LumiQuest creator Quest Couch answers questions
about LumiQuest products and flash photography in general. Feel free
to look through the archives and let him know what you need.
You can
e-mail your questions to Quest by clicking the 'Email Quest' button
below. Read more about Quest Couch.
This page was updated on
June 28, 2009
June 2009
Question:
I am trying to decide which diffuser would best suite my needs. I mostly
shoot out doors looking for something to help eliminate shadows when
using fill flash
Answer:
Essentially the larger the light source the softer the shadows, so
I'd suggest the largest you feel comfortable with. Consider either
the Big Bounce or SoftBox
III.
Question:
I was thinking of getting the ProMax
System when I stumbled on the
Quik Bounce. As far as I understand, the Quik
Bounce with doors open
is similar to the 80-20 and with doors closed is similar to the Pocket
Bouncer, except that Quik
Bounce is mounted sideways for easy horizontal-vertical-swap
(is this correct?). However, the ProMax
system, though not providing
as easy swapping between horizontal and vertical, includes gold and
silver inserts as well as a frosted diffusion screen. Do you plan on
releasing a similar accessory kit for the Quik
Bounce anytime soon?
Are there other differences than those I've mentioned here between
Quik Bounce and Pocket
Bouncer?
Answer:
You are correct with all of your assumptions/conclusions. Presently
we have no plans to offer ProMax
System like accessories for the Quik
Bounce. As the name implies, it is designed to quickly convert from
horizontal to vertical and from bounce card to ceiling bounce. I'm
afraid that the additional accessories would slow down and complicate
things for the fast moving event/wedding photographers for whom it
is designed. That said...never say never!
Question:
Will the FXtra work with Nikon SB900 do I need anything else to make
these work?
Answer:
Yes, the FXtra will work fine on your SB-900. It comes with self adhesive
VELCRO ® Brand. If you prefer the non adhesive Cinch
Strap, it is available
separately.
Question:
I just bought the SoftBox LQ-107 for my Minolta 3600HD flash. I am
just getting into the external flash concept and could use some help.
It doesn't appear right off the bat that the lightbox is doing much...am
I missing something?? I attached the VELCRO ® Brand strips and attached the
SoftBox...are there supposed to be some openings on the sides in corners?
What else do I need to do I paid $40 for this hope it does more than
I see so far. Haven't tried much with it but if you could lead me in
a direction it would help.
Answer:
When it comes to softening shadows, the larger the light source, the
softer the shadows. Your SoftBox is roughly 6 times the size of the
flash head itself and that is what softens the shadows. This softening
effect is increasingly noticeable as you get closer to the subject
(take a look at the examples on our website). This small SoftBox bridges
the gap between direct flash and large softboxes that may be hundreds
of times the flash head. Results will obviously not be comparable.
All that said, we offer a unconditional guarantee if you are not entirely
satisfied with a LumiQuest accessory.
Question:
I already have your SoftBox, LQ-107. I am wondering how the Pocket
Bouncer works differently than the SoftBox. They both show about the
same light loss of 1 1/3 stop per your product pages.
Answer:
The size of the light source determines the "softness" of
the shadows. Since the Pocket
Bouncer and the SoftBox are roughly the
same size, the shadow will be similar (actually the SoftBox is slightly larger and softer).
Anyway, the Pocket
Bouncer is faster to use and accepts gold and silver
inserts. The SoftBox is not as fast, but lower profile and less of
an issue in a crowd.
Question:
I come from New Zealand. I am a wildlife photographer and I specialize
in insect shots. I have recently encountered a problem you might have
some equipment you stock that may help me. I operate a Canon 40D with
a 100mm macro lens with a MR-14ex Ring lite. My next purchase is to
be a Canon Speedlite 580EX but don't own one yet. I have been photographing
cicadas at night. I don't know if you have cicadas in the States. They
are an insect that lives underground. About this time of year the nymph
crawls out of the ground and climbs a short way up a tree stump (in
the middle of the night). The adult cicada then emerges from the casing.
I have been attempting the photograph this transformation. The casing
is shiny and reflective and the young cicada is jellylike and very
reflective. I photograph from a distance of about 12" so that
the insect fills the frame. I first used the ringflash as normal but
the reflection on the casing and insect was unacceptable for a competition
photograph. I have tried various ways to reduce the reflection with
limited success (Placed more diffusion material over my ringflash -
use a diffuser - tried bouncing off a reflector). By Trying to reduce
the reflection I am underexposing the photo. Can you make a recommendation?
