Gary Fong Lightsphere II vs. Lightsphere collapsible

Kevin CTMP

Hello everyone,

I've been having some trouble at weddings achieving the results I want for the group shots at the alter after a ceremony. I'm trying to figure out a way to get the best shots possible without having to bring lots of lighting gear. It was recomended by a fellow grinner that I check out the lightsphere. After some research and videos, I've decided that I think it would be a great asset, and was wondering if anyone has had any success with them before?

Also, I'm torn as to whether I should get the standard version, or the newer collapsible one. I would rather have the collapsible, being that it would fit great in my camera bag, but was wondering if anyone knows if it has the same results as the regular one.

Any insight would be great

thanks

-Kevin

www.ctm-photography.net

ziggy53

The Lightsphere products do work pretty well in a smaller room with lower ceilings. In a larger room or room with taller ceilings I would much rather use a modifier that is more efficient. (The Lightshere is fairly wasteful of light with high ceilings and dark ceilings.)

The "scoop" modifier that I use in those situations where ceiling and wall bounce aren't as available is much more efficient and for years I got away with Sigma flashes and lower power, and I still prefer the light and shadow properties in many instances.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

If a purchased device is what you desire I can vouch for the Demb FlipIt. I almost always have one with me and it's great for those times when bounce flash is desired and applicable. There is a very good following for the product and it produces great results and is not expensive. It also packs well and I normally keep it with a very compact kit in the front pocket of a camera holster.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

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

Kevin CTMP

ziggy53 wrote:

The Lightsphere products do work pretty well in a smaller room with lower ceilings. In a larger room or room with taller ceilings I would much rather use a modifier that is more efficient. (The Lightshere is fairly wasteful of light with high ceilings and dark ceilings.)

The "scoop" modifier that I use in those situations where ceiling and wall bounce aren't as available is much more efficient and for years I got away with Sigma flashes and lower power, and I still prefer the light and shadow properties in many instances.

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

If a purchased device is what you desire I can vouch for the Demb FlipIt. I almost always have one with me and it's great for those times when bounce flash is desired and applicable. There is a very good following for the product and it produces great results and is not expensive. It also packs well and I normally keep it with a very compact kit in the front pocket of a camera holster.

http://www.dembflashproducts.com/flipit/

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

Hi Ziggy,

Thanks for the response, you were actually the "fellow grinner" i was speaking of in my post, you had told me about the scoop but when i tried searching for one the closest thing i could find that got good reviews was the lightsphere

I definitely understand what you are saying about the wasted light with the lightsphere, but I would also probably be using it for portrait sessions and other locations as well (dressing room, reception, etc.) if planning on that, do you feel that it would be a better investment? also, in lieu of bouncing for the alter shots, I would maybe consider tilting it slightly down, (NOT straight on though), since the lightsphere has the inverted dome inside that could distribute the light more evenly than just a plain flash straight on.

As far as your other suggestions, I would probably go with the FlipIt over the scoop. However, I was wondering how the FlipIt compares to the plain catchlight thats on the top of my 580, which i've had little luck with? Also, If i did get a FlipIt, what size would you recomend?, I was thinking about the large (4 1/2in x 5in).

sorry for all the questions, you just seem to have much more experience in this area than me..lol So my main question is: Which do you feel would be a better investment for what I'm trying to achieve..lol

thanks!

-Kevin

www.ctm-photography.net

jeffreaux2

I have a lightsphere II and use it frequently, but feel as though you are making a mistake.

The best light will come from a LARGE lightsource. For group photos....at the altar after the wedding the best bet is to either bounce off the ceiling, or use a pair of flashes with umbrellas or other large modifyer.

When used as one would have employed the old bare bulb flashes of the past the lightsphere can be a great tool. I use it on the end of a monopod for receptions and such.

