Is anyone familiar with the Lightsphere II?

Question

Is anyone familiar with the lightsphere II that Gary Fong created?
Its suppose to be a diffuser that projects light from your camera's flash. Does it really illuminate enough light that you wouldn't need studio lights indoors?

Answer 1

I've used it. It's not a replacement for studio lights. The lightsphere is more for convenience and allows you to walk around and take soft portraits of people without the need for a flash bracket. It is ideal if you are not able to use a ceiling bounce. It has the same effect as a mini softbox, but is a lot faster to set up.
Some would say it looks very professional, while others think it looks silly like a margarine cup. I've found the light to be a tad harsher than what I would like.
I ended up with Joe Demb's Flip-it because I prefer the softer look of bounced light. The flip-it is mainly a bounce tool, but 'steals' some light from the flash to fill in the neck shadow usually associated with bounced light. It is less expensive than the lightsphere. The only downside of flip-it is that you need a ceiling.
I generally don't like to take portraits from a flash source directly from the camera, but if I was in a hurry, the lightsphere or flip-it are great tools. Both tools benefit from a flash with full pivoting capabilities.

Answer 2

The FongDong is the darling of many wedding photographers. There are 2 versions, a clear and a frosted. You can use them with a bracket or without. With the included dome or without. Inside or outside. They help eliminate harsh shadows. That makes them great for weddings and changing conditions for fairly close photography with a pretty strong flash unit.

They are not intended to replace studio lights in a studio setting.

Answer 3

In a word, yes.

Best camera equipment purchase I've ever made.