Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted)
The Gary Fong LSU-CLOUD Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Flash Diffusion System is a large, round, soft and flexible diffuser that slips over the front of any standard shoe mount flash unit. 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.
The included inverted dome allows you to softly diffuse direct light with a large, soft source without creating flare on the front of your lens.
- This Universal type fits almost virtually any shoe- or handle-mount flash unit. Its innovative mounting design provides a secure and adjustable grip to any flash head, from a Nikon SB-600 to a Metz 45 handle mount. This means there is only one model you need to buy, ever.
- Especially ideal for vertical flash shots where the flash coverage is still similar to horizontal shots, due to the large rounded shape of the diffuser. Minimizes the need for a flash-flip bracket.
- Easily fits into a camera bag.
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 138 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (103)
- Easy to use (100)
- Reliable (73)
- Strong construction (59)
- Packs small / compresses (30)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (69)
- Poor quality (15)
- Difficult to use (9)
- Unreliable (7)
Best Uses
- Weddings (96)
- Family photos (83)
- Travel (22)
- Outdoor events / games (16)
- Close -ups (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (61), Photo enthusiast (34), Pro photographer (31), Casual photographer (7)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (86), Yes (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Sweet Diffuser!
I first saw this diffuser with one of my close friends. He always takes his 50D with this 580exii and never uses it without a lightsphere. After seeing his pictures, i told myself whenever...Read complete review
I first saw this diffuser with one of my close friends. He always takes his 50D with this 580exii and never uses it without a lightsphere. After seeing his pictures, i told myself whenever i order a flash, I'm ordering the lightsphere with it. So i recently got my 430exii and of course purchased it with the lightsphere. i was stunned at the pictures i could take. The 430 exii alone did a great job of lighting but the lightsphere just added a little more light everywhere and softened it very well. With enough to bounce off of your pictures will come out amazing! i never really use the lightsphere pointing directly at my subject, unless its outdoors. It fits very sturdily on the 430exii. i even tested that by lifting up my canon t2i(with a 28-135mm lens + UV filter + hood + 430exii ofcourse) and it was perfectly steady.
There are only 3 simple steps to putting it on.
-Put the rubber band on the flashhead
-Put the lightsphere on the flashhead on top of the rubber band.
-Tighten the Velcro Strap on the lightsphere! (Make sure the Velcro strap is tightened on top of where your rubber band is.
The only con is that if you're purchasing this for the 430exii, portrait mode is going to have a slight problem. The 430exii flash head is pretty small(compared to the 580exii)and the plastic part of the lightsphere does not let the flash head click into place in portrait mode orientation, which is really unfortunate =/. For this I usually zoom to where I want, then hold the lightsphere in place or else it will just fall back into the upward position. Andd it takes alot of space in my camera bag!
Other than that its an awesome flash accessory to have!
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Waste of My Money
Basically... you buy so that you don't look cheap to other photographers.
I get the very same effect using a rubbing alcohol bottle with the bottom cut out and place...Read complete review
Basically... you buy so that you don't look cheap to other photographers.
I get the very same effect using a rubbing alcohol bottle with the bottom cut out and placed over my flash. Same quality of light. If I want to compare my light with the "clear lightsphere" I can use a tupperware style bowl I get my greek olives in from the deli. Same quality of light.
Total waste of money... unless you aren't embarrassed of a salad bowl/rubbing alcohol bottle on top of your flash.
The unit does work fine and will be great for those whose reputation will not allow them to use a bottle/bowl from home.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 138 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Just received. Have taken numerous test shots with/without the Dome and difference is striking. For the money it is a great product to add to your flash photography needs.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Powerful
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife Photos
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I am so happy I bought this lightsphere. I was at a party and the two pro photographers had the lightsphere and the results of the photos were just amazing.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unreliable
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
i love the really soft light this produces and eliminates all shadows. i really did not like the velcro strap it came with.on the second day i used it the strap rips on my SB-900.
i had to get out of my way at a wedding to find tape or a zip tie to fix it. ended up tossing it aside.
