Lightsphere

[iowa_jim]

Any lightsphere users? I'm curious about how much light is lost by spreading the flash out in a 360 deg circle, 2 stops? 3?

Is there a particular niche for the device, or is it a good all-around flash mod?

Thanks for the help!

[zombz]

I would like to know also

[NHL]

Originally Posted by iowa_jim

Is there a particular niche for the device, or is it a good all-around flash mod?

I'm more concern about its size (even the collapsible one) than its light loss
My camera bag is already full with stuffs so I much prefer the Lumiquest:
http://www.lumiquest.com/products/promax-system.htm
-> The whole thing folds into a thin wallet style (which is included) - See the above video!

It doesn't do you any good if you can't take it with you... Also if a device divides the light into 360 degree then less of it will be projected toward the front!
By contrast you can modify the light whichever you want with the Lumiquest, even its color (or light loss) with the various packaged inserts

Do you really want to divert any light toward the rear of the camera, or behind the lens?
-> This will force any flash to work harder which will eat up its battery faster... (and increase the recycle time)

[iowa_jim]

Originally Posted by NHL

It doesn't do you any good if you can't take it with you... Also if a device divides the light into 360 degree then less of it will be projected toward the front!
By contrast you can modify the light whichever you want with the Lumiquest, even its color (or light loss) with the various packaged inserts

Do you really want to divert any light toward the rear of the camera, or behind the lens?
-> This will force any flash to work harder which will eat up its battery faster... (and increase the recycle time)

That's exactly what I'm wondering - just how much light loss is there with their salad-bowl approach, and is it effective? The Lumiquest has an interesting system, but I wonder if the light is softened sufficiently.

[wave01]

Hi I found this link on the lightsphere it may help
http://www.nikonians.org/html/resour...ere/index.html

[NHL]

Originally Posted by iowa_jim

The Lumiquest has an interesting system, but I wonder if the light is softened sufficiently.

... and that's the beauty of Lumiquest you're in total control:
1. Without any insert 80% of the light is passed on to another surface like ceiling, and only 20% is bounced to the front
2. With the inserts 100% of the light is "bounced" to the front, and you have the choice to vary their specular with either the white, silver, or gold
3. Attached the included diffusion screen to front with either option #1 or #2 above and the light output is softened further
4. Add the flash own pull-out diffuser, and you've just doubled all the combination of possibilities above

-> Try that with the lightsphere...


On location I use two of theses Pro-Max wirelessly on compact lightstands:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...ack_Light.html
They are shorter than 19", and with the flashes plus Lumiquest can all be fitted in my laptop case when I travel

-> The lightsphere is designed to be on-camera, but beyond that do you have any control over them? It'll be interesting to see how they do remotely when the camera is at a different angle

[DigMe]

I've heard that the lightsphere causes your flash to eat batteries faster too. They just came out with a collapsible lightsphere to address the space issues though.

brad

[billy]

Originally Posted by iowa_jim

Any lightsphere users? I'm curious about how much light is lost by spreading the flash out in a 360 deg circle, 2 stops? 3?

Is there a particular niche for the device, or is it a good all-around flash mod?

Thanks for the help!

I use the collapsible model myself and love it for portrait and wedding work.

We did a review here: Gary Fong's Collapsible Lightsphere - Steve's Review

[billy]

Originally Posted by DigMe

I've heard that the lightsphere causes your flash to eat batteries faster too.
brad

I've not noticed this at all, with over 2000+ photos taken using my lightsphere. I use PowerGenix 2500Mah NiZn rechargeable batteries in my Canon 580EX II flash unit, and I have yet to kill a set (I usually just swap in a fresh set after 500 or so photos, just to be sure I have plenty of power while shooting a wedding).

[DigMe]

^ Good to know

brad