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 146 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
87%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Lightweight (108)
- Easy to use (105)
- Reliable (77)
- Strong construction (61)
- Packs small / compresses (31)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (74)
- Poor quality (15)
- Difficult to use (9)
- Unreliable (7)
Best Uses
- Weddings (101)
- Family photos (89)
- Travel (22)
- Outdoor events / games (16)
- Close -ups (12)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (63), Photo enthusiast (38), Pro photographer (32), Casual photographer (8)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (94), 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 146 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy to Use
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
Works well for indoor photography but it is a bit bulky. My shoe mount flash does not have a lock on it and this diffuser will cause the flash to fall forward and change the angle of the flash.
- 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):
Creates excellent lighting without the harsh shadows.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I use this for weddings and definitely notice a difference. It is pricey for what it is but I am not the handy DIY type so it was worth the money for me. I like the effect better than other modifiers I have tried.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
I am an amateur photographer, looking for ways to improve my skills on a limited amount of funds. The lightsphere tones down a harsh flash effect and prevents that washed out look.
- 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):
The Universal Light Cloud Diffuser provides excellent lighting and not the bright flash without it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
As an amateur photographer I have great respect for the Fong. It truly makes single flash photos look professional. I like it so much that I have bought one each for my two photo savvy daughters. If you want to improve every flash photo you take buy and use the Lightsphere.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Weddings/Events
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
It creates a larger area for the light to emit and brighten the area surrounding the camera that is as soft as a box without having to hold something extra. It does emit light behind the camera so take into consideration that people behind the cameraman will be hit with light.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
Comments about Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal Inverted Dome Cloud Diffusion System (Frosted):
This is an excellant accessory to the flash. Well balanced and diffused lighting when taking photos. Shadows and dark spots are minimized. Highly recommend if you are into professional portraits.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Flash Accessories
- Price: $19.95
- GBP 12.61
Diffuser Accessories
- Price: $81.59
- GBP 51.57
What's in the Box
- Cinch Strap
- Rubber Grip Band
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
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