Diffusers

DanPorter

Short Version: I can't get a diffuser to work with my 10d & Sigma 500 DG Super

Long Explanation:
I've been using a 10d for a couple years and finally picked up an external flash. Now that I've got that I need/want to pick up accesories and I started out with a diffuser. I tried the omnibounce with my 10d & sigma 500 DG Super and it started bowing out all my pictures. It's like the TTL just stopped working when I added the omnibounce. I did all the 45 degree stuff, left everything in full auto, and it still over exposed everything. I've done some extensive searching, but can't find anyone else that has documented this as a known problem.

This afternoon I switched to a lumiquest 80/20 and added a sheet of paper to turn it into more of a 0/100. With this setup I can get usable results, but I have to dial down the flash significantly and constantly adjust it depending on the distance to the subject. I'd really like a system that I can use outdoors at night for people and group shots. I'll be taking pictures of party guests and won't have the time to use manual flash settings or take multiple shots to get the exposure right. The lightsphere doesn't seem like a good option for me since I wouldn't be able to return it if I can't get it working.

Questions: Has anyone else had a problem using TTL, a 10d, and a Sigma flash? Am I missing something in my setup? Would it be better to get the lumiquest mini-softbox for this usage? Sorry for the long explanation and thanks for any help.

ian408

Have a look around the site and you'll find a few threads that Shay
Stephens has authored or participated in. Shay's very good with light
and there are some great tips sprinkled throughout them.

I would tell you to use the search button but "site:www.dgrin.com flash shay"
works pretty well with Google.

DanPorter

Thanks
Thanks Ian. I'll read up and see what I can find. So far I've found lots of discussion about which diffusers work best, but I seem to be the only one that has a problem with metering.

ScottMcLeod

DanPorter wrote:

Thanks Ian. I'll read up and see what I can find. So far I've found lots of discussion about which diffusers work best, but I seem to be the only one that has a problem with metering.

I've got no issues with my 10D and my Sigma 500.

Shoot with the flash in ETTL mode, camera in manual mode. Expose for the subject, and pop the flash to fill.

-0.5 FEC helps too. (exposure compensation, the symbol with the +/- and the flash symbol)

I made a home-built "Gary Fong LS2PJ" with a 710mL Aquafina bottle.