Lightsphere II believer

Mitchell · April 22, 2006

I resisted, but finally caved in a purchased a Lighsphere after hearing the virtues here and talking to a pro using it during a Bat Mitzvah last week.
This thing actually works. Here is an untouched shot right out of the box in my kitchen. I really like the soft, difuse light.

spider-t · April 22, 2006

i totally agree

Mitchell wrote:

I resisted, but finally caved in a purchased a Lighsphere after hearing the virtues here and talking to a pro using it during a Bat Mitzvah last week.
This thing actually works. Here is an untouched shot right out of the box in my kitchen. I really like the soft, difuse light.

I totally agree. I love my lightsphere! -Trish

saurora · April 22, 2006

Nice results, Mitch. I just checked it out...had not heard of it before. Kind of bizarre-looking attachment, but really works pretty well!!!

Mitchell · April 22, 2006

saurora wrote:

Nice results, Mitch. I just checked it out...had not heard of it before. Kind of bizarre-looking attachment, but really works pretty well!!!

The reason I resisted the purchase so long is because of the dopey appearance of this thing. Basically a big piece of tupperware on top of your flash. I look dopey enough with my big camera (D2X) and large piece of glass.

At least this thing really works.

hgernhardtjr · April 22, 2006

Gary Fong's Lightsphere works very well

and at $50 is priced right if you are going to use it a lot...

... but I simply cut qt/2qt, translucent plastic milk jugs (or similar) to snugly fit over my flash when I need diffusion on my external/hotshoe flash(es). Old Tupperware storage bowls work well, too. I've used this method for well over 25 years, starting with my old Vivitar 283. Looks funny, works well!

I have, on occasion, used a tip another person passed on to me when working with the camera's built-in flash and I need diffusion: cut out the bottom of a plastic milk jug (a translucent binder/folder cover, tupperware cover, or a #10 snap-on translucent coffee can lid works just as well), then cut a hole in it to snugly poke your lens through. Make sure the plastic extends above the built-in flash. Does a great job of diffusing the light without taping anything to the built-in flash itself (risking potential damage). Hey, it's cheap but it works.

wxwax · April 22, 2006

I'm another one who avoids it because of its goofy appearance. But from what I've seen, the results are consistently good.

ginger_55 · April 22, 2006

All you people who are only being held up by esthetics.............well, I would love one!!!!

Am salivating!

So, buy and send. I will let you know how many people say I look "goofy".:D

ginger (I have the ad from Rangefinder Magazine, if you don't know where to get one, I can help you with that. I will send my address, too.)

USAIR · April 22, 2006

Most people think I goofy even without the lightsphere on...so whats the diff

Nice shot looks good

Thanks
Fred

tmlphoto · April 22, 2006

Welcome to the LS club Mitch. I even use mine for macro work!

DavidTO · April 22, 2006

I love my LightSphere.

saurora · April 22, 2006

Which one did you buy, Mitch....the clear or the diffused???

Mitchell · April 22, 2006

saurora wrote:

Which one did you buy, Mitch....the clear or the diffused???

It is the diffused model.

DavidTO · April 22, 2006

Mitchell wrote:

It is the diffused model.

Can you still buy that? Last I looked, it seemed like the PJ version was the only one available...I'll have to look again...

Zoom Raider · April 23, 2006

I've heard the Lightsphere makes remarkable results compared to straight or bounce-flash. I'd like to try it, but I guess it's only gonna work on a tilt-flash, such as a Canon 580EX and similar models. Are there any affordable, budget type flashes that tilt and that the Lightsphere can also attatch to? I'd like to buy a LS II-D, but no point buying one now if all it will work on is a $400 flash.

Mitchell · April 23, 2006

DavidTO wrote:

Can you still buy that? Last I looked, it seemed like the PJ version was the only one available...I'll have to look again...

David,
That's a good question. I don't know if this one is still available. I picked it up over at FM. I think my model lightsphere has been replaced.

ScottMcLeod · April 23, 2006

Mitchell wrote:

The reason I resisted the purchase so long is because of the dopey appearance of this thing. Basically a big piece of tupperware on top of your flash. I look dopey enough with my big camera (D2X) and large piece of glass. At least this thing really works.

That's why I made mine out of a plastic bottle. Since it already looks dopey, I don't have to tell someone that I paid 50$ for a piece of plastic, I tell them I made it myself instead.

wxwax · April 23, 2006

Zoom Raider wrote:

I've heard the Lightsphere makes remarkable results compared to straight or bounce-flash. I'd like to try it, but I guess it's only gonna work on a tilt-flash, such as a Canon 580EX and similar models. Are there any affordable, budget type flashes that tilt and that the Lightsphere can also attatch to? I'd like to buy a LS II-D, but no point buying one now if all it will work on is a $400 flash.

You might start by seeing what models he makes the LS for, and then price shop for those flashes.

docwalker · April 23, 2006

Zoom,

The LS II will work on a basic flash. It works great in both bounce and direct modes.

That said. I have the P3 version which fit my Minolta flash. It is too big for my SB800. So if anyone is interested in it please let me know. I need to order the P1 version to fit the SB800.

ETA: The Lightsphere P1 has been sold. Sorry, forgot to come back here and let others know.