expensive. but really soft light produced by it.
and its not that durable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
The lightsphere does help spread the light coming through the flash very evenly compared to other devices I used. I feel that it is worth it but very pricey. I have taken lots of pictures with the lightsphere and I am impressed with the way the lighting goes. But again it is too pricey.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I used this product to shoot an indoor wedding with high ceilings. It was a great addition to my flash and made for great photos.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
Cons
- Bulky
- Difficult to Use
- Weak Construction
Best Uses
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
It's a bigger sto-fen. I get it. bigger means softer, we all know that. it's clunky, a pain in the rear to attach and manage in my wedding photography gear assortment, and the difference in light is not that great. Some people may love this and that's great, for me I don't. It's a good piece of cheap gear (the cap falls out constantly--but hey it's cheap!) I would not recommend it, but I see it's value for some...so 3 stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
This is the best modifier that I've used for my speedlight so far....
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I now own two of theses and they produce very nice light when used in bounce position. I have also found that they can be used to hold other accessories on my flash head. for example, I have some Alien bee chrome reflectors that hold grids. I can put these on my speedlight using the lightsphere universal inside the reflector to hold it in place.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Bad Strap
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Gary Fong knows how to make a product. I use the diffuser mostly for weddings and event photography, but it works well in any situation where you don't want that harsh flash shadow. I'm shooting with a Canon 7D and a Canon 580ii flash. The Dome sits on the flash perfectly. However, the Velcro strap did open it's stitches almost out of the box and the Dome does get a bit loose. But to reset the Dome is a matter of pushing it back on. No biggie.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bulky
- Plastic a little long
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
So far I'm very happy with The Cloud. If used correctly you can really make a difference with using this. Its simple to install and take off the flash unit.
The only downside is that you need to have a larger bag to keep in it if your gonna carry it around to job sites.
Also the tabs on the bottom are a little long if your using a smaller 430ex flash. But a slight adjustment and it works just fine.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
This product worked just like it said it would!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Bulky
- expensive
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I dont really have anything good to say about the Lightsphere Cloud and Im not one to bad mouth a product. I will say, this item is marketed very well and you shouldn't always go with the hype.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Pack
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Event photography
- Family Photos
- Portraits
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I do a lot of photo shoots with models, this tool diffuses the light beautifully.
Great for head shots, and in low lighting.
Could be more secure on flash.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to Use
- Great Performance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Bulky
- Flimsy
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I use the Lightsphere for portrait photography. It does a great job of softening the light in the whole photo and not just a portion.
It is kinda bulky, and this version has the velcro tape which doesn't always hold the lightsphere in place on the TTL flash. But it's an affordable diffuser.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I use this product for photographing weddings inside churches with poor lighting when flash is allowed. This difuses the light so you can get good results of the wedding party walking up the aisle and so on, when bounce flash is not an option. The lightsphere fits easily on the flash and is easy to use. I had all but given up on photographing weddings until I purchased the Lightsphere. I am very, very pleased with the results I get with this product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quick to install
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Indoors and out covers a large area with even light. Much lighter that the collapsible Fong. Great for events such as weddings and parties.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I mostly use this during wedding receptions as I prefer not to use flash for as much as possible. When I do need to use my flash, this diffuser has been the most effective at getting the quality of light that looks most natural. I've had other diffusers that come off easily but the strap on this one seems to keep it nice and secure.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
This thing looks like the end of a trumpet sticking off of the speedlite. It adds noticeable extra weight, as well. However, the first time I used it, it delivered a much nicer, more diffuse light than the bare speedlite or a smaller bounce dome. I wish there was a way to break it down for travel. (I know there's a collapsible version, but the reviews were better for this model.)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Works great for diffusing light, especially when used on location. Great for weddings and events of any sort. I highly recommend this item.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Flash Accessories
- Price: $15.57
- GBP 9.94
Diffuser Accessories
- Price: $72.00
- GBP 45.97
What's in the Box
- Cinch Strap
- Rubber Grip Band
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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