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Gary Fong Lightsphere, which one?
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Can anyone tell me what the difference is between the clear and cloudy lightsphere?
I realise it actually tells you on this page:
http://www.bbjimports.com/product_detail.asp?model=Nikon%20SB800/SB800DX&id=9but i’m still a bit unsure.
I mostly take portraits, inside and out.
little help?
I wouldn’t waste my money on one. That being said, I was going to buy one about 18 months ago and tried to order it online from their UK distributor. For some reason (which I don’t recall now) the order process failed, so I tried to make contact with the distributor. After a week or so I gave up trying but did eventually get a reply to my email. But by then I had done a lot more online research into the lightsphere and had decided on the basis of other users feedback that this was a total waste of money.
Some month later this view was confirmed when had the opportunity to see one of these in use and compare the results to what I was getting with my own solution. When I remarked to the photographer using the lightsphere that there was no obvious difference in the reuslts he was getting using his lightsphere and what I was getting using my solution his only response was that while there may be no difference in the outcome, the lightsphere looked more professional!
There’s a good thread on Fredmirandaabout this – one photographer even shows the solution that he uses which is the same as mine and it works wonderfully. Before you spend money on a lightsphere, try out this solution first. It costs very little to implement. If you prefer to look “professional” then the lightsphere might be a better option, but I think a better indicator of professional, is the quality of the end product!
I’ve also read reports of the lightsphere damaging flash heads, due to it’s weight. Basically it can cause the bounce detents to wear out leaving you with a floppy flash head. I don’t know how accurate these reports are however.
I used a sheet of A4 sized white “Funky Foam” which I got at an arts supplies store, for my reflector as it’s soft, flexible, bendable, light-weight and will not injure anyone if they collide with it. You could use a sheet of photocopier paper too, but it won’t last as long.
Have to say I agree with Thorsten here – also have a look at :
which is basically the same idea. I’ve used this successfully. Funky Foam is available from Easons.
The only downside is actually that it does look a bit ‘unprofessional’. I know this doesn’t affect the end result, but it can influence some people.
When I have the opportunity, I explain why I use it (“it’s better than the commercial equivalent”), but I’m currently trying to find some “professional looking” rubber bands :DI have a Lightsphere (bought with much hassle from the UK distributor – Thorsten if it’s the same guy (a grumpy Scotsman) then I don’t blame you; you’re better off without – my experience with him was terrible!).
I’ve used it mainly for occasional portraits, some gigs and during a staged dance shoot, and whilst the results are very nice (soft and even diffusion) there is some credibility in the weight factor wearing out the bounce detents as Thorsten says.
Mine are not damaged thankfully but when you wave your camera about with flash on top and LS on top of that, firstly, it can sometimes drop from the upright back to the forward position with an unhealthy sounding ‘clunk’ and, secondly, you become very aware of the combined weight and physical size of the kit you’re swinging about. In itself its not that heavy, but does make a difference perched atop a flash with click-stops made for your hands rather than gravity.
If you are meeting new clients, then for some people, as Frank mentions, appearance is important, and they may feel some satisfaction of seeing you with a ‘professional’ looking gadget but of course results are what matters, and being able to explain a home made contraption accounts for much. If it’s mostly friends & family you’re photographing then it shouldn’t matter too much what you end up using as you’ll hopefully be more chatty whatever “thing” is on top of your flash.
Personally, I’ll be looking into (rather, maybe doing something about, as I’ve already looked into) some of the other options as carrying an LS about and fitting it when needed (it fits on nice and tightly, but it can be a bit fiddly), or storing it when not needed, isn’t the most convenient out on location, plus I like the idea of the Funky Foam that I can fix, fold, skew, scrunch, throw away and use a new piece out the back of my bag. Especially useful at family functions with kids running about!
i am SO glad i asked before i sunk money into one. i got some funky foam and will try it out. i really appreciate the help! thanks :)
Tried the local art shot for “funky foam” but had none… no Easons close by either. Any other suggestions as to where one might find this?
Cheers
Jif you’re really stuck, there are plenty of on line craft shops,
http://cardznscrapz.com/store/product/10665/Foam-Sheet-12x18in-2mm-White/
they’re based in cork. it might be called something else as well.
Cheers, had bookmarked a few as a last resort, might try Wexford town tomorrow.
Thanks again!
Craft shops and children’s toy shops might have it – it seems to be aimed for use by children.
Incidentally, you can use a sheet of white paper/photo paper as a temporary substitute. It just won’t fold as easily and will get crinkled.
I have had mine about 2 months now, used it on several occasions and the results are superb 90% of the time depending on the set up.
As mentioned it some times falls of and can be clumsy. I have the clouded version, and as they say you do loose about a stop of light compared to the clear one.
But for close portraits its well worth the money.
i will probably get the clear one aswel.
Sean
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