Are the bounce/diffuser flash accessories by lumiquest worth it?

Question

Since I got my external flash, I've seen lots of these flash accessories by lumiquest and other manufacturers

Once is the sto-fen that looks like a piece of tupperware I put at the end of the flash. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00078JT0C/sr/ref=pd_cp_p_2/104-7074266-3124713?ie=UTF8&qid=1192644885&sr=1-4&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-41&pf_rd_r=1THCJC06NXCDK7RDT0T3&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=250314001&pf_rd_i=B000QD392C

Another is the pro-max system, particulary the 80/20 device that bounces 80% of the light and throws 20% of it forward
http://www.amazon.com/LumiQuest-System-Lumiquest-Promax/dp/B00009XW5J/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1196180004&sr=1-1

My Question:
Are these devices worth it? I'm no professional, but I'd like to make my shots look as best as possible without fancy equipment. I also shoot lots of indoor shots at parties and other events.

What is your opinion on them?

Answer 1

I havent used the ones you mentioned, I tend to make my own light modifiers. Its as much a learning thing for me, as me just being cheap.

Anyway, if you go to http://strobist.blogspot.com/ there will be lots of info on modifiers of all kinds, and other things.

Answer 2

I remember the first shots I took with a Sto-Fen diffuser. We were looking at slides and when I came to that roll, my wife noticed immediately and asked, "How did you DO that?" It gives a much more even light overall. My Nikon SB-800 CAME with Nikon's version of the same thing. This seems like an endorsement for the dome diffuser to me. My bottom line is that I use it almost 100% of the time indoors when people were my subject and many times when they are not.

For what it's worth, I see more wedding photographers using the Lumiquest 80/20 thing. I've never used it. I thought about getting one, but the SB-800 had the diffuser already (not to mention a built-in white bounce card), so I didn't bother getting one. They look kind of cumbersome and a little goofy to me, but that's just me. If I made my living with photography, I'd probably get one, because I'm sure there is a difference. For me, though, that difference is probably subtle enough that I am making out just fine with the dome diffuser and don't miss the 80/20 reflector.

Answer 3

I use Lumiquest, though all of them are meant to soften the shadows. I use the Lumiquest, among other reasons, because it folds flat and does the job.

I carry both the 80/20 and the soft box and, unlike many others, don't use a bracket because 80% of my shots are bounced and maybe in 1 out of 100 shots is anyone looking at the camera.

The Lumiquest stuff fits the way I shoot better than a Stoffen, etc., which are also good. A light modifier on your flash is better most of the time than not having one.

They are worth the money.

Answer 4

Before these gizmo's came out, we used to point the flash straight up and rubber band an index card to the back of it, then we'd put a slight forward bend in the card. Worked just like the lumiquest, just didn't look as pretty. For the 20/80, put some holes in it.

I like the sto-fen, use it often. JMHO.

Answer 5

I got the mini softbox from Lumiquest for my SB-400. For wide shots it really doesn't do a whole lot (full family around the Thanksgiving dinner table, tried it both ways, no real difference). But when shooting individuals, or for me shooting animals fairly close, I was able to get a nice diffused light and no red eye (green eye) whatsoever. I was very happy with those results. Haven't played around with it other than that so far.

Answer 6

They can come in handy when bounce flash isn't possible. I haven't used any of the products you list though.

I am a firm believer in using a bracket with my flash. Having the flash off-camera helps since it positions the flash above the camera and off to the side. With most brackets you can detach the flash mount from the bracket and hold it even higher (or have someone hold it) and angle it down for group shots.

Visit shutterbug.com and Search for the Oct. 2006 and Oct. 2007 issues since the Oct. issue of Shutterbug Magazine is always devoted to lighting. They have probably tested some (or all) of the products you're interested in so you can search for that also.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

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