El cheapo eBay flash diffusers?
 

Got myself a Canon 430EX flash, and was looking at a diffuser for it to help diffuse the harsh effect of the flash.

Now, I'm not expert, but I was searching eBay and saw some ridiculously cheap diffusers like these.

With most things, I'd say you get what you pay for. However, for a diffuser, I can't imagine there's much to it and in my mind, is there much difference between the one I linked and say the $30 one I'd get from a photo store? Heck, I even remember using a Kleenex for my P&S when I needed to diffuse the flash in a pinch and the effects were pretty decent. :D

For $2, even if it fell apart after 10 uses, it would still be a decent value. Anyone had experiences with these cheap diffusers who can comment on it?

at that price it's well worth a shot...though it does look like it would restrict light more than the brand-name ones...

You might as well just tape a Fuji film cannister to your flash. It will be cheaper and will have the same effect. You can also get a Stofen one, but they cost $30.

i have one sitting on my desk as i no longer shoot canon 15 dollars and its yours

Which goes back to the original question I had - is there any noticeable difference other than perhaps build quality that say a name brand one has over the eBay one (or as in your suggestion a clear film canister)?

my buddy compared one of those $4 ones from ebay and his stofen one...
absolutely no difference in terms of performance...both are cheap pieces of plastic...the only difference was the stofen one was a SUPER overpriced piece of plastic...

They do a decent job

any opinions on the gary fong products?

i'm just asking purely based on the fact that he and his website looks like scam lol

I don't like using the Gary Fong stuff - I've used the Lightsphere II and the Whale-Tail, and I can't seem to click with them. I also find them to be quite overpriced.

I normally use my Demb Flip-It Pro and the diffuser about 90% of the time... the Sto-Fen Omnibounce when I don't want to be overly conspicuous. I find the Flip-It to be very good at softening the light and at throwing light.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/diffuser/models/

Oh, they're also usable with any flash, which is a big plus in my book.

my gf is good friends with gary fong, that aside i think his product is a huge waste of money and flash power. do a search on fredmiranda for the fong bong, its pretty funny what people have to say about it!

The lightspheres are over priced, IMHO. They work well enough, but I will never buy one. Gary Fong is an ass...he totally belittled a forum member who criticized the Lightsphere on fredmiranda.

I bought a Fong Bong used when I was first getting into photography late last year. I didn't know really what it did until after I used it a bit. I thought it worked pretty good but had I known more about it, I most likely would of never paid its retail price. It came with a "training dvd" but it more like videos of sales pitches.

Hey guys,

Didn't want to start a new thread on Lightspheres so I will just ask the question here.

I was looking at the Gary Fong Lightspheres as he came out with a new one...Did a search on Craigslist and found a set for $80.

The deal here : http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...149194220.html

I recently bought a 580EX II...and I am not sure if it is worth the investment into the Lightsphere. Anyone ever use the collapsible version of his lightspheres? Is this really a good deal or should I just find something cheaper from E-bay?

Thanks,

Shin

If you want something compact I think try the pooper scooper? opaque card? I have a knockoff lightsphere, they all work the same IMO, the thing I don't like about it for portrait shots is I find it although softens the lighting on the subject but maybe it's just me or my settings but I find the background becomes relatively unattractive. I'm trying to find pictures on my facebook that show this, but basically the middle turns out nice and attractive but the sides are really dark. It's still no substitute for bouncing properly or using an umbrella I guess. I'm no lighting professional so don't quote me on this :P

I wish I had a good picture of myself or something inconspicuous to show you what I mean :(

I did look at the pooper scooper, or a DIY type...but I do want something that fits in my bag...hence I want the collapsible version ...Should I throw him lower offer?

I've tried the Gary Fong Lightsphere, and it actually works really well. I just can't justify the prices these things are selling for in Canada - the dealer cost for one of those things from the Canadian distributer is the same as the RETAIL price in the USA.

^ So would you say it is a good deal for the package being sold on Craigslist that I found?

I don't think it's a screaming deal. If you're going to the US anytime soon, I'd get it down there.

Thanks for the input Jason.

So I managed to haggle the bugger down to $65 for the set...Can't wait to start playing around with them!!!

i got a replica gary fong puffer for my popup flash @ dealxtreme for like 3 dollar shipped.

works well and it is a great tool to have when travelling or when you don't want to bring an external flash.

The fitment was not perfect, but a little sanding on the bracket did the trick.

i actually owned the older gary fong but i sold it

anyhow, i had some drawer mat from ikea left over and velcro-tape from the light tent i made so i thought i'd try this out:
http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-...g-Lightsphere/

Works pretty decently. Simplest test is to shine a flashlight bare on a surface and compare the light through this drawer mat material.