Art Scott · April 23, 2006

There seems to be 2 models on his site as of this morning.

http://store.garyfonginc.com/liiido.html

Mitchell · April 23, 2006

It also works nicely to soften a fill flash. This was a tough one from today with bright sun in the background. The lightsphere softened the fill flash nicely.

Stan · April 23, 2006

I got am email today for a new version of the lightsphere. The new version is called the Lightsphere II cloud. The sphere has an opaque colouring to create a softer light etc.

Stan

DavidTO · April 23, 2006

I tell ya. That Gary Fong is one wealthy entrepeneur. You seen pictures of his boat? Oy. But I love my lightsphere. Worth it, IMO.

ian408 · April 23, 2006

Lighting looks great. Might have to think about one of those one day.

spider-t · April 25, 2006

Gala with the Lightsphere II
I just shot a fancy Gala this weekend using the Lightsphere II. It really does a good job of softening the light. I've been experimenting with lots of flash diffusers and I keep coming back to this one.

Here's a gallery were most of the shots are with the Lightsphere II:

http://www.trishtunney.com/gallery/1349455

Everything is LS except the dance shots and stage shots, which I use direct flash.

cheers!
Trish

ginger_55 · May 8, 2006

Stan wrote:

I got am email today for a new version of the lightsphere. The new version is called the Lightsphere II cloud. The sphere has an opaque colouring to create a softer light etc.

Stan

Hi, ginger here. I sold a photo, YEAH. Actually a nice guy paid me AFTER he lifted the photo from my gallery. Contacted me and paid me. An honest man for Diogenes.

50.00, he paid me. I want to use it to buy a Gary Fong thing. He is out of whatever he says is best. I went to another site I found by this "search" machine of yours. It has two models: clear and cloud.

Which one do I want????

You all know that I rarely use flash, but maybe I would use it more.....who knows, especially if I buy the correct one of these. Which one would you all recommend. My shooting is casual and for fill. (church baptisms, family get to gethers, just stuff where I need a flash........plus maybe I should be using it with the birds when it is "night".)

Please, suggestions??? They are called "Clear" and "Cloud Photojournalist". They are about 10.00 more than buying from Gary fong.

It is here:
http://upacreekPHOTOGRAPHY.smugmug.com/photos/68323612-L.jpg

ginger

Mitchell · May 8, 2006

ginger_55 wrote:

Hi, ginger here. I sold a photo, YEAH. Actually a nice guy paid me AFTER he lifted the photo from my gallery. Contacted me and paid me. An honest man for Diogenes.

50.00, he paid me. I want to use it to buy a Gary Fong thing. He is out of whatever he says is best. I went to another site I found by this "search" machine of yours. It has two models: clear and cloud.

Which one do I want????

You all know that I rarely use flash, but maybe I would use it more.....who knows, especially if I buy the correct one of these. Which one would you all recommend. My shooting is casual and for fill. (church baptisms, family get to gethers, just stuff where I need a flash........plus maybe I should be using it with the birds when it is "night".)

Please, suggestions??? They are called "Clear" and "Cloud Photojournalist". They are about 10.00 more than buying from Gary fong.

It is here:
http://upacreekPHOTOGRAPHY.smugmug.com/photos/68323612-L.jpg

ginger

Ginger,
Most people I run across seem to prefer the cloud models of the Lightsphere. I have one of this type. It produces a softer, more diffuse effect, but does cost you some light.

Jnichols · May 8, 2006

I too love my lightsphere - but EVERYTIME I use it - I always get the "hey is that tupperware on your flash" or "what is that dumb looking thing good for"... it's starting to get on my nerves! But hey - I still love it and will continue using it!

marlof · May 8, 2006

Mitchell wrote:

Ginger,
Most people I run across seem to prefer the cloud models of the Lightsphere. I have one of this type. It produces a softer, more diffuse effect, but does cost you some light.

I've been looking into this too. I've got an excellent reply by someone using both. He said the clear one is better for large groups, very dark situations and for speedy refreshes (since the flash has to work a little less harder). The cloud one is better for portraits and the likes. It will cost about one stop of light, but it gives a warmer feeling to the picture. Since I hate the harsh feeling of flash light, and welcome the warming, I went for the cloud even if I don't have the most fancy/powerful of flashes. I haven't used it yet, it's on the way.

spider-t · May 9, 2006

marlof wrote:

I've been looking into this too. I've got an excellent reply by someone using both. He said the clear one is better for large groups, very dark situations and for speedy refreshes (since the flash has to work a little less harder). The cloud one is better for portraits and the likes. It will cost about one stop of light, but it gives a warmer feeling to the picture. Since I hate the harsh feeling of flash light, and welcome the warming, I went for the cloud even if I don't have the most fancy/powerful of flashes. I haven't used it yet, it's on the way.

I much prefer the clear to the cloudy, but I usually shoot in darker rooms where I need all the light I can get. I find the diffusion totally flattering and delightful. I already go through a bunch of batteries at the events where I use this diffuser. The cloudy version just causes my pockets bulge even more with rechargeable AA's.

cheers!
Trish

docwalker · May 26, 2006

FYI. It appears that B&H will be stocking these soon.

ian408 · May 26, 2006

docwalker wrote:

FYI. It appears that B&H will be stocking these soon.

Hopefully, that will solve some of the supply problems that plague the current
distributor

Lightsphere II believer

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