Flash diffuser?

Totality · 14 Sep 2007 at 15:59

Any flash photographers out there? What exactly does a diffuser do? As far as I can see all it does is make the flash less powerful so the shots are underexposed?!

Any tutorials on what they do and what the good ones are? Still not convinced why you'd need one!

Sic · 14 Sep 2007 at 16:12

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG7WPtR-JOo

that kinda explains why a diffuser is better than direct flash (though it is a bit infomercially)

basically, the shape of the diffuser will refract light in many directions to give a more natural light. It will also eliminate unnatural shadows in a lot of situations

Totality · 14 Sep 2007 at 16:16

Thats a large diffuser!!

What about one like this? http://i23.ebayimg.com/02/i/06/a9/c9/4a_1.JPG

Sic · 14 Sep 2007 at 16:53

that's like the stock one that comes with the SB800, and it's not a patch on the lightsphere

that any help to you? (obv, Canon version will be the one you're after)

Totality · 14 Sep 2007 at 22:48

Ahhh yep only about £10 inc postage from HK!

Still dont understand fully what they do however!!

alexisonfire · 14 Sep 2007 at 23:06

A flash diffuser diffuses the light...sorry to state the obvious, but thats what it does. It will reduce harsh shadows and soften the flash.

Raymond Lin · 15 Sep 2007 at 00:31

and you use it at bright sunlight. not just in the dark, indoors i tend to bounce it if possible