What stores carry Gary Fong Lightspheres?

[PhotoBella]

Anyone know what stores carry Gary Fong Lightspheres in the Houston area? I could order one online, but then, I'd have to wait for it. :) HCE has the kits, but, I just need one 'clear'.

[Charles Putnam]

I actually saw his stuff at Houston Camera Exchange (and I think Co-Op Camera also).

Personally, I'd recommend Demb flash defuser (http://www.dembflashproducts.com/)

[billseye]

I'd suggest borowing one or something before buying it. I have a chinese knock off, and I've compared it to a real one that my friend has. It's very simular. I like the results (most of the time), but it's really hard on your flash unit because it weighs a ton. My SB600 will not hold it any position but straight up, and if you tilt your camera down a little, WHAM!!!. It comes slammin' down. I still use it sometimes if I use my flash off camera. I only put it on my SB800 in certain instances when I can hold it up, or mounted, off camera. Just my 2 cents worth.

[AndrewCCM]

I agree with the above.

Try it. I don't like lightbulb head flash patterns, waste of battery power, nor milk containers on my flash.

Regardless, I would try it out before succumbing to the marketing.

[PhotoBella]

Thanks for the insight and recommendations. If there are any other suggestions on eliminating shadows just using an SB-800 on camera, and not always setting up lights and umbrellas etc...I'd love to hear them. (I use a Sto-fen and tilt the flash-head.) I should post this in the lighting forum as well.

[billseye]

My favorite, although not always available, is a wall or cieling (preferable wall)
Search threads for this. There should be a bunch of info on this. Also google somthing like "porttrait lighting tips". take time to weed through them some are good, some are not.

[S-Man]

I use the lightsphere II and while I love the results, it's really heavy on the flash head and I'm afraid it will break the joints over time.
But regarding the main question, I'm not sure who carries them.

[JohnT]

I think Wal-Mart carries them—in the Tupperware department.

Sorry 'bout that. LOL I had a Fong diffuser for a while until I found some other things that actually work better for me.

[PhotoBella]

Originally Posted by billseye

My favorite, although not always available, is a wall or cieling (preferable wall)
Search threads for this. There should be a bunch of info on this. Also google somthing like "porttrait lighting tips". take time to weed through them some are good, some are not.

I shoot homes for Realtors and deal with shadows cast from light fixtures and chandeliers etc, so, was thinking (hoping!) the 'Lightsphere' would help. A wall or ceiling works for me shooting this type of photography too...it's pretty much the only way.

PhotoBella added 2 Minutes and 41 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by S-Man

I use the lightsphere II and while I love the results, it's really heavy on the flash head and I'm afraid it will break the joints over time.
But regarding the main question, I'm not sure who carries them.

I'm SO glad to know you have good results! I ordered one from B&H...if it doesn't work well for my purposes, I'll just return it. It's heavy??? It looks light it's very light...like 'Tupperware'.

PhotoBella added 5 Minutes and 8 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Originally Posted by JohnT

I think Wal-Mart carries them—in the Tupperware department.

Sorry 'bout that. LOL I had a Fong diffuser for a while until I found some other things that actually work better for me.

Would you mind elaborating on what works better for you? (besides setting up lights & umbrellas) Thanks!

[S-Man]

^ It seems heavy after use. The Lightsphere II isn't a hard plastic tupperware, it's more of a flexible plastic resin-type of gel-like material. When switching from landscape to portrait orientation (Requiring to point the flash down and sideways) the joints feel strained. A friend told me he broke a 580EX from using it, but again, I love the results from it.