Flash diffuser

[Okie Photo©]

I recently purchased a Nikon SB-600 flash unit. I am wanting to get a diffuser for it, I was wondering what your thoughts are on "the best" diffuser.


I have been looking at:

Just your standard diffuser:
SBM Supreme Light Diffuser for The Nikon SB600 and Olympus FL-36 Flashes

and...

I recently watched a wedding photographer use one of these:
Flash Lambency Diffuser for Nikon SB800 SB600 Speedlight - Wholesale Factory Direct

It seemed to me that the second diffuser spread the light a good bit more than a standard diffuser does. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either and which you guys would suggest.

 

[Light Artisan]

I prefer the Gary Fong collapsible light sphere, works very well.

 

[kundalini]

$52 for the Fong Dong? I'd rather go with the dome diffuser for a tenner.

 

[Okie Photo©]

I have seen the Gary Fong diffusers. Is there really anything special about them or is it just paying for a name. I am VERY new to the flash game, so honestly I do not know.

The Fong globe looks a lot like the $10 dome I posted....

 

[Light Artisan]

You can get by with generic Tupperware if you really want to save money (seriously), used clear film canisters work as well.

I like Gary Fong's stuff because I know how it works, it lasts, fits well and does what I need (when I need it). I've tried paying less and the fit is never right, now I just stick with what I know will work.

 

[shuttermountain]

You can get by with generic Tupperware if you really want to save money (seriously), used clear film canisters work as well.

I agree. A few weeks ago, I took a small Tupperware container and with 2 small cuts and a couple of bends, made an excellent diffuser for a one off photo I was taking and it turned out excellent.

 

[phiya]

This is pretty much the identical to the Gary Phong Dong, and it fits my SB-600 LLLLLLike a glove.

Amazon.com: Prolight Inverted Cloud Dome Flash Diffuser System for the Nikon SB-600, SB-800 & Olympus FL-36 Flash Units: Camera & Photo

 

[Light Artisan]

You really want to pack that thing in your camera case? They take up a boat load of room.

 

[phiya]

It's flexible, and fits nicely in the top section of my Lowepro camera backpack. Plus it's not the type of thing you need to carry with you wherever you go.

 

[Phil Holland]

I like using the wall to my rear left

 

[Vinny]

Take a look at lumiquest. I don't have a flash yet but they seem like a pretty decent idea.

As far as a self made diffuser, I used to use a tissue with a rubber band over the lens - looked stupid but worked great. I had an argument about it at a friends wedding with their professional photographer; he claimed I lost too much light. If I remember correctly his photos sucked!

 

[burgo]

I use a white plastic container which held a product called "gumption" in it. It was some cleaning stuff. Cost me $2 for the gumption. Found a local store that uses Perspex and got some offcuts to make a few that slide over my flash, Use an old kids telescope for a snoot. Have done the tissue, even used shopping bag plastic at odd times.

 

[mrpink]

I like my sto-fen.... a quick tweak in post removes any color cast.







p!nK

 

[table1349]

I recently purchased a Nikon SB-600 flash unit. I am wanting to get a diffuser for it, I was wondering what your thoughts are on "the best" diffuser.


I have been looking at:

Just your standard diffuser:
SBM Supreme Light Diffuser for The Nikon SB600 and Olympus FL-36 Flashes

and...

I recently watched a wedding photographer use one of these:
Flash Lambency Diffuser for Nikon SB800 SB600 Speedlight - Wholesale Factory Direct

It seemed to me that the second diffuser spread the light a good bit more than a standard diffuser does. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either and which you guys would suggest.

No body seems to have asked this question yet so I will. What do you want to use the diffuser for? Different diffusers serve different purposes. I have a couple of Sto-Fen's for macro work. I have the LumiQuest Pro Max system that I use when I can't bounce light off of a ceiling. A couple of Big Bounces when I need to spread a bit of light for a small group with two units and a fong knock off that rarely gets used. They all serve different purposes.

 

[Okie Photo©]

No body seems to have asked this question yet so I will. What do you want to use the diffuser for? Different diffusers serve different purposes. I have a couple of Sto-Fen's for macro work. I have the LumiQuest Pro Max system that I use when I can't bounce light off of a ceiling. A couple of Big Bounces when I need to spread a bit of light for a small group with two units and a fong knock off that rarely gets used. They all serve different purposes.

To be honest it is just to play around with for now. I have no doubt that more diffusers will be purchased in the future for different uses. For now the main use is going to be indoor portraits.

I actually went ahead and purchased the Prolight Inverted Cloud Dome Flash Diffuser System today. Should be here in 2-6 business days!!

Thank you all very much for the input!