The Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System includes the C1 and P1 Lightsphere IIs with the standard inverted domes, plus the additional ChromeDome and AmberDomes.
The Lightsphere is a large, round, soft and flexible diffuser that slips over the front of compatible flash units. The inside of the Lightsphere is completely textured to make the light dispersion even more "soft" than it would be otherwise. And because of this design, it is possible to make the material more translucent, keeping the unit from losing a lot of light while actually increasing the diffusion and softness of light.
An opaque color has been added to the inside of the Cloud version, and this "frosted" version creates an even softer effect, which makes it ideal for close-ups, portraits, and event photography.
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Delivers what it promises
I became interested in this system after viewing photos from another photographer covering my cousin's wedding. They were amazing! I was able to test out this diffusion system at a conference with variable lighting ...Read complete review
I became interested in this system after viewing photos from another photographer covering my cousin's wedding. They were amazing! I was able to test out this diffusion system at a conference with variable lighting conditions and large groups and also for outdoor senior pictures. The cloud diffuser beautifully achieves wrap-around light quality. I have less expensive diffusers which reduce the effective light-output dramatically and produce lower quality lighting. This system really does deliver. The "instant tan" dome top is incredible for shadey outdoor portraits. The silver light amplifier does a great job for large groups with tall ceilings. I was initially put-off by the price, but I will recommend these diffusers to everyone now!
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Most Liked Negative Review
Nice, but not quite the wheel.
It's really nice if your goal is to travel light with no bracket, but it's big weakness is efficiency. It's great if you don't mind turning up your sensitivity all the time. It's pretty...Read complete review
It's really nice if your goal is to travel light with no bracket, but it's big weakness is efficiency. It's great if you don't mind turning up your sensitivity all the time. It's pretty neat on my D3 for example, but I still feel like I have more versatility with my simple diffusion dome. The Lightsphere II is ideal if your shooting in an area where the light gets contained and bounces around.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
After doing some research I decided to give it a try. I've been shooting for a lot of years and this has to be one of the best things I've ever bought for my camera. I'm absolutely astounded by how well it works. I can't imagine ever going back to just shooting with a flash. I have it mounted on a SB-800.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Great light diffuser. I mostly use it for weddings, shooting people and details indoors. The only problem is sometimes the top pops off and falls on the floor.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I am still getting used to using it. Sometimes I use it and my pictures look great. Other times, it looks to flashy.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I have used it several times with good results. However, it sometimes falls off the SB800.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I became interested in this system after viewing photos from another photographer covering my cousin's wedding. They were amazing! I was able to test out this diffusion system at a conference with variable lighting conditions and large groups and also for outdoor senior pictures. The cloud diffuser beautifully achieves wrap-around light quality. I have less expensive diffusers which reduce the effective light-output dramatically and produce lower quality lighting. This system really does deliver. The "instant tan" dome top is incredible for shadey outdoor portraits. The silver light amplifier does a great job for large groups with tall ceilings. I was initially put-off by the price, but I will recommend these diffusers to everyone now!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
bought the product for a wedding i was shooting and was extremely pleased with the outcome. will definately buy another set when i expand my equipment line. will recommend to friends
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Fong products work well. I missed the small note that these would not work with 580 EXII. I am very disappointed by this. As I have both types of flashes, it would be much easier if there was an adapter or something to make this work with the EXII.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I use this for weddings and a lot of my other photo sessions I do. Its perfect, makes the lighting a lot softer & flattering!
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Great for when you need extra light and in a hurry without no hassel of setting up flashes/strobes.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Used for amateur/informal photographs of friends and family it softens and distributes light pretty effectively provided you are fairly close to the subject. Based on my quick testing It could be useful for quick technical photography to minimize glare and shadows with a minimal amount of setup time.
Biggest drawback is lack of reach when coupled with a moderately powerful flash, in my case the Nikon SB-600. You have to be quite close to your subject
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
This clever flash diffusion system does just what Gary's included DVD says it will do. And it does NOT cause additional battery drain..... the light is DIFFUSED, it's all about the physics!!
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
The lightsphere is a great light deflector especially in tight spaces. A must for a lot of different situations.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I use it for out door photography, whit Radio Slaves, they give me a softlite.
Exelent Product Gary !!
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
I'm a professional Photographer. I am constantly working in changing and Challenging light conditions. The Lightsphere has made my life sooo much easier. From lightening shadows in daylight when I have a client back to the sun to lighting a dark reception hall. LOVE IT~!!
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
This is a great on camera flash modifier. It won't replace my studio setup, but for on-the-move photography you can't beat the light quality. It works best in small to medium sized rooms where there are plenty of walls to bounce the light off of, but even in large rooms it provides a nice soft fill light.
The two downfalls that I experienced are the size and the battery consumption. Since this is designed to spread light in all directions - there is no way around the fact that it will take more power. The chrome reflector top helps, but it's an extra piece of equipment that you need to carry with you - which brings up the other con. It is much larger than other light modifiers and it doesn't collapse. It doesn't fit in my (already overcrowded) camera bag. I end up attaching it to the outside of my camera bag.
Although, by it's very nature, the struggle of the camera bag is a never ending battle between the need for a compact bag and the need to carry the ever growing collection of lenses, cameras, and accessories. Once you realization the importance of good quality light - the lightsphere is well worth the amount of camera-bag-real-estate it takes up.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Really helps when shooting vertical images.
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
It's really nice if your goal is to travel light with no bracket, but it's big weakness is efficiency. It's great if you don't mind turning up your sensitivity all the time. It's pretty neat on my D3 for example, but I still feel like I have more versatility with my simple diffusion dome. The Lightsphere II is ideal if your shooting in an area where the light gets contained and bounces around.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
The Lightsphere couldn't be simpler: flexible plastic cups and domes that slide onto your external flash to spread and soften their often harsh light. The product does just that, creating truly pleasing softbox-type lighting in a portable form factor. There are clear and opaque Lightsphere's as well as various domes to deal with different lighting situations, but even with a basic Lightsphere and dome you can create excellent indoor and outdoor Flash photos. Perfect for any DSLR owner with an external flash.
Be sure, when ordering, to select the size meant for your specific flash unit.
Pros
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Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere II Inverted Dome Flash Diffusion Pro Combo System (Incl. P1 & C1 + Accessories) - for Select Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Quantaray, Sigma & Sunpak Flash Units:
Wow! I hesitantly bought this to replace the omnibounce and lumiquest products I had previously tried. This is astounding. Lighting almost like you are in a studio. I have used this in settings where previously results were unacceptable. 3 of my friends after seeing the results have purchased them. You will be satisfied with the results. Some other reviews claim they fall off of the flash unit easily but even with regular use I have not experienced this yet. [...]. Try it out!
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