K i t Z o n e
128 DIGITAL CAMERA^ AUGUST 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.comMini Test
Hähnel Universal
Flash Accessory Kit
£40/$54
http://www.hahnel.ieD
espite being the cheapest option here,
Hähnel’s kit does give you a lot to play
with. There’s a compact softbox to take
the edge off shadows, plus a honeycomb grid and
a roll-up snoot to concentrate light into a tighter
beam for more dramatic lighting effects. Several
gels are included to add a splash of colour,
and you get a small panel that can double
as a reflector or a bounce card.
Each accessory fixes to your flashgun
using a simple but fairly effective Velcro strap
system, and Hähnel rounds the kit off with
a useful adjustable bracket to attach your
flashgun to a tripod or light stand.
Although the modifiers can be useful, their
lasting appeal is limited. The softbox is too
small and barely softens a flash burst;
you only get seven gel colours; and the
honeycomb attachment is very basic.
The kit’s pricing is low enough to reflect the
mediocre build quality, but we still don’t reckon
this kit is good value, as the modifier selection
and design rarely enhance your photos. At
least the light stand bracket is worth having.
It adds up to a package that’s cheap but not
very cheerful – you’ll get better value elsewhere.PROS Low price, yet includes several different
modifiers and accessoriesCONS Feels cheap; softbox and honeycomb
aren’t especially usefulVerdict
Honl Photo 16 Piece
Master Flash Kit
£313/$309
http://www.robertwhite.co.ukT
his extensive kit contains a 23cm
conical-shaped collapsible softbox,
large and small roll-up snoots to focus
light, a bounce card, a flag for keeping light out
of part of your composition, 6mm and 3mm
grid attachments, plus three packs of gels
for colour correction, creative effects, and
autumn tints. A filter storage pouch, four
flashgun attachment straps and a carry
bag make up the remaining included items.
The relatively large softbox is very good at
diffusing light and works well outdoors, where
bouncing your flash isn’t an option. The other
modifiers also work well and attach easily to your
flashgun, though the grids don’t hold particularly
securely. Like the Hähnel kit, most items are light
and pack flat for on-the-go versatility, but the
build/material quality here is a step up.
However, this is still mostly just a fabric and
Velcro affair, and while you get plenty of kit, there
are only actually seven individual modifiers, plus
gels, with the rest being extras of dubious value.
This, combined with the fairly simple design
and construction, makes the pricing seem
high and tough to justify. It’s a fairly good,
comprehensive kit, but it’s overpriced.PROS Decent range of well-made modifiers;
most items pack flatCONS Expensive; some modifiers don’t
attach that wellVerdict
Calumet Speedlight
Modifier System
£99
http://www.wexphotovideo.comC
alumet’s kit consists of a diffuser for
softening light, a snoot for focusing it,
and a compact beauty dish for flattering
portraiture. The elliptical diffusion dome is a rigid
plastic design that’s bulky compared to flat-pack
alternatives. It blocks around three stops of
light, which is a lot, but at the same time
it does produce excellent light softness.
The corrugated snoot is also bulky; while
its metal construction enhances durability and
heat-resistance, this is one modifier that could
really benefit from having a collapsible design
without compromising functionality. At least
two honeycomb end caps are included to
create an even tighter beam.
For optimal portrait lighting, the 150mm metal
beauty dish does a decent job of softening light
while still preserving some catchlight sparkle.
Gold and silver reflector discs add a subtle
warm or cool tone, and further effects can be had
from the red, yellow, blue and diffusion covers.
There’s also a trio of plug-in honeycomb grids
that’ll control the dish’s light spread. But, like
everything in this kit, the honeycombs are
a bulky design best suited to a home studio
rather than location shooting.PROS Tough, effective and versatile
modifiers; competitive priceCONS Bulky; fiddly attachment design
that’s not particularly secureVerdict
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As great as they are, flashguns need a little help to really shine