STO-FEN Omni-Bounce EW Flash Diffuser for Canon 430EX & II and Sony HVL-F43AM
by Stofen
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of STO-FEN Omni-Bounce EW Flash Diffuser for Canon 430EX & II and Sony HVL-F43AM
Customer Review: It's Brilliant! (get it?)
Summary: 5 Stars
As a full time professional photographer who loves to get the most out of her very little money, I had to try this diffuser, right?
This thing is amazing! I bought it for my 430ex flash after my beloved Opteka SB-1 diffuser fell apart. The SB-1 still works, what with only needing to be a piece of material, but I have to sit down and fasten it on since the velcro loops broke (really soon after buying it!).
This Sto-Fen diffuser fits like a glove! I was worried about that, because I do a lot of moving around when I shoot and I didn't want something flimsy that could fall off. This baby is snug!
It does a lovely job with the diffusing, as well! I would say it does as good a job as my old Opteka, and I adore that thing. I use flash in just about every shot. Even camping in broad daylight. It's beautiful!
I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a STEAL on a diffuser. The Opteka is great before it falls apart, but even then you have to loop the velcro strap through and yada yada. This hard plastic does not wrinkle like the Opteka (so I can just toss it in the bag), it takes up very little space in my bag(which makes up for it not being collapsible), and it takes absolutely no time to set up/ attach. Just pop it on and off!
For the price range, I'd buy this again and again if I needed to. And I probably would never need to unless I lost it or did something really silly that was entirely my fault. I can't see how this thing could...stop working perfectly!
Customer Review: Useful accessory but a tad expensive
Summary: 4 Stars
The Sto-Fen OMEW Omni-Bounce Diffuser works fairly well as a diffuser. It fits snugly on my Speedlite 430EX-II flash, and has improved my flash photography considerably in certain situations, such as indoors or in confined spaces. Without a diffuser, the flash can sometimes give a very unnatural harsh look. With a diffuser, the light looks softer and more natural. I have found it helpful for outdoor night photos as well to lower the shutter speed to let in more ambient night light (like a city skyline), and use the flash diffuser to get a close photo of someone without the light being overpowering.
It does a very good job of diffusing the light, but I often have to remember to use it when near the subject, and remove it if the subject is further away. My only complaint is the same one that many other reviewers have, it is kind of expensive for a small piece of plastic. All camera gear is already quite expensive, so seems silly that something as simple as this costs $8-10 (plus shipping and handling). There are many online tutorials about creating your own diffusers from milk jugs or other materials, which can save you money if you don't want to spend ten bucks on this. However I think everyone that does a lot of flash photography should get/make a diffuser. They are a very handy accessory.
Customer Review: Great little item for your flash
Summary: 4 Stars
If you have a flash, this or a light sphere is almost a needed item to improve your creative range with your shots. Though, I highly recommend this product over the light sphere, as they both have about the same visual effect, but the light sphere costs dramatically more.
This device fits easily onto your flash and holds tight. No need for ugly tape or sticky velcro pads that look tacky. This thing merges into the form of your flash and looks like it belonged there the whole time. Looks aside, what does it do?
It diffuses your flash's light so you get a softer and more spread-out look to your flash. No more pictures looking like you're shining a spotlight on people. This has a more "natural soft light" look to it. I highly recommend it for indoor use, because you'll want a soft flash with it being the only light source, and the omni-bounce spreads out the light so you are better able to light up the scene and room.
The only downside is that since it is softening the light, you may need to adjust your flash output. You may have to dial up your exposure (meaning slower flash recycle times and faster battery drainage). The tradeoff is irritating sometimes, but well worth it for the improved looks in your photos.
Customer Review: good for head on flash shots
Summary: 4 Stars
Other reviews says enough, so I'm going to make it sure and hopefully clear.
using this diffuser will make your light softer, instead of directional, it's like a soft box of light. Which is nice if you are mounting your flash on your hot shoe, to avoid flag harsh straight on flash, it'll create a soft overall light, it looks much better.
this is not, however, for bouncing off light. If you are going to turn your 430ex ii to face the wall and have the flash light bounce back from the wall, I will not recommend use this, because the lack of direction and focus of the light, the light won't bounce back from the wall/ceiling as much as without this diffuser.
Personally, I prefer to let the flash light bounce back from wall and creates a soft directional light than use this diffuser as a soft overall light, but if you're in an outdoor situation, or a place where the ceiling is too high, then this product will come in handy. It also fits really well and small enough to carry around. A nice accessory to have!
Customer Review: What can you say? It's a Sto-Fen!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the third Sto-Fen I've purchased for hot-shoe flashes I've owned. I've tried the bidding site units which are quite a bit cheaper in price but I've found the Sto-Fen fit and overall finish (it is just plastic, but there is a difference) to be better than the cheaper units. A lot of people make their own diffusers or don't mind using a cheaper unit however, I've found that you generally get what you pay for and although these things can't cost more than a few pennies to make, Sto-Fen at least makes sure the fit is good for each different flash, not too tight or too loose, and they make it easy for you to find the right one for yours.
I need a powerful flash and in close quarters, it can be too bright. Yes, I do use bounce flash as well but the Sto-Fen diffuses the light in all directions so you get a softer direct flash and if bouncing, additional light off the ceiling or wall. If you are looking for a way to fully light a dark room or area but don't want the harshness strong flashes can inflict, get one of these.