Advice needed regarding speedlight softboxes/diffusers

Im covering a 3 hours event in two weeks,for a catering company.

Im looking for a way diffuse my sb800,since i doubt i will be able to bounce it without loosing to much power.

I rarely do these kind of shoots, and i rarely use my sb800 in ttl mode on camera.

Iv been looking at the lastolite apollo micro softboxes.
Anyone have any tips/advice ?

Much appreciated.

Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.

Try one of these: http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

Controlling the direction of the light is far more important than diffusion. Get a flash bracket and TTL extension cord for your flash. Combined with the diffuser shown in the link above it is the most effective single flash lighting I've used.

CG

Do a search here for info on the Lighsphere and/or Gary Fong.

I've seen a lot of pictures posted in DPR taken with this gadget, and it impresses me.

I've held one in my hands -- feels sort of weird, and looks strange, but is well made.

Apparently no need for a bracket and no need for an extension cord to connect it to the camera while maintaining TTL.

On the other hand, a million weddings have been successfully photographed with a straightahead flash on a bracket a few inches about the camera.

BAK

Take a look at the Ultimate Light Box. http://www.ultimatelightbox.com and or get a flash bracket and a Nikon SC-29 extension cord for the SB-800. Using both will give you really great results. The ULB system works well by itself also. They have great service and quick shipping.

The LS works well when you have something to bounce from or are close to your subject but it uses a lot of flash power. You might find a Nikon SD-8a a good investment to reduce flash recycle times no matter what diffuser you use.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=146171&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Looked at the stroboframe camera tilt, gonna use a d2x+sb800+sc-29.

Any tips ?

Kindest
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Regards
Paul L.

I researched this for months......finally decided on the Custom Bracket Jr.

Glad I did!!

Do quick search on it in this forum or the whole site and you'll many use and love this little baby!
ken

its does wear a nice price tag aswell. Not sure im ready plunge down that kind of money, since i will rarely use it. Thanx for the advice though.

Kindest
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Regards
Paul L.

I've used the camera flip bracket for my three digital cameras: Kodak DC290, Minolta D7Hi, and now with my 20D. It's simple, light, and performs its task quite well.

I prefer to have the flash fixed to the bracket, not flopping around. The fixed horizontal orientation of the flash head can create some vignetting at the bottom if used under 4 ft. with direct flash, but that problem is eliminated by tilting the flash down or by using the DIY diffuser I referred you to earlier. http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

When shooting I don't hold the camera by the bracket. I cradle the bracket/camera as I normally would with my left hand, bracing my left elbow on my chest for support. My right hand is on the grip of the camera. So ergonomically there's very little difference between shooting with or without the bracket. When not shooting I don't carry the camera by the handle either. It balances much better when grabbed at the top up where the flash is mounted. I also use the bracket on my tripod. Being able to flip the the camera on the bracket instead of with the ball head provides several more inches of height.

If you decide on this bracket I'd recommend you also add a quick release system. Mounting the camera via the tripod screw is very awkward, best done with three hands :-(.

I use a Wimberly QR system, which is bit of overkill as it cost more than the bracket. I also had to replace the knob with one from their macro bracket that didn't stick out as much. In retrospect I wish I'd used the cam lever RRS QR or the Bogen QR system which is more reasonably priced.

CG

Now noticed the price diffrence wasnt all that big between the custom bracket JR and the stroboframe camera flip. It costs alot more when you order it directly from the custom brackets site.?

Just so i get this straight, all i need to buy is the custombracket and the anti-twist screw for the sc-29 cable ?

will this work with my d2x and the sb800 ?

Thanx

Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.

Paul, I use the same Equipment as you and I ordered the QRS35-EV Custom Bracket. Thought @ 1st it seemed expensive but now I'm glad I bought it,I rarely take it off the camera.I ordered it off Adorama.My order for the D2X & SB00 was =1 Custom Bracket. 1 Camera mounting plate for Nikon=SKU:CBC35ND5 (thats the order number with adorama) And 1 Flash Mounting Plate=F35N1. i did'nt order the anti twist plate. the screw for the SC29 cable comes with the Flash Mount Plate. Hope this helps.
Cheers
Ray

Paul.R.Lindqvist said:

Now noticed the price diffrence wasnt all that big between the
custom bracket JR and the stroboframe camera flip. It costs alot
more when you order it directly from the custom brackets site.?

Just so i get this straight, all i need to buy is the custombracket
and the anti-twist screw for the sc-29 cable ?

will this work with my d2x and the sb800 ?

Thanx

Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.

Click to expand...

Yea the price for the is a little to strong for my budget.

I very rarely shoot with my sb800 in ttl mode,but for this event it seems like it would be a great option.
But for the limited usage, i think the jr will suffice.

Question i thought i would hold the bracket with my left hand and trigger my camera with my right. But on all pictures it seems the other way around ? or am i misstaken ?

Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.

Paul.R.Lindqvist said:

Question i thought i would hold the bracket with my left hand and
trigger my camera with my right. But on all pictures it seems the
other way around ? or am i misstaken ?

Kindest
--
Regards
Paul L.

Click to expand...

Paul, on the QRS35 the bracket stays in the 1 position it's the camera that rotates so I hold the camera by the Grip in my right hand and balance the bracket underneat with my left hand. The bracket does have a grip but I dont use it with the weight of the DX2 it balances out nicely.

Cheers Ray