> > > -----Original Message----- > From: Norman Chappell <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > >I have used both Hugo and while this is a personal preference, > mine is for > >the Lumiqest >regards, > > > I agree. The OmniBounce is great for it's convenience but in terms of > directed but defused flash, the LumiQuest is better I think. > When I sold a > 540EZ, I let a Pocket Bouncer get away from me with the deal but > want to get > another one for a 550EX. Or, is the Mini Softbox a better investment? > Also, is this Cinch Strap LumiQuest now offers as an option for mounting > their flash accessories any good? I sure hate to put Velcro tape on my > flash units. > > Gary Russell >
Hi Gary, The Lumiquest Pocket Bouncer has no diffuser panel and for a small kit is more effective than the Omnibounce at softening direct flash light due to the sheer amount of area that it can bounce off of. A Midi Bouncer may be a better fit though it's larger when in use and folded. The Lumiquest Ultrasoft and Big Bounce are like the Bouncers but with the addition of a diffuser after the bounce so the softening is more pronounced but there is slightly more light loss. The problem with the Mini Softbox is that the area is not much larger than the bare flashhead so is less effective at reducing the hard shadows associated with direct light. The problem I had with the Softbox (the larger, more area model), was that it blocked the 540EZ's A-TTL NIR pre-flash sensor and caused inconsistent exposures no matter how much I adjusted it in testing. The solution I used with this was to simply switch to TTL but this did not improve the softening effects of the more limited effective area of the Softbox design itself. The Softboxes in general are less effective than the total frontal area might suggest because the flash is directed at the diffuser panel directly with not enough distance to allow the flathead's light output to fully illuminate the diffuser panel. There is a Lumiquest similar to the Omnibounce that IMO is better, the Lumiquest UltraBounce. It works like an Omnibounce but folds flat and additionally has an opaque panel to reduce light spill to front mounted sensors as used on older Auto-Thyristor type flash units. The Cinch Strap is really only good to improve the holding power of the Velcro. For the larger or heavier Lumiquest units like the Big Bounce, Midi Bounce or ProMax kit used with attachments the strap can be handy to provide more support for the attachments. It's not necessary really but can be helpful if the flash attachment is getting bumped a lot to minimize re-adjusting. As a standalone means of attaching any of the Lumiquest panels I cannot say it works all that well and cannot recommend it for this purpose. What's the problem with Velcro on a flash head? Real Velcro brand loop and pile lasts a long time and leaves no mess to speak of, what little adhesive that can be left after years and years of use is easy to remove. Regards, Chip Louie * **** ******* *********************************************************** * For list instructions, including unsubscribe, see: * http://www.a1.nl/phomepag/markerink/eos_list.htm ***********************************************************