Answer:
Yes, we have Cicadas...strange looking insects! Enlarging the light
source will help (try our Big
Bounce or SoftBox lll). Also ask the
question on the Strobist
Flickr group...lotsa guys with lotsa answers
about flash.
Question:
I use several of your nice products and am debating ordering an FXtra
... but have read that it does *not* fit well on the Canon 580EX II
flash.
Answer:
The clear gel pocket is exactly 1 1/2" wide. This dimension was
determined by the width of the Rosco and Lee sample gel packs. A 550
is 1 3/8" wide, so
it works fine with it. If you measure your flash and it is 1 1/2" or
smaller the FXtra should be fine....please let us know.
Question:
I've owned the Pro Max system a few years, and love it and preach it
to others. This year I upgraded from my Panasonic FZ10 to the Canon
450D (and upgraded my flash to the 430EX II), and I'm enjoying it even
more.
However, my biggest problem with it is when I choose to rotate the
camera to portrait mode and still want to bounce off the ceiling. A
friend pointed me to some Demb bouncers online which appear to do this
easily, but I'd first like to see how easy it would be to use the 80-20
Pro Max kit in portrait mode.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Question:
I was just wondering if the SoftBox
II (LQ-109) will fit on a Canon
550EX flash? In the description it says it's designed exclusively for
bare bulb flashes...
Would I need to get the LQ-107 instead? The reason I'm asking is because
I prefer the shape of the LQ-109 and am thinking about reflections
in eyes and such... Any help would be greatly appreciated :)
Answer:
Take a look at the SoftBox III....I think it would be the best choice.
Answer:
Actually they do. They were obviously not intended for the Quik
Bounce,
but they work fine with it.
Question:
I’m a fervent hobbyist and love the elegance of your simple solutions.
I have a canon 40D with a 580II e mounted on a bracket. I attend our
local high school events and work with our youth – although an
amateur the work comes from me and I want the best I can do.
Pool areas and gyms are horribly lit, I have your Mini
Softbox and
Softbox III when I work manual
and use a stand. What I want for wrestling is a modifier that will
work best. I have been thinking of the original Softbox,
or the Bounce Kit. But I’m
unsure and have, also, considered the Midi
Bouncer to get the larger
surface but would it fit?
I appreciate the opportunity to ask.
Answer:
The larger the light source, the softer the light. Have you considered
our SoftBox III? Also, how far are you away from your subjects? That
is a very important issue.
Question:
I just ordered the SoftBox III and plan to use it with a good bracket.
I’m about 8 to 15 feet away – the team lets me get that
close so I was thinking this would work well but wanted your opinion.
Answer:
Our devices are most effective and most needed the closer you are to
the subject. You will find that your SoftBox is not as effective at
15ft. as it is at 8ft. and not as effective at 8ft as it is at 4ft...etc.
Let us know how it works for your application.
April 2009
Question:
I have been on your site and cannot find any information on what products
will work with my METZ MECABLITZ 48AF. Can you help?
Answer:
Except for the specialty items, all of our accessories will work fine
on your Metz 48.
Question:
I use a Pentax AF360FGZ flash gun with my Pentax K10d and I like to
ask would a SoftBox II (LQ-109) work well this kit? I’m shooting
mainly portrait close up and indoors, with some outdoors too.
Answer:
Actually, the SoftBox ll is designed for barebulb flashes such
as the Quantum QFlash. I'd recommend either our original SoftBox or
our new SoftBox III.
Question:
I don't know which one of your products I should choose. I am an event
photographer and I need to shoot a big group of people in a small room.
Answer:
If you have nearby walls/ceilings, select one of our devices that uses
those bounce surfaces such as our 80-20 or our UltraBounce. In the
absence of those surfaces, consider the Pocket
Bouncer or one of our
SoftBoxes. Our new product, Quik
Bounce, will perform like an 80-20 and Pocket Bouncer and will also allow you to go from horizontal to
vertical shooting seamlessly.
Question:
I am looking for a Snoot and either a SoftBox or SoftBox
III for my
SB800. It will not block auto exposure, correct?
Answer:
The original SoftBox (LQ 107) will not block the sensor on your flash.
The SoftBox lll (LQ 119) will block the sensor on your flash but not
effect TTL exposure control.
Question:
Do your products fit on the Sunpak 622 pro system? Which of your products
should would work on wide angle lenses?
Answer:
I'd recommend our MidiBouncer for your 622. It works fine with the
standard head, but will probably also work with the zoom head included
with your Pro System.
Question:
How about soft boxes? What products that can fit both the Sunpack and
the Canon ex 580 II?
