For this weeks CPPOTW I want to talk about something really simple and useful. Many of us photographers use hotshoe flashes for light on the go. I use a Canon 580EX myself and though it’s a great flash, the light is still really harsh. The Lightsphere is quite simply a diffuser for that harsh light. It helps me have control.
The Lighsphere is made by Gary Fong. I’ve never met him personally, but a lot of you know of him. I’ve tried more than one diffuser, and the Lightsphere (often called a Fong Dong) has worked the best. Many photographer will vouch for this, and I’m no exception.
It’s simple and straight forward. Put it on your flash, and get better light. It’s kinda like a tiny softbox for your flash. The bottom line it that it works really good. You can pick up a Lightsphere for around fifty bucks. I use the clear version myself, but their both good. I can light pretty big area with just a single on camera flash using this simple tool.
Gary also has a new diffuser called the Whale Tale. It looks good as well, though I have not tried it yet. When I get my hands on one and have an option I’ll let you know.
Check out the Lightsphere here…
Thanks Gav!
Anytime… Gav
I tryed the Fong Dong and all I got was Dong and no Fong. so I went back to the high tech method of bouncing my flash.
Do yourselves a favor, though, and save about 90% of Fong’s retardedly huge price. Get the Lambency knock-off. Works exactly the same, costs about $3.00 on eBay … like a little blob of translucent vinyl should cost.
C’mon, guys, $40 for a plastic cone?
Stay away from the Whale Tail! I have had terrible luck with it. It looks really cool, but it stops there. OTOH the Lightspheres work great–and I do agree that they are overpriced.
Gary is a greedy one!