[don_jarr]

Hi all

While its suppose to be a surprise for xmas, I’m getting a 580exii flash for my camera, and just wanted to know if a diffuser is a worthy accessory to get, and if so which one.

I have seen the little opaque end caps, and a larger sort of clear ribbed plastic cone with white cloth cover over the end and wondered which was better.

It’s mainly going to be used indoors and at family gatherings, when people are up close in low light, so obviously I don’t want them looking glary in the pictures.

Any info as always is much appreciated.

Don

Ps, I’m also getting a book on flash photography for xmas, as with all things it takes practice to get it right.

[eddiewood]

Originally Posted by don_jarr

Hi all

While its suppose to be a surprise for xmas, I’m getting a 580exii flash for my camera, and just wanted to know if a diffuser is a worthy accessory to get, and if so which one.

I have seen the little opaque end caps, and a larger sort of clear ribbed plastic cone with white cloth cover over the end and wondered which was better.

It’s mainly going to be used indoors and at family gatherings, when people are up close in low light, so obviously I don’t want them looking glary in the pictures.

Any info as always is much appreciated.

Don

Ps, I’m also getting a book on flash photography for xmas, as with all things it takes practice to get it right.

I used a Sto-fen on my flash, then tried a home-made bounce card, but have now swapped to this tilt bounce card

The Sto-fen was useful for direct flash, but you still need a ceiling/walls or it has no effect. I prefer the card as it can be used inside and outside and tilted to give different lighting. Or tilted out of the way completely.

The best effect I get from my flash is to have he head around 45 degrees with the card bouncing the light to the subject. You can also angle the flash head say to the left and use the card to bounce light from the left rather than straight on for example.

The no-name plastic diffusers are cheap, so by all means try one. Have a go at making your own bounce cards too.

The larger softbox type add-ons are too big and unweildy IMO, they scream camera geek too

[pharris007]

I use a Sto-fen diffuser with good results and it always on my flash, but just remember never to use it straight ahead at 90 degrees because it will fool the meter.

I also have a cheap one off ebay, does the same thing but i find less diffuse than the stofen. The Jessops elasticated white "fabric" diffuser is also good at around £5.

[don_jarr]

Hi All

As those no name diffusers are only a fiver I’ll get on to try and see how it goes. As for the bounce card I have some styrene sheet in the shed so will have a go at making one.

Many thanks

Don

[nede]

Hi Don-Jarr
This is very good if you want a cheap diffuser.
Garry’s Photography Blog » Blog Archive » DIY Flash Diffuser

Regards
Nede

[Pirate!!]

Ahoy!

There's a used Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce diffuser from a UK seller on evilBay starting @ 99p. See item: 290373664308.

Clones of the above version from HK from £1.95 delivered. See item: 170322440716. Again click via Quidco/Topcashback for 40% rebate of fees.

There are also Lambency diffusers (clones of the Gary Fong Lightsphere). See item: 280427965718. I have an original GF version, and I think it's brilliant especially for close-up portrait work. Your flash is listed so you'll need the P4 variant.