I'm wondering who has experience with the LightSphere by Gary Fong.
I'm thinking about picking one up and want to make sure that first it's a wise investment of 50 bucks and second which would i be better off getting for shooting weddings with the Clear or the Cloud version?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Cris...

Cris,

Paul wrote an article on shootsmarter on flash mods including the lightsphere. But yeah, I'd be interested in hearing others' experience with it, either the clear version or the cloudy version.

Aloha PD!

I've not used the lightsphere, but I met a shooter who has been using it lately. He got both versions, the clear & the frosted. He really likes the clear, but said the frosted reduces the light output too much.

SPC II

Stan,
Thanks for the input and that's exactly what i needed to know about the cloud version. I had a feeling you might loose a little to much light. I think i'll pick up a clear one and see how it goes.

Cris...

Greetings --

I have the original frosted one, and if you're being gentle with it/your camera, it's great, and the ability to take the top off so that flash-to-subject light is softened, but more powerful light goes to your bounce point and then back down, it's great.

However, if you're moving around alot, that extra weight on the strobe causes the head to click it's way back to forward facing more often than I care to count. Yes you can fix it, but sometimes you loose the moment you were hoping to capture.

John

I have used them both and settled on the clear one. It is the best $50.00 you will spend IMO. It is not perfect, but what a difference it makes! I use it 95% of the time I have my 580 on my cameras.

One issue I have had with it is for the "coming down the aisle shots" it tends to underexpose and I have to dial in + 2/3 of a stop; but it is a constant correction.

I think you will be very happy with the Lightsphere. I have told dozens of photographers about it and they are all pleased with it too. Let us know how you like it.