For portrait work.....no... 45 inch and larger umbrella

For "getting ready shots"....no... bounce from walls or ceilings


If you are simply planning to use it on a shoe mounted flash for the types of shots you mentioned you will not gain much as it is only a marginally larger source than the bare flash. IE....I doubt you will be seeing much improvement.

jeffreaux2

For demo purposes....


Bounced flash...


A pair of speedlights (un modified) bounced from ceiling.



A single speed light bounced....unmodified.



Bounced flash (with black half snoot)


Monopod mounted speedlight with Fong lightsphere...same venue as above.

Kevin CTMP

jeffreaux2 wrote:

I have a lightsphere II and use it frequently, but feel as though you are making a mistake.

The best light will come from a LARGE lightsource. For group photos....at the altar after the wedding the best bet is to either bounce off the ceiling, or use a pair of flashes with umbrellas or other large modifyer.

When used as one would have employed the old bare bulb flashes of the past the lightsphere can be a great tool. I use it on the end of a monopod for receptions and such.

For portrait work.....no... 45 inch and larger umbrella

For "getting ready shots"....no... bounce from walls or ceilings


If you are simply planning to use it on a shoe mounted flash for the types of shots you mentioned you will not gain much as it is only a marginally larger source than the bare flash. IE....I doubt you will be seeing much improvement.

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for your input. Maybe i'll explore other options, but I'm still possibly considering. Just for the record, I would most likely still be bouncing the flash, even when using the lightsphere, i NEVER shoot a flash straight on unless absolutely necessary ..(I hate the harsh shadows)

I also try not to bounce of the ceiling and rather a wall or a reflector (if possible, I don't have an assistant) I don't like the "racoon eyes" that you can get when bouncing directly off the ceiling. Do you think that possibly a FlipLite would help in lieu of a lightsphere?..possible to light the ceiling and push some of that light forward as well?

I do usually bounce the flash off the ceiling for the group shots at the alter. However, the main reason im exploring other options is because the last wedding I shot had ALL wood paneling on the ceiling, which made for awful yellow/orange lighting and darker colors. Even with a higher exposure and custom white balance. and for my portrait shots, I have 2 45" umbrellas that I use with constant lighting, But I'll also frequently bounce my flash off one of the umbrellas in lieu of the lights, it creates a nice contrast (especially with a dark background) and I've had some pretty successful images and happy clients that way

thanks again for all your input, I'll definitely take it all into consideration.

-Kevin

PS: the picture that you posted look fantastic! those are pretty much the results I'm trying to receive

jeffreaux2

Ive hired second shooters for weddings, but have learned to use a wireless flash in one hand to be bounced wherever and the camera in the other hand to shoot. I use the STE2 Canon transmitter for wireless shooting.

Easy stuff once you are accustomed to it.....and the results beat shoe mounted flash hands down.:D

ziggy53

Kevin CTMP wrote:

... PS: the picture that you posted look fantastic! those are pretty much the results I'm trying to receive

Then you now know "exactly" what to do to achieve those results. (Thanks to Jeff. )

Kevin CTMP

jeffreaux2 wrote:

Ive hired second shooters for weddings, but have learned to use a wireless flash in one hand to be bounced wherever and the camera in the other hand to shoot. I use the STE2 Canon transmitter for wireless shooting.

Easy stuff once you are accustomed to it.....and the results beat shoe mounted flash hands down.:D

hmmm...I only have 2 flashes (580exii and 430exii) and unfortunatly no wireless transmitter, but perhaps I could play around with the two of those slaving my 430 to my 580 and see what I can come up with

Kevin CTMP

ziggy53 wrote:

Then you now know "exactly" what to do to achieve those results. (Thanks to Jeff. )

Yup, I'll have to toy around with the information from both of you to see what i can come up with, I also think i might get a FlipIt as well just to help with some of those shots

thanks again to both of you!

photogreen

Gary Fong Lightsphere review
People keep asking me about Lightsphere ...
So, finally I decided to post a review: Gary Fong Lightsphere II
Hope this helps.