Flash Diffuser (Gary Fong) vs Strobe Flash?

Question

I am planning on purchasing Gary Fong's Whale Tail Flash Diffuser (Reference: http://store.garyfonginc.com/wtcompletes.html ) for portrait photoshoot in studio. The ad indicates that result will be as good as when the strobe lights + umbrella or other bouncing objects are used. If you have used or know both results, could you give me any comment on this ? I am attracted by this diffuser in terms of the cost compared to strobe lights and other usages. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I will basically agree with what others have said. I have not used the Whale Tail, but I have used the Fong Lightspheres for years for wedding photography. His diffusers can do a great job, but again, you do need to experiment with camera and flash settings for the best results.



However, NO on camera flash diffuser is EVER going to equal true studio strobes and large softboxes / umbrellas. With the diffuser, you are still dealing with ONE small light source with a head on direction. The diffuser mimics a larger light source to an extent, but it cannot duplicate a large umbrella and a FAR more powerful strobe light.



Light DIRECTION is as important as power or diffusion. With studio strobes you can use broad or narrow directional lighting to bring out definition of a face. You can never create a true professional look to your portraits with a single on camera light blasting your subject straight on. Your subject will always look "flat" and uninteresting.



The Fong style diffusers are great for events when studio style lighting is impractical, but if you are desiring a true studio lighting look,... then there is NO substitute for PROPER studio lighting.



Steve

http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott

Answer 2

No single flash can replace the multiple light configuration of a studio set, ex-specially if you plan on making some money doing Portrait work out of you home. Any diffuser works nice for "on location" work but, you'll need an extra stop or two because it will spread the light over a larger area.

Answer 3

I bought the whale tale (reporter) last year and couldn't be more pleased. Its incredible how well it works. You do have to experiment on settings (upping the ISO, dragging the flash) and it will do the job. I take many event photos and can light up an entire hall of people where your flash would leave shadows and dark areas. My strobe lights haven't been out of the box for quite a while. Buy the complete set with the chrome and orange flaps. I'm waiting to upgrade to the whale tale studio soon.

Answer 4

Basically deep blue has said everything that needs to be said. While I prefer the lightsphere/counterfeit lightspheres softness, it does eat up light, you need to be using it indoors. Sto-fen is good, but again no need to be paying full whack for what is basically glorified tupperware, look for an omnibounce on the interwebz, you'll get a better deal...ditto if you get a Fong, look for lambency diffusers.

Answer 5

I'm not as impressed. It does work in some circumstances, but it is definitely not a replacement for studio flashes.



For event shooting, it's okay, but it will take some experimenting to get the exposures right.