How to use a Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce (Softie) flash diffuser correctly.

[mycroft]

So good to hear a quality review ( To the point - Concise - Informative ) perfect .
Most reviews ( I will be PC here ) are to enthusiastic !!!! talking for an hour before they speak about the product.
This was class, well made well done Sir

[theboonana]

Ser Davos Seaworth enjoys photography in his spare time.

[jameslee]

I love the way you simplify your explanations.  Thank you so much. 

[ManicMancPhotography]

The Sto-Fen Omni bounce CAN be used outdoors in certain situations and DO use it to great effect. Especially in close proximity photography when i use fill flash on faces against bright sunlight. The Sto-Fen lightens shadows and reduces harshness of the sunlight, to produce a much softer light. However the Sto-Fen can only be used in close proximity, no more than 8feet.

[jackthehatphoto]

Thanks for the info. We'll have to try that. We normally use bare flash and reduce the flash exposure by 1 stop and get nice results. Next time we're out shooting we'll try your suggestion.

[ManicMancPhotography]

I photograph a lot of bands in open air, because its omni directional means the light dissipates over a wider angle, therefore light is not as concentrated. Bare flash is too directional and nothing to bounce off in open air, result is very harsh / false lighting unless the flash is stepped down. Photographing bands means i dont always have time to do that as well as adjust camera, therefore as long as i am close enough Sto-Fen does produce some fantastic natural light results outdoors :0)

[delangelstudio]

I agree, for outdoor DAYLIGHT photography is useless. But for outdoor NIGHT photography it works great for me where there is no bouncing ceiling. I set the flash at 45 degrees.

[Gibsonuk]

ha ha! Ive now ordered a second one :) but this time for a SB800 :) both Sto-fen's from you guys! someone was selling one new for 5 pounds, I had a feeling it was fake :)

[jackthehatphoto]

In addition to my previous comment, for outdoor diffusion consider the Lumiquest range of products we sell. Many of them work well outdoors.

[seansdfilms]

Just like how there are many photography accessories that can be used contrary to their original purpose (like I can make my tripod stand as a monopod), I have come to use the diffuser dome outside for portraits. Regardless of what it's original intent is such as indoor use, using it for fill light to eliminate shadows when outside has worked very well for me. So there really is no wrong way to use this. Firing it into the sky though, is another matter.

[jackthehatphoto]

Hi, the softie could be used as a fill light outside but it would offer no real benefit over bare flash. Flash light softness or diffusion increases as the flash surface gets larger. That's why bouncing flash off a ceiling gives such a soft light... the ceiling becomes the new light source instead of the tiny flash head. Using a Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce outdoors means there is nothing for the light to bounce off and therefore the size of the light source is unchanged.

[jackthehatphoto]

That would probably be OK. 45 degrees is just a recommendation. The main thing to avoid is using it head on to your subject as that can interfere with the metering on your camera and flash which would lead to underexposure.

[alexandergomes]

does one loss GN Power utilising this love the review.
thank you much!

[aussie]

I think it would still be ok outdoors for softer close up fill flash.

[jackthehatphoto]

Interesting. We have not found that it offers any benefit over bare flash when used outdoors.

[drawntoaliar]

Would it be okay if you angled it at 60 - 75 degrees or is 45 degrees the standard essential?

[PersonalBest]

Couldn't the softie be used for fill light onside?

[mycroft]

Hi I we to your sites as I have just purchased a Nissan Di7000a but did not see a diffuser for it mine is for a Sony if that makes any difference .
If you have them I would be glad if could let me know
Thank you

[jayvaunmanos]

I have a question sir. Pointing the speedlight with Sto Fen to the subject directly can underexpose the picture? How about using a mini softbox?

[IsmaelRodriguez]

if i cant use this diffuser outside then what do you recommend for outdoors, day/night photos?