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94 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
MINITEST
Flashguns are great, but they need a little
help to really shine out there
HERE’S nothing
like the humble
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not short on versatility either,
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even more lighting effects can
be had. You’re spoilt for
choice when it comes to
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thankfully most
manufacturers offer kits
containing a variety of
popular accessories.
There’ll usually be
something in the mix to
soften light, whether it be a
rigid diffusion cap or dome,
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If you’re after a more focused
feel, go for a kit containing a
snoot or a honeycomb
attachment. These will
concentrate light into a tight
beam to isolate a subject or
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Many kits also pack
coloured gels for generating
a cool or warm feel, or to
simply spice up a boring
backdrop when used on an
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light onto a subject, while a
black version will help shield
other elements in your
compositions.
We’ve selected six popular
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the best gadgets for
maximizing your potential
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modifier kits
Modifier kits may share similar elements, but some are more
useful and better designed than others(^01) Versatility
Modifier kits are a great entry into lighting effects, but some kits
contain items that are of limited use.
(^02) Portability
If a modifier won’t fit in your kit bag, it won’t be much use. Go for
something that’s compact and collapsible.
(^03) Compatibility
Most modifiers will fix to your flashgun with a strap or elastic band, but
a few are fussier. Ensure that you check compatibility before buying.
(^04) Expandability
Some manufacturers have come up with modifier systems based
around one universal, quick-release mount.
(^05) Light loss
Sticking a diffuser on your flashgun results in some light loss, so don’t
forget to ramp up the flash power.
FIVE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR
£99/$124 http://www.wexphotovideo.com
£52/$120 http://www.manfrotto.com
Calumet
Speedlight Modifier System
Lastolite
Strobo Kit Direct to Flashgun
THIS KIT consists of a diffuser, a
snoot, and a compact beauty dish
for portraiture. The elliptical
diffusion dome is a rigid plastic
design that’s bulky compared to
flat-pack alternatives.
The corrugated snoot is also
bulky; while its metal construction
enhances durability and heat-
resistance, this is one modifier that
could benefit from having a
collapsible design without
compromising functionality.
For optimal portrait lighting, the
150mm metal beauty dish does a
decent job of softening light while
preserving catchlight sparkle.
There’s also a trio of honeycomb
grids that’ll control the dish’s light
spread. But, like everything in this
kit, the honeycombs are bulky and
best suited to a home studio rather
than location shooting.
THIS KIT includes a mount that
clamps directly to your flashgun’s
head, and it attaches quickly and
securely via a Velcro strap.
The attachment design isn’t as
neat as the MagMod, but it is easier
to fit the mount on a flashgun with
a large head. What’s more, since
each modifier contains a second
set of magnets, multiple modifiers
can be stacked for custom effects.
9mm and 6mm grid modifiers
are included, as are a pair of gel
mounts, plus a dozen gels including
warming, cooling and colour effect
filters, along with a two-stop ND
filter and a frosting filter. The
combo is great for focusing and
tinting accent lights, but you’ll need
to splash out on Strobo modifiers
to maximize the versatility, and it’s
a pity there are no available
attachments to soften light.
VERDICT
PROS: Tough, effective and versatile
modifiers; competitive price
CONS: Bulky; fiddly attachment
design that’s not particularly secure
WE SAY: There’s quantity, quality
and versatility here: a sound buy
VERDICT
PROS: Well-designed mounting
system; stackable modifiers; price
CONS: Needs other optional
modifiers to realise its full potential
WE SAY: Great for focussing and
colouring light, but limited