Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

The most important thing is not to expect this to be a cheap substitute for having a proper lighting setup. I bought the OM-C as a last resort diffuser for my Sigma 530 DG Super (I have an OM-PZ8 to go with my other flash, a Pentax AF360FGZ). For the price and my intended use, it's good value. There are cheap knock-offs out there, but some reviews of those products suggest the fit on the flash isn't very good, so I went with the best price I could find for a reputable brand.

In terms of actual use, the diffuser is a bit tight on my Sigma. The OM-C also fits a long list of other flashes, I would guess some not as tight. I did not expect to have to read the instructions for such a simple product, but when I did it helped me with the process of installing over my flash (pull the short ends outwards). The diffuser works to soften the flash and scatter light in more directions than the on-flash diffuser, so this is always helpful if I have no choice but to use direct flash.

You will get better results with careful bounce flash, but this is not always possible if there isn't a good surface for bouncing or if the flash is not powerful enough or if you're travelling light and not carrying stands/umbrellas/boxes. In these situations, direct flash is necessary, and this is where the OM-C comes in. Remember that the final size of the light source isn't that big, so results would be better usually with off-camera flash.

The bottom line: as long as you don't expect this to be a replacement for large soft boxes you will not be disappointed. As with any diffuser, it does reduce the overall power of the flash (instructions indicate about 2.5 factor on guide number).

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Initially a bit of a tight fit across the width of the flash head, but went off and on easily once it was broken in. Does exactly what I want, provides flash diffusion when there are no usable bounce surfaces.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I have this on my Sigma EF-530 DG Super and it works perfect. It was a little tough to get on the lens the first time, but once you follow the directions and stretch it a little from the sides, it goes on easier. I haven't taken any shots without this thing since I got it.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

The Sto-fen OM-C Omni-Bounce is an effective, simple, and inexpensive adapter for on-camera flash units. It provides some light diffusion over direct flash, and also warms the color temperature - good for event photography.

The unit is most effective with the flash head angled upward at about 45 degrees, but this assumes the photographer is working in an area with a relatively low, white ceiling. This will allow the flash to directly illuminate the subject, as well as provide a level of fill light - an improvement over direct flash alone.

So, if you are working in a very large space, or outside, the unit will not be of much help over direct flash. In this case you could aim your flash head directly at the subject and take advantage of some light diffusion.

One downside of the OM-C Omni-Bounce is that you will see a hit taken to the output of your flash unit - about 2.5 stops typically. You will go thru batteries much faster.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Picture quality became much better!!!!

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

The product is simple enough and works well for its intended purpose. The fit on my Sigma flash is nice and snug without being a bother to attach or detach. A nice addition to my bag overall.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I own a Minolta 5400 HS flash unit on my Sony Alpha 100. It fit perfectly. I can even store it with the diffuser attached.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

If you don't have any ceilings or walls to bounce your flash, this little device helps to do just that. Serves its purpose outdoors for fill flash as well. Fits very snug onto my Sigma 530 DG Super... although initially very difficult to put on, I guess I don't have to worry about if falling off.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

This is a sto-fen diffuser. It is a good product in that respect, owned two others and loved them. They work for that. The problem is that this says that this fits the Sigma 530 flash which is flat out wrong. This by no way shape or form fits this flash. This is made to fit certain specific flashes and this the Sigma 530 is not it. You have to make it fit the flash and this also makes it unable to quickly remove and or place on the flash in a quick needed situation. Per Sto-fen instructions " Take Omni in both hands and stretch slightly on the long sides. This will allow the unit to be mounted the same as those above." This is per instructions, until now I have never had to stretch a Sto-Fen product. They have always fit by sliding on and off this is the whole advantage. So if you want an easy on and off diffuser think about looking else ware.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I purchased the Omni-Bounce for my Olympus FL-50 flash. It fits perfectly, stays in place and I don't have to squeeae, twist or tug to remove it, just simply pull it off. The flash's light is more evenly distributed but the image is slightly darker, as is to be expected. Sto-Fen does include a note about figuring how the flash's guide number changes to help in exposure calculations.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I mean - I prefer the flash bracket with the softbox I own, but that didn't work for very long till it broke. This is light, small, compact and it diffuses well. You still get a pretty direct blast of light, its just a little less intense and a just a bit more dispersed (thus diffusion.) I use with the flash on a low setting for outdoor portraits as a fill or for catch lights. Tight Fit.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Great for weddings. I have tried several different methods of difusing harsh light and this is the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way of accomplishing it.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I'm new into using flash, bu this product has been useful thus far!

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Use the product for exactly what it is, to diffuse the light.

Works pretty well, much better than just straight harsh light. Would not recommend for portraits or things of that nature.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Fits perfectly over flash, no velcro or straps required. Makes flash softer and gives a more flattering light. My new favorite tool for taking photos. Wish I had found this sooner.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Works great on my Nikon SB-24. If you have various velcro pieces stuck to your flash head, they may make the fit too tight with this attachment. I had to adapt mine somewhat because I use another diffuser and the Lumiquest Fxtra gel holder.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Does everything it says it does and was surprised how well this actually works!

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

Cant say enough about this thing. Works great on my sigma 530. Does exactly what its supposed to do and doesn't kill my wallet...

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

I got this for a friend's Sigma 530 flash. It does what Omni-Bounces were meant to do--diffuse.

Comments about Sto-Fen #OM-C Omni-Bounce:

It definitely helps diffuse the bounce, so no problem there. The fit on the Sigma 530 is very tight, so I have to be careful fitting it on, but at least it won't fall off that way.

Just remember when you're using it that it reduces the flash range by a factor of 2-1/2.