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How many are using the lightspere?

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soggemoen

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I have been researching diffusers and was wondering how many are using the Gary Fong lightsphere. And what kind of flash bracket do you use with it? I have been considering the lightsphere + 3429 Borgen/Manfroto bracket. I'll be using it with a Canon Speedlite 580ex. Thanks. :> )
 
It really is effective. I also use a 580 EX flash.

Canon 1DM3, Canon 20D, 580 EX, Canon EF-S 17-85mm f4 zoom, Canon EF-S 60mm f2.8 macro, Canon EF 75-300mm f4 USM zoom, Canon EF 24-105mm f4 L zoom, Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L II zoom, Canon EF 100-400 f4.5-5.6 L Zoom, A bunch of Elphs and a couple of Canon underwater cases for them and last, but not least, a Leica D lux 3 for the pocket
 
I'm not an expert but from what I have learned, brackets can be avoided with the Gary Fong Lightspheres. As a retailer I have sold many of these and the WhaleTail. People love them, and all his products. Gary has a new product called "the puffer" This is a diffuser meant for the built in flash. Brilliant idea.

The DVD that is supplied with the LS is awesome.
 
I use the lightsphere on the 550EX.

I'm a complete amateur and get great results. People are always commenting on what and odd thing it is but then they see the results. It is the best money I've spent recently, you wont be disappointed.
 
Yes I've used the Lightsphere II clear with my 430EX. I've found that ETT-L II handles it quite well without bracketing but you'll have to add about 1/3 or 2/3 stops depending on your taste. FE-Lock gets great results too.

For low to medium height ceilings, remove the dome so that you have a good mix of diffused light from the diffusion area and also bounced light from the ceiling.

2 thumbs up for the Lightsphere.
 
when I can manage having it on my flash (it's big and throws the balance of holding the camera off). Most times I use an omni bounce. It was less than $20 vs. $50 for the lightsphere. Both give very good results for certain uses.
 
I used the lightsphere II photojournalist with a EOS 10D and 550ex with CP-E3 battery pack. I found that I still need a bracket for portrait orientation shots since it still gives me slight side shadow without the bracket. I used the strobeframe Camera Flip. Oh it get tiring holding all that after a while especially during a wedding. Also just recently aquired the 580ex II and whaletail reporter haven't tried it out (mean whaletail yet, but soon) once I get the 40D and pick up another body in a few months.
 
It's a great product but does have some limitations, as all products do. Since it's made to use it with your flash head pointed up, your flash output will be higher in that position and therefore run your battery pack or batteries out quicker. It also performs best when the subject or subjects aren't too far away! You will need to tilt the unit forward for occasions when your subject is significantly at a distance away.

I haven't had any luck with it for indoor sports like HS basketball. All in all, I think it's a great product and feel it's worth the money!

I have only used the Lightsphere II (clear) so I have no idea how well the new Whaletail works but would love to try one. It is priced a higher than the Lightsphere and I'm hesitant to take the gamble.

It would be good if someone that has tried the Whaletail and Lightsphere II could comment on their differences.
 
I use the LightSphere II on a 580EX with a Canon 30D.

Usually, I point it straight up without the cap on top. I usually set the flash to +1/3 or +2/3 depending on how it looks (I take a few shots and take a look).

If the ceiling is high, I usually put the cap on top, which causes more light to go to the sides rather than bouncing off the ceiling.

For example, these images I pointed the flash up and covered the top





This picture of my wife with her brother at their grandmother's funeral did not have the top covered.



With this picture, I pointed the flash at the couple with the cap on the top



My daughters first birthday, I did not use the cap on the light sphere

 
As someone had pointed out, it would be good if someone who has experience with both could post their opinion.

On Wong's site, he has that video at the conference where he makes the Whale Tale sound much better than the lightsphere.

--
-=Glen=-

http://www.pbase.com/gsansoucie
 
Jili, can you show a picture of the "Better Bounce Card feather-light" as to how it's different from the normal Better Bounce card. I could not get to watch the "You Tube" on Peter's site to the Feather-Light version, I could watch the other You-Tube though. Thanks.

Mufutau
Juli Valley said:
Lightsphere II. I don't use a bracket with it. Now I mostly use the
Better Bounce Card feather-light without a bracket.
--
Juli
http://www.pbase.com/julivalley/galleries
Canon FiveDee, Canon 2oD, Canon Gee3, Canon S7o, Fuji Eff30, Sony
Hnine.
Click to expand...
 
(nt)
 
Juli,

Thanks for pointing out the Better Bounce Card. I stopped at the craft store on the way home tonight and picked up some of the white foam sheets. I am anxious to give this a try. Seems like a great idea.

--
Dayle
 
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