Answer:
Take a look at our new SoftBox
lll...it should work fine with both
your Sunpak and Canon flashes. if you are shooting TTL or manual exposure.
Question:
Is the LQ-108 Mini SoftBox appropriate for attachment to a Nikon SB – 800
flash? If so, is everything needed to attach the unit to the flash
included with the product or will I require any additional accessories?
Answer:
The Mini SoftBox will work fine on your SB 800. However, it cannot
produce shadows as soft as its larger brother, the SoftBox
lll. Both
are supplied with self adhesive VELCRO ® Brand for attachment. If you prefer
non-adhesive attachment, consider the available Cinch
Strap.
Question:
Are the Pocket Bouncer, UltraSoft, and the Soft
Screen diffusers compatible
with the Sony HVL-F42AM flash? I'm having trouble finding compatible
diffusers for this unit.
Answer:
The Pocket Bouncer and the UltraSoft will work fine with your HVL-F42AM
but the SoftScreen is for use with on-camera pop-up flashes.
Question:
I have a Pocket Bouncer that I use on my Nikon SB800 flash. How would
I use this item if I'm shooting with the camera in the vertical position?
Answer:
In the vertical position it is best to use a flash bracket or otherwise
remove the flash from the camera to position it above the camera to
avoid shadows off to the side of the subject. Take a look at our new
Quik Bounce, it was designed to shoot vertically as well as horizontally.
Question:
I do real estate photography with an Olympus FL-36R Electronic Wireless
Flash. Is there a product that you suggest I could use that would make
my photo's look better? The Ultra
Bounce looks like it would work for
me.
Answer:
The UltraBounce will work will if there are nearby walls and ceilings
to bounce the light. In the absence of these surfaces you would be
better off with one of our larger bounce or diffusion devices.
Question:
Tell me please, does LumiQuest
LQ-109 SoftBox II compatible with Canon
Speedlite 580EX II ? Won't it block the sensor or autofocus assist?
Question:
I am looking to purchase a diffuser for my 580EX II and am going to
be shooting close-ups of a band performance in low light. Ceiling will
be about 10 feet up. Could you tell me which of your products would
be best for those conditions?
Answer:
You might want to consider our 80-20 which allows for ceiling bounce
with a bit of fill. If you don't want to use the ceiling bounce, consider
our new SoftBox lll.
Question:
I was thinking about using the large SoftBox
III on my Nikon
SB-400 (off-camera) attached to my D40 via the SC-29 sync cord. Will
this combination work or is the SoftBox
III too large for the small
SB-400? Would you suggest going with one of the smaller softboxes instead?
Answer:
Actually, none of our softboxes were designed for that flash. They
might work OK but we have no actual experience with that combination,
so I can't recommend one over another.
Question:
Are your products compatible with Nikon SB-900 flash?
Answer:
Yes, except for a few specialty items, our accessories will work fine
on your SB-900.
Question:
I just received your snoot in the mail, which is supposed to be compatible
with the Nikon SB-600, according to your specs. I cannot for the life
of me attach it - it is way too large for my flash. I searched your
FAQs for this problem and found nothing. Too late for me, I did find
a review on the web that said your snoot has a poor interface with
the SB-600 and that person would not recommend it. Do you have any
suggestions for me other than returning it? I am quite disappointed
since your product was recommended by a respected photographer friend
who worked in a camera shop, but I know she is a Canon user, and probably
forgot about the difference in flash sizes. I live in a rural area
without any camera shops nearby, so am quite dependent on the internet
for my transactions. Maybe there's a way to rig it? I don't think using
your cinch strap would work, either, since there's at least 1/2 inch
of play all around - far too much to squeeze tight. About all I can
think of is cutting it, but don't know if the product would fray. Please
help!
Answer:
You are right...the Snoot was designed for standard flash heads some
time back and obviously Nikon has been gradually reducing the size
of their heads. We have redesigned the Snoot to fit the smaller heads
and that change will be reflected in the next generation. Now, with
regard to your situation, we want to make it as right as possible.
How about you cut the tabs on your snoot to make it work until the
new one is available, then we'll send you a new one at no charge? By
the way, Nikon's latest flash, the SB-900 is larger and works fine
with the Snoot...go figure!
Question:
I am getting into Macro photography and want to use one of
your soft box products. I shoot Nikon – and would probably use
one of my smaller SB600 flash units. Can you tell me which of your
SoftBox products you would suggest for me ? Also – so I then
need the “Cinch Strap”? (or how does the soft box attach
to my flash ?).
