Please recommend a speed light attachment

[Digital]

Mike, this was shot using the Lightsphere.

[rpcrowe]

I have used it in crowded situations and it is IMO a lot less awkward that using a camera mounted with a reflector like the Rogue Flash Bender, especially in the portrait configuration. The flash and diffuser/reflector is always above the camera, never sticking out to the side. My shoulders are far wider than the width of the flash and camera support bars...

As far as the extra weight for several hours shooting, that doesn't bother me a bit. In fact, it seems to me that it is easier to hold since I have a two hand hold on the camera. One hand on the camera to trigger the shutter and the other hand holding the vertical bar of the Stroboframe Camera Flip Bracket...

There is another reason why I like this specific bracket. The solid bar supporting the flash also makes a great handle by which to carry the rig from place to place or simply to relax your arms for a short while. Other Flash Flip and Camera Flip brackets have a flash support bar that swivels. This is type of bar is more difficult to use as a carry handle...

[Andrew76]

For what it's worth, I also use a Lightsphere for that type of scenario. I shoot for a local in-your-community type magazine, and the Lightspere, although not nearly as effective as OCF or studio strobes, works well in that type of situation.

[Bobobird]

Spinlight 360 - the best on-camera flash accessory I have every bought. Prior to this, tried everything already suggested here but each had its limitations and results always not what I had hoped for. Bit pricey but worth every cent for its mobility and flexibility.

[charzes44]

Mike,

Have a look at the Lite-Scoop Lite-Genius:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qR3o...ature=youtu.be

This seems to tick all your boxes!

Good luck,

Charles

[Mike Buckley]

Thank you to Richard and Lex for your follow-up responses. Thanks also to everyone offering up newly mentioned options and confirmation of earlier ideas.

[Colin Southern]

A second vote for the large Rogue FlashBender. It has more direction than the Lightsphere, since it's not bouncing light in literally every direction but down.

It's the bounce in every direction that you're trying to achieve

[Colin Southern]

Mike - I bought a large Rogue Flashbender based on Lex's (and others) recommendation and used it during my recent trip to Africa where I just it a bit. The main reason I did not recommend it is that I found it a bit awkward to use, especially in portrait mode, in a crowded environment. It does stick out a long way from the side of the camera.

This was one of a number of shots I used it on.

Hi Manfred,

You might benefit from a plugin called "Shine Off" for images like this; it's one of the few plugins that I use.

[Colin Southern]

I like the idea of using the gels to balance the color balance of the speed light with the ambient light. What is the range of light loss for them?

The TTL metering will compensate for any loss (at the ISO you're going to be shooting the flash shouldn't have any issues running out of power).

Be sure to have several sets of batteries on hand though.

[Mike Buckley]

(at the ISO you're going to be shooting the flash shouldn't have any issues running out of power).

That was exactly my concern. Great to know!

[Mike Buckley]

Bobo,

Is it possible to use gels with the SpinLight 360 that are not made by the same company that makes the 360?

[Colin Southern]

Bobo,

Is it possible to use gels with the SpinLight 360 that are not made by the same company that makes the 360?

I just buy gel sheet and cut them as required (not talking about the SpinLight 360 in particular though).

[Bobobird]

Bobo,

Is it possible to use gels with the SpinLight 360 that are not made by the same company that makes the 360?

It comes with 1 CTO and 1 half CTO. both are circular. There are 2 backing plastics to hold them inside the attachment and also serve to protect from bending and scratches. Easy to trace and cut out of a large sheet if needed. So far I have done only one from vellum paper to add some diffusion for macro stuff.

Edit - that "black foamy thing" guy Neil van Niekerk has a couple of demo vids and a discount code if you are interested. http://neilvn.com/tangents/spinlight-update/

[Mike Buckley]

I'm thrilled to learn that I'm off the hook for photographing the event. I told the organization that I prefer not to do this type of photography but would do it if they couldn't find anyone. One of their employees that was planning on attending the event will photograph it.

Even so, this thread has been enormously helpful to me for future use and I suspect for others reading it as well.

In fact, I am strongly considering the Spinlight 360 for use in my makeshift studio. If anyone has any additional comments about that in the context of studio work, please don't hesitate to let us know.