I have a query regarding speedlights and the use of a Stofen Omni-bounce.
It seems to me that £15-£20 is a lot to spend on the 'industry standard' piece of diffusing plastic. Is it worth it for wildlife photography and in what scenarios would people be looking to use it.
I have had my SB-600 for quite some time now but only recently I have I been trying to learn to properly use it and I have been finding it hard not only to balance the light but also to get a softer more even light. I have managed to get slightly better results when bouncing the light, but in some cases this has not been possible. I am aware that exposing for the ambient & then set the flash minus 2 stops is a good place to start but I am having trouble getting consistent results.
Sorry for the rant & confusion I undoubtedly will cause but any help will be greatly appreciated.
It's quite handy for diffusing the flash for macro photography but for other more distant wildlife I wouldn't bother as it won't do an awful lot and the loss of flash power will be more of a disadvantage than anything.It's best used angled upwards at 45 degrees and is handy for people type shots indoors, or even outdoors, but not really for wildlife.
Bubble wrap, tissues and an elastic band... much cheaper and just as effective (though not as neat looking)
HTH
Phil
Posted by Phil Shaw on September 1, 2010 at 4:04 AM
You will only get consistent results with flash if if you shoot in manual mode and adjust the output of the flash for your subject distance. As Justin says, the use of the Stofen diffuser in wildlife photography is pretty limited, and as Phil H suggests, there are plenty of DIY alternatives if you are looking to save some cash. Tuppaware and empty plastic milk containers are a good source of materials
I use one for getting a little catch light in the eye of mammals. I think it's worth it. I sure quite a few people think I am nuts with a stofen on my flash with a 500mm in daylight. I also can't bring my self to have a plastic milk bottle on top of 10 grands worth of kit.
Discussion
4 repliesI have a query regarding speedlights and the use of a Stofen Omni-bounce.
It seems to me that £15-£20 is a lot to spend on the 'industry standard' piece of diffusing plastic. Is it worth it for wildlife photography and in what scenarios would people be looking to use it.
I have had my SB-600 for quite some time now but only recently I have I been trying to learn to properly use it and I have been finding it hard not only to balance the light but also to get a softer more even light. I have managed to get slightly better results when bouncing the light, but in some cases this has not been possible. I am aware that exposing for the ambient & then set the flash minus 2 stops is a good place to start but I am having trouble getting consistent results.
Sorry for the rant & confusion I undoubtedly will cause but any help will be greatly appreciated.
Drew Mellowship
Bubble wrap, tissues and an elastic band... much cheaper and just as effective (though not as neat looking)
HTH
Phil