Best flash diffuser for 580EX/600EX-RT

[pwp]

Over the years I have used Stofen diffusers and a variety of Gary Fong diffusers on my 580's.
They both have their strengths & weaknesses. They're both a step up from any number of home-made devices I've tried.

There seems to be a rush of competing products in well thought out camera straps, but I'm not aware of any breakthrough designs in the flash diffuser market. In another CR thread today I've become aware of the Demb diffuser products which I immediately ordered online. If anyone has had positive experiences with anything else, whether it's manufactured or homemade, I'd love to hear about it.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/
http://www.stofen.com
http://www.garyfongestore.com/featured-products/lightsphere-collapsible.html#.UF52MlHfsSY
http://www.garyfongestore.com/

-PW

[robbymack]

I got rid of the Tupperware on my flashes a long time ago.

[pwp]

I got rid of the Tupperware on my flashes a long time ago.

....and?

-PW

[drjlo]

FlashRight line of flash diffusors from ColorRight are hopelessly overpriced if you go by their "list price."  However, they are usually found on Amazon for less than half that, and they often email out coupon codes, often for 25-30% of list. 

Having said that, I really like the FlashRight, mainly due to fact the face can swivel 360 degrees (useful in portrait mode) and the fact half the light becomes bounce flash while half goes to subject for that catchlight.  The best part is it's so much smaller and secures well to flash that one can carry the flash with the accessory attached to it in a small bag. 

http://www.amazon.com/FlashRight-Diffuser--Universal-including-Speedlight/dp/B005F4SDX2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1348425243&sr=8-3&keywords=ColorRight-%28FlashRight-by-ColorRight%29

[pwp]

FlashRight line of flash diffusors from ColorRight are hopelessly overpriced if you go by their "list price."  However, they are usually found on Amazon for less than half that, and they often email out coupon codes, often for 25-30% of list. 

Having said that, I really like the FlashRight, mainly due to fact the face can swivel 360 degrees (useful in portrait mode) and the fact half the light becomes bounce flash while half goes to subject for that catchlight.  The best part is it's so much smaller and secures well to flash that one can carry the flash with the accessory attached to it in a small bag. 

The FlashRight looks interesting...like something from Planet X! I read up some reviews and it seems to be well received. Thanks.

-PW

[philsv77]

Save your $ for the lens.  Use either

Bounce flash:



Or off-camera "bare" flash

[pwp]

Save your $ for the lens.  Use either
Bounce flash or off-camera "bare" flash...

$ for the lens? I guess you mean the new 24-70 f/2.8II. It's on pre-order. Can't wait!

Bounce or bare flash are both useful for the right shot in the right physical environment. At a busy event, there's frequently nothing to bounce off, and straight flash would kill the shot. A diffuser offers another viable choice to use. For the sort of work I do when on-camera flash is the only option, a good diffuser would be the correct choice over 80% of the time. Straight flash is generally at it's best for daylight fill, as you have done in your posted image. Properly balanced against the natural light, skillfully used fill can be barely detectable.

-PW

[Michael_pfh]

I am quite happy with the Gary Fong equipment I got.

[kennykodak]

i use a Rogue Flashbender (small).

[carlc]

I use the Demb Pro and had the Demb Flip-It prior to that.  Really like the Pro version.  I shot a lot of events indoors with high ceilings (some very dark) and portraits outdoors and need some gentle fill.  I get great results and should also state I use a Custom Bracket QRS E-2 to get the flash off camera.  I love the combo and it gives me tons of options.  I did turn the flash arm out to the left on the QRS-E2 to get it further "off" the camera and the results are very pleasing.

One thing you will like about the Demb is you can adjust the angle of the deflector.  It is like you always have a nice white ceiling or wall nearby.

[Mike Miami]

I recently tried the Graslon Prodigy after reading good reviews. Yes, it does a good job softening the light but the thing is big + heavy on my 600EX/RT.  The fancy connection system to mount on the flash , to me, isnt very secure. Won't take much of a "bump" to knock it off.  As an example of the weight, if you tilt the head up to bounce, not that you would with this thing, the weight of the Prodigy is too much and the head falls back to 90 degrees.

I returned mine and now going to order the smaller version "the Insight". Hopefully its lighter and does a good a job as his bigger brother.

[RLPhoto]

Over the years I have used Stofen diffusers and a variety of Gary Fong diffusers on my 580's.
They both have their strengths & weaknesses. They're both a step up from any number of home-made devices I've tried.

There seems to be a rush of competing products in well thought out camera straps, but I'm not aware of any breakthrough designs in the flash diffuser market. In another CR thread today I've become aware of the Demb diffuser products which I immediately ordered online. If anyone has had positive experiences with anything else, whether it's manufactured or homemade, I'd love to hear about it.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/
http://www.stofen.com
http://www.garyfongestore.com/featured-products/lightsphere-collapsible.html#.UF52MlHfsSY
http://www.garyfongestore.com/

-PW

I know I been bad about making a review on this winglight diffuser I recently bought. Its the best I've ever used so far.

[Razor2012]

I am quite happy with the Gary Fong equipment I got.

Same, also have the Stofen (it has it's place).

[pwp]

I know I been bad about making a review on this Wing Light diffuser I recently bought. Its the best I've ever used so far.

Wing Light? http://winglightstore.com/features.php
Thanks, this looks amazing, a real left-field idea. Is it light weight?

-PW

[philsv77]

Save your $ for the lens.  Use either
Bounce flash or off-camera "bare" flash...

$ for the lens? I guess you mean the new 24-70 f/2.8II. It's on pre-order. Can't wait!

Bounce or bare flash are both useful for the right shot in the right physical environment. At a busy event, there's frequently nothing to bounce off, and straight flash would kill the shot. A diffuser offers another viable choice to use. For the sort of work I do when on-camera flash is the only option, a good diffuser would be the correct choice over 80% of the time. Straight flash is generally at it's best for daylight fill, as you have done in your posted image. Properly balanced against the natural light, skillfully used fill can be barely detectable.

-PW

Does this shot taken with off-camera "bare" flash detectable or worse than on-camera flash?  Being said that, I would avoid using on-camera flash for paid gig wedding/event.  Better of hiring assistant to hold a flash for you.  Direct flash is equivalent to unflattering lighting.