Digital Camera World - UK (2019-08)

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com AUGUST 2019 DIGITAL CAMERA^129

Mini Test

MagMod Professional

Flash Kit

£230/$190

http://www.magnetmod.com

M

agMod modifiers use a modular design

based around a silicone mount that

stretches over the head of most

flashguns – no straps required. Within this are

two powerful magnets, enabling instant mounting

of MagMod light modifiers. These can be bought

individually or through any of eight bundles.

This mid-range Professional Kit contains a

MagBounce bounce modifier that’s large enough

to create wide flash coverage, yet packs small

thanks to its squashy silicone construction.

The idea is you get illumination similar to a

bounced flash, but MagBounce works in

environments where bouncing isn’t an option.

It’s great outdoors, but we found you’ll still

get a softer illumination using a conventional

bounced flash where possible.

For the softest MagMod illumination, switch

to the MagSphere omni-directional flash diffuser.

Point your flashgun upward and it’ll throw enough

light onto a close subject, while the translucent

silicone produces soft, flattering illumination.

The other elements in the kit are a snap-on

grid to focus light more tightly, and a set of eight

colour gels. These are nice and thick, so they

easily slip into the included stretchy holder.

PROS Quality, well designed modifiers

that are effortlessly easy to use

CONS MagGrip is very hard to stretch

over flashgun head; high UK price

Verdict

Rogue FlashBender 2

Portable Lighting Kit

£150/$200

http://www.rogueflash.com

F

lashBender modifiers are famed for

their bendable construction, which lets

one fabric panel transform from a flat

reflector to a curved bounce card, or even a snoot

when rolled into a tube. Add the included diffusion

sheet and the panel becomes a tall, shallow

softbox; this works reasonably well due to

your flashgun being pointed upward in this

config, which already softens its burst.

This kit includes a second mini FlashBender

panel and diffuser – which comes in handy, as

the large panel can sometimes feel a bit unwieldy

and make your camera feel somewhat top-heavy.

For even more creative effects, fit the three-in-one

honeycomb grid modifier to get a more focused

light beam. You’ll also find 20 coloured gel inserts

to go with it, plus an additional gel set that’ll

fit neatly over a bare flash.

All the modifiers attached quickly and securely,

while these revised FlashBender 2 reflector panels

are 20-30% lighter than the original design. Build

quality isn’t quite up there with the polished

MagMod system, but it’s a close second, while

the clever, adaptable design makes this kit very

enjoyable to use and encourages creativity.

It’s a winning combination at a fair price.

PROS Clever, versatile design; great quality;

most modifiers pack flat

CONS Diffuser sheets can be fiddly and

don’t give the softest illumination

Verdict

Lastolite Strobo Kit

Direct to Flashgun
£52/$120
http://www.manfrotto.com

L

astolite’s Strobo range contains
numerous flashgun modifiers that
can attach to two universal mounts:
a bracket design for use with an off-camera
flash, and a mount that clamps directly to your
flashgun’s head. This kit includes the latter,
and it attaches quickly and securely via a
Velcro strap. Inside the mount are magnets that
make it a cinch to apply individual modifiers.
The attachment design isn’t quite as neat as
the MagMod system, but it is easier to fit the
mount on a flashgun with a large head like our
Nikon SB-910 test flash. What’s more, since
each modifier contains a second set of
magnets, multiple modifiers can easily
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 combination is great for
focusing and tinting accent lights, but you’ll
need to splash out on extra Strobo modifiers
to really maximise the versatility of this kit, and
it’s a pity there are no available attachments to
soften light. It’s good as far as it goes, but limiting.

PROS Well-designed universal mounting
system; stackable modifiers; great UK price

CONS Needs other optional modifiers
to realise the kit’s full potential

Verdict

Five things to

look out for

1

Modifier kits are a

great entry into lighting

effects, but some kits

contain items that

are of limited use.

2

If a modifier won’t fit

in your kit bag, it won’t

be much use. Go for

something that’s

collapsible.

3

Most modifiers will fix

to your flashgun with

a strap or elastic band,

but a few are fussier.

Check before buying.

4

Some manufacturers

have come up with

modifier systems based

around one universal,

quick-release mount.

5

Sticking a diffuser on

your flashgun results

in some light loss, so

don’t forget to ramp

up the flash power.