19-APR-2010
Diffusers tested included the Stofen Omnibounce, the Gary Fong Lightsphere (clear with white dome), and mini softbox (eBay item from China). Flash used was Sunpak 444D mounted on tripod off camera and fired with radio trigger. Camera used was Canon D60.
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19-APR-2010
Flash was mounted to camera right, (model left). This gives a very good indication of the relative hard / soft aspects of shadows produced by the various diffusers. As can be seen here, the flash with no diffusion is quite harsh on the model with deep, sharp shadow.
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19-APR-2010
The Stofen Omnibounce takes the harshness off the model's face as well as softening the shadow. Flash head is tilted to a 45 degree angle to use the Stofen.
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19-APR-2010
The Lightsphere mounts to the flash with the head straight up. Light is diffused over a large area. As can be seen, the light on the model now becomes almost flat. Much of the direction of the light is lost due to the design of the Lightsphere. However, lighting on the face is very "gentle" and the intensity and definition of the shadow is greatly reduced. This photo illustrates a disadvantage of the Lightsphere. It does reduce output of the flash. This photo is darker than the others, even with the brightness increased slightly in Photoshop. About 1 stop larger on the aperture and / or about a 1EV increase in flash power takes care of the problem. In theory, a TTL flash should take care of the light loss automatically, but I never found that to be the case. I would always add 1EV to my Canon 580EX flash when using the Lightsphere, and exposures were always more accurate.
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19-APR-2010
The mini softbox now again positions the flash head directly toward the model. There is again more harshness on the face, more so than with the Stofen, with shadow intensity about on par with the Stofen. However, the direction of light is also now more prominent, and that can often be the desired look in the photo. Though hardly as soft and diffused as a true, large soft box, the light quality is still better than bare, non-diffused flash.
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19-APR-2010
Here is how they stack up, and my own opinions on which is "best".
Bare flash. As I see it, to be used only when you have no other choice.
Stofen Omnibounce. It definitely helps even out the light on the subject, and reduces shadow intensity. I consider this an indoor unit. If used outdoors with no walls or ceilings to interact with, I feel the results would not be as effective, though likely still better than bare flash. A huge advantage of the Stofen is it's small size and fast, easy mounting on the flash. That alone can make it something that will be used rather than left in a closet at home.
Gary Fong Lightsphere. Hands down the "winner" as far as even, soft light on the subject and greatly reduced shadows. Disadvantages are it does "eat" light output, and is not exactly always easy to pack in a camera bag. Some people refer to it as a "piece of Tupperware". It certainly is not discreet, and adds some real weight to the flash. However, if you have a tilt and swivel head on your flash, it practically eliminates the need for a flash bracket. Again, like the Stofen, this is designed to use indoor walls and ceilings to bounce light, and is less effective outdoors. It "can" be used outside, but light power is being dispersed in all directions, and simply being lost and wasted.
Mini soft box. Somewhere between the bare flash and Stofen. Light is less harsh on the model than a bare flash, but not as soft and even as with the Stofen and Lightsphere. Shadow is also more distinct than with the Stofen. However, this is a true diffuser, with no reliance or design to bounce light in any way. Thus, light output level is not so severely compromised, and it is as effective outdoors as indoors. This unit would actually be my choice for outdoor use when using flash for FILL light. It folds completely flat and uses a velcro strap to secure the flaps of the soft box to the flash head. This was an $8 item on eBay, and for that price, it is worthwhile to have in my opinion, if only for outdoor fill light applications.
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