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Lightsphere Review

Wednesday, 28 November 2007

The "Gary Fong Lightsphere Clear Unit" at Cathay Photo costs me around SGD 90 dollars. This wonderful photography accessory comes with a complimentary Gary Fong Lightsphere System DVD, which detailed several ways of using the Lightsphere and is conducted personally by Gary Fong himself. For more information about LightSphere, please visit his website .

I choose to get Lightsphere because I once chanced upon a professional photographer who use it during a conference event and I thought "Wow ! What is this?" I had always wanted a better light diffuser to achieve more natural lighting in the photographs that I shoot indoors. I began to do some research in the Internet for more information about this product and Gary Fong managed to convince me that Lightsphere is indeed the equipment that I need.

The lightsphere though is a joy to have, it size does poses several problems to my current LowePro Bag. It took abit of my creative brain cells to think of some creative ways to squeeze the whole thing in without damaging it. If not, maybe I coud wear it on my hat as a protection against rain (oh yeah, people does get that impression).

I own 2 more flash diffusers, one is from East Gear Sock Diffuser and Stofen OmniBounce. Immediatey, I conducted a fun review on how the Lightsphere performed compare against the rest. (Please note this trial test or review is purely for my own interest. I do not represent any company and also do not make any profits if you happen to buy any of the products.)

For this trial, the setup I will be using will be Konica Minolta Dynax 7D with Minolta 5600 HS Flash. I will shot ceiling bounce flash, direct flash, flash with sock diffuser, Omnibounce and Lightsphere. The setting will be set at:

ISO 800

Shutter 1/30 sec

Aperture F6.3

Flash compensation is fixed at + 1 EV

Photos will be converted to JPEG from RAW and no adjustment will be made. (Please also note that the East Gear Sock Diffuser had started to show some yellowish tint to its material, so they photo will surely turn out slightly yellowish without adjustment). Finally, the subject will be my brother prized possession, his Dino toy. (Yes, brother not sister)

Lightsphere Flash Setup

Conclusion: The photo taken by flash with Lightsphere attached on show a more favourable colour tone with a brighter and more cheerful mood. The lost of light also seems to be the most minimum and shadows can be considered the most well-controlled. I will leave it to your own eyes to judge for youself. Afterall different people had different preferences.

LightSphere Sample Photos

Other Notes: Learning how to fix on the Lightsphere might seems a bit clumbersome and awkard at first. The trick is actually put your thumb inside the Lightsphere and push out the fitting area while putting it on. I find this way is the best and I always managed to put it on within 1 to 2 seconds.