Omni bounce diffuser

I have just received an omni bounce diffuser "kit". It has the 2 plastic bounce diffusers (white and gold) and it has 2 "cloth" diffusers. One is white and one has a gold panel on the bottom.

I have read that the bounce diffusers don't work outdoors as there is nothing to bounce off.

I have seen pro photographers using the "cloth " diffusers outside.

Is someone able top explain the difference between the 2 and when and how they are used? Having said that I have a fairly basic idea about the bounce diffusers that is why I bought them.

I am looking forward to experimenting!

You've answered your own question.

"Bouncing" light means reflecting it - usually off a white ceiling, or occasionally, a wall or some other reflecting surface. That's why it only works indoors.

Unless, of course, a big white bird just happens to pass by overhead at the precise moment you press the shutter. But you can't depend on that happening.

Diffusers point the light directly at the subject, so no reflecting surface is required.

Some flash attachments combine both direct flash (diffused or not) with bounce flash. Again, without a well-timed big white bird, the bounce part won't work outdoors. Others include a reflecting surface as part of the assemblage, so they WILL bounce anywhere.

Of course, the purpose of bouncing is primarily to diffuse.

G

The omni-bounce (the white one) consists of a rectangular plastic shape which fits over the flash head of your flash unit. It all but replaces the need to 'bounce' light from another surface as it 'diffuses' the light emitting from the flash unit. This diffused light is intended to render softer shadows. You'll still get shadows, they'll just be less harsh.

You will have seen pro's use these in news footage, and they are pointed directly at their subject, not bounced from another surface.

The omni-bounce reduces the light reaching the subject by up to 2 stops, as does bouncing flash from a ceiling. To do both, would effectively reduce the light reaching the subject by 3-4 stops, less than ideal (unless you have a very powerful flash head).

That said, I think Sto-fen recommend tilting an omni-bounce equipped flash at 45 degrees to the subject (indoors) so that the subject receives some direct light, and some bounced light. Outdoors where there is no bouncable (if that's a real word) surface, it should be aimed directly at the subject.

The gold coloured one simply produces a 'warmer' light. They also sell a gree'ish one for a cooler lighting effect.

For clarity, perhaps you could post some images of the bits you have received, or supply a link for viewing the items/images on the web.

Thank you. Those replies have helped. I can see I answered my own question in a lot of ways.

The link below will show you the kit. The soft "cloth" diffusers are the ones I am more curious about. They seem to be a simple diffuser which can be used anywhere. Would that be fair to say?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Omni-Flash-Bounce-Diffuser-set-Pentax-AF360-FGZ_W0QQitemZ...

Any of them can be used 'anywhere'. The effect produced by each of them will be different, of course. I'd say just experiment with them and use the ones that produce the effect that you want.

You should expect to get reasonably close to your subject with the cloth diffusers.

I have both types, and I prefer the "cloth" ones. They have the advantage that they will fit most flashguns.

Neither is remotely as good as a proper softbox, but they are a lot better than nothing.

I think the best cheap(ish) flashgun diffuser I have used was a Lumiquest product, which unfortunately has disappeared. When I find one at a reasonable price I shall probably buy this:

http://www.lumiquest.com/lq951.htm

G

PS: The set you are looking at is very good value for money.

I have just found one at a reasonable price, and bought it. Or rather, two.

There are more:

http://preview.tinyurl.com/2bv5b9

G

Thanks for the link George, I've ben looking for one of these at a reasonable price. The full sized softbox is cheaper too.

Regards,

Thanks again. Yes I will be experimenting. I am finding flash photography to be a science of its own.