Lightsphere? anyone?

[patticakes]

Ok the dark season is well and truly upon us, I'm generally a "natural light" snob, but I'm entertaining the idea of getting one of these... does anyone have one and what are their thoughts? http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html From what I have heard is that it can do a pretty good job of mimic'ing natural light. I have the sb800 and really havn't liked what I have gotten back from it yet... soooo I'm curious to see if there are any others out there who have tried this yet and their thoughts??

TIA!
~patti

[shoeytennis]

i also never use flash this looks cool if you buy and like let me know.

[jcon]

Its on my short list of things to get for my business. I have seen a fellow photographer use one and it works great.

I really dont understand why people have this negative feel towards flash, if used properly its hard to tell if one has been used.

[patticakes]

[QUOTE=
I really dont understand why people have this negative feel towards flash, if used properly its hard to tell if one has been used.[/QUOTE]


:) Not a neg feel, just most of my vision around my work is centred on light and shadows...and the mood they create. Not so many "nice" shadows with flashes :) But this could be an option!! :)

[RichNY]

These were discussed quite heavily at http://photography-on-the.net/forum/
on the lighting and flash forum. The overall opinion of those that used them was poor with most people returning them.

For those of you Nikon people who haven't spent time at this site I'd definately recommend it- the lighting section is excellent as are the photograph forums for sports, fashion, etc. (I still enjoy Nikonians.org)

[Esoterra]

I have the Gary Fong Lightsphere, and I think it works great when used properly. I use it alot for wedding receptions and the Lightsphere rocks when bouncing flash off of a 8-15 ft ceiling. Its not going to replace great natural lighting, but it does a much better job than other diffusers I have used, if I have to use flash! I definatley recommend it!

[bbarlow641]

Hi.
I use the Lightshpere in my dog photography business, and it works very well. Sometimes I use it directed toward a reflector without the dome, sometimes aimed directly at the subject with the dome. I've also used it handheld off to the side, and I'm very pleased with the results. It fts my style/studio/circumstances perfectly.

If I wanted to complain, it would be about the SB800. If I could put my hands on the UI designer (and the author of the manual), after appropriate counseling, I'd probably beat them to a pulp.

Ben

[XaiLo]

Hi.
I use the Lightshpere in my dog photography business, and it works very well. Sometimes I use it directed toward a reflector without the dome, sometimes aimed directly at the subject with the dome. I've also used it handheld off to the side, and I'm very pleased with the results. It fts my style/studio/circumstances perfectly.

If I wanted to complain, it would be about the SB800. If I could put my hands on the UI designer (and the author of the manual), after appropriate counseling, I'd probably beat them to a pulp.

Ben

Thanks for the good laugh. :)

[eduardofrances]

Avoid buying it from gary fong's site, the shipping is expensive and is usually a loooooooong wait, www.bhphotovideo.com has them (and they are gary fong)

[eddie_dane]

I just recently purchased one of the lightsphere II along with the amberdome. So far, I am very pleased with it compared to other difusers and just simple bouncing. I wish I had known they were selling them at B&H or I would've bought from them since I buy most of my stuff there already. Shipping was fast but, as stated, somewhat expensive.

I am having issues using the amberdome with the D200 WB set for tungsten, my backgrounds have a distinctive blue/cool cast. Obviously, I need to play around with it more.

[rsmithgi]

Ok the dark season is well and truly upon us, I'm generally a "natural light" snob, but I'm entertaining the idea of getting one of these... does anyone have one and what are their thoughts? http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html From what I have heard is that it can do a pretty good job of mimic'ing natural light. I have the sb800 and really havn't liked what I have gotten back from it yet... soooo I'm curious to see if there are any others out there who have tried this yet and their thoughts??

TIA!
~patti

I have a lightsphere II and it does a good job in rooms with fairly low, neutral colored ceilings. I have recently switched to using a Flip-it. I find the results from the Flip-it nearly identical to the lightsphere under the conditions that the Lightsphere handles. The flip-it has the added advantages of versatility, flexibility, and portability.

The flip-it can be used when ceiling bounce is not practical. It stores flat. It can be used on different sized flashes.

Check it out: http://www.joedembphotography.com/flipit/

[TNB]

I made one of these though I haven't tried it yet--cost was zip since the rubber piece and foam was given to me.

http://www.abetterbouncecard.com

[Wowzer]

I made one of these though I haven't tried it yet--cost was zip since the rubber piece and foam was given to me.

http://www.abetterbouncecard.com


You can get the foam 'paper' from walmart as well. I got 4 sheets for $0.99 each. It works just as demo'd on abetterbouncecard.

[dallas75287]

You can get the foam 'paper' from walmart as well. I got 4 sheets for $0.99 each. It works just as demo'd on abetterbouncecard.

I tried with a regular printer paper. It's not bad at all. Cheap and easy. I might not use my Stofen Ominbounce again.

Wowzer, what section did you look for the foam papers? I went to my local Walmart today. All I saw were regular papers. Do you know the brand? Thanks.

[TNB]

You may want to check the craft section: Fun foam?