Answer:
I'd recommend either our Big Bounce or our Soft
Box lll. They come
with self adhesive VELCRO ® Brand...the non adhesive Cinch
Strap is available
separately.
Question:
I have a Nissin Speedlite Di481C that goes with my Canon G9, I wanted
to know if the lumiquest products are compatible. I was looking at
your SoftBox.
Answer:
Yes, our LumiQuest accessories will work fine on your Nissin Speedlite.
Question:
If I am taking photos in a restaurant and I have no assistant and have
to have flash on camera, what would be best LumiQuest device to use.
Answer:
If you have nearby ceilings and/or walls, I'd consider bouncing off
them...our 80-20 works great for this. If not consider our new SoftBox
lll. Regardless, slow your shutter speed down to expose for available
light...use rear curtain sync if your flash has that capability.
Question:
Can I use the ProMax system with a METZ 76 MZ-5 mecablitz digital flash
?
Answer:
Yes, the ProMax System will work with your Metz 76. In fact, the 76
is about the largest flash it will fit on.
February 2009
Question:
I have a Metz 45 CL and a Canon 20d. I am using my camera on manual and relying
on the auto TTL of the flash (Metz is very accurate). I would like to know what
you recommend as a light modifier for this because Metz has dual illumination. I
have the secondary flash below which I believe only puts out 10 percent as
a fill (which I love) so I am looking for a modifier for the big flash up
top. I usually shoot events, indoors or shooting models. What
do you recommend? Big Bounce?
Answer:
The Big Bounce would be a great choice...the larger the light source the softer
the shadows. You also might want to consider the Midi
Bouncer. You are right
about the fill flash on the 45...it was in part the inspiration for our 80-20.
Question:
I am a wedding photographer and will be buying an Olympus FL-50R. I am
interested in buying 2 items to complement this flash: a diffuser and Battereez. Could
you tell me which diffuser would be best for weddings?
Answer:
A number of our products work well for weddings. A great many wedding
photographers use our ProMax
System for its versatility. However, in mid February, we
will be releasing our new Quik
Bounce. It is specifically designed for Wedding/Event
Photographers and is for use with or without a ceiling to soften the light. It
enables the photographer to transition from horizontal to vertical format effortlessly
without having to adjust the Quik
Bounce on the flash. Its unique design
has doors that can be opened to allow 80% ceiling bounce while allowing 20% of
the lights to bounce off the remaining surface area to provide fill light. When
there is no ceiling to bounce the light (or the ceiling is too high or colored)
the doors would remain closed and 100% of the light would bounce off this surface
area. It also will soften shadows and reduce red eye.
Question:
I am wondering if the LumiQuest FXtra fits Canon
580 Flashes.
Answer:
Yes the new FXtra will work fine on your 580, it is sized to fit most
popular flashes, The FXtra includes an integrated storage pouch to hold the 8 included
Rosco gels and additional Rosco and Lee gel samples. In addition, any LumiQuest accessory can be attached while the FXtra is in place, allowing the photographer
to colorize the light while using a variety of light modifiers
Question:
In some German shops they write that the LQ-111
(FX) works like a SoftBox when not using the Color Gels. Is that correct or isn't it? If not,
is it possible to use LQ-121 and LQ-109 together? (to mount the LQ-109 over the LQ-121?)
Answer:
That was not it's intended purpose, however, since it is roughly 3
times the size of the flash head, it will produce softer light. But,
it won't be nearly as soft as our larger bounce and/or diffusion devices.
Question:
I took the plunge and decided to try the Soft
Screen on my Panasonic
Lumix DMC FZ28 as I know a few photographers who might have had it
if it didn't fit.
Well, it actually fits ok, despite that the camera does not have a
hotshoe. The tab slides in the gap underneath the flash, and also the
name plate on the front appears to be big enough to accommodate the
front fixing of the screen. In fact it felt quite secure despite being
nearly as wide as the camera itself, I could turn it on its side and
it didn't fall off.
The only thing I had to slightly modify was because the FZ is a lot
smaller than a DSLR the distance between the back of the flash and
the front was not large enough to make the screen bow out so it was
resting against the flash lens. Therefore I used the pieces of VELCRO ® Brand
to stick onto the back of the flash and the rear white part of the
screen to pull it forwards and make the front bow a little. It
seems to work well. I attach a couple of pictures taken of my set up.
Answer:
Thanks - I will keep this email to pass on to others and I really appreciate
your sending it to us.
Good shooting,
Quest C. Couch, III
PS. Our
contains questions and
answers since September, 1997.
