin77 · 25th December 2008

i have a bounce card but i think the effect is not so nice.

I am thinking whether to get Demb, omnibounce, whaletail or lightsphere.

Snoweagle · 26th December 2008

Originally Posted by sin77

i have a bounce card but i think the effect is not so nice.

I am thinking whether to get Demb, omnibounce, whaletail or lightsphere.

I've an omnibounce and a WhaleTail. Omnibouce for general shoots while my WhaleTail's dedicated for my model shoots.

librus · 26th December 2008

i'm using a lightsphere and i love it coz the lighting output is more natural and rounded

Snoweagle · 26th December 2008

Originally Posted by librus

i'm using a lightsphere and i love it coz the lighting output is more natural and rounded

I used to have the lightsphere before upgrading to the WhaleTail. I find the results are better and is a more versatile diffuser.

cqprime · 26th December 2008

Can i say Lightsphere is better than omnibounce ?

zac08 · 26th December 2008

Originally Posted by cqprime

Can i say Lightsphere is better than omnibounce ?

It's bigger and throw the light more evenly, but the size is not a good thing if you want to be in the background and not stand out.

sin77 · 26th December 2008

which diffuser is better if it is used for outdoor modeling shoot?

In fact i have some concerns over buying of diffuser(s) because I will use my flash unit for these purposes:
1. indoor casual party
2. indoor with speaker on stage
3. banquet dinner (high ceiling)
4. outdoor model
5. product close-up

And on the other hand, i might consider buying another flash unit (SB900).

Snoweagle · 26th December 2008

Originally Posted by sin77

which diffuser is better if it is used for outdoor modeling shoot?

In fact i have some concerns over buying of diffuser(s) because I will use my flash unit for these purposes:
1. indoor casual party
2. indoor with speaker on stage
3. banquet dinner (high ceiling)
4. outdoor model
5. product close-up

And on the other hand, i might consider buying another flash unit (SB900).

I would suggest the WhaleTail. For #5, if your product is smaller than the flash head, even a direct flash will do without a diffuser.

Anson · 26th December 2008

Originally Posted by zac08

It's bigger and throw the light more evenly, but the size is not a good thing if you want to be in the background and not stand out.

You are right... I just purchase a Lightsphere for my 580EX2, even though it produce great lighting... it reduce my mobility during an event shooting...

sin77 · 26th December 2008

then wat abt a diffuser cap? good or not

19th December 2007	#1
pyloh New Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 39	Flash Diffuser Hi all, I am a newbie. Like to know what is a flash diffuser? And what is the purpose of it? Is it the White color cap that is attach to the tip of the flash? Thanks

25th December 2008	#8
mrericlee Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 444	Re: Flash Diffuser Does that mean with Omnibounce, just shoot direct? No need to tilt 45 deg no more.

25th December 2008	#11
sin77 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 932	Re: Flash Diffuser i have a bounce card but i think the effect is not so nice. I am thinking whether to get Demb, omnibounce, whaletail or lightsphere. __________________ Nikon D90, SB600, 18-200mm VRII, Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, Lumix FZ18, Fujifilm F31fd.

26th December 2008	#13
librus New Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 19	Re: Flash Diffuser i'm using a lightsphere and i love it coz the lighting output is more natural and rounded __________________ http://www.flickr.com/photos/librus/

26th December 2008	#15
cqprime Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Singapore, NE Posts: 266	Re: Flash Diffuser Can i say Lightsphere is better than omnibounce ? __________________ ____________________________________ 1000D w/EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L USM II Lens /75-300mm /18-55mm

19th December 2007	#5
blackdrakes Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 754	Re: Flash Diffuser what is the "sock"?

26th December 2008	#17
sin77 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 932	Re: Flash Diffuser which diffuser is better if it is used for outdoor modeling shoot? In fact i have some concerns over buying of diffuser(s) because I will use my flash unit for these purposes: 1. indoor casual party 2. indoor with speaker on stage 3. banquet dinner (high ceiling) 4. outdoor model 5. product close-up And on the other hand, i might consider buying another flash unit (SB900). __________________ Nikon D90, SB600, 18-200mm VRII, Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, Lumix FZ18, Fujifilm F31fd. Last edited by sin77; 26th December 2008 at 10:15 AM.

26th December 2008	#20
sin77 Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 932	Re: Flash Diffuser then wat abt a diffuser cap? good or not __________________ Nikon D90, SB600, 18-200mm VRII, Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, Lumix FZ18, Fujifilm F31fd.