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Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units image
 
(based on 5 ratings)
Brand: Gary Fong
Located in: Flash/Lighting
Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units
Review Snapshot®
Avg. Customer Rating:
 
3 stars
(based on 5 reviews)
60% of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Customers most agreed on the following attributes:

Pros:
Lightweight(3)

[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Although it works, NOT worth the money
By ZungsterVerified Reviewer from Fremont, CA on 4/28/2009
Pros:
Easy To Use
Cons:
Cheap material, Expensive
Best Uses:
General Use
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Gary Fong Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units:

When I first started out in photography, I saw this on a friend's camera and it seemed to work wonders. I was sold. With little or no research, and dreams of creating awesome images, I purchased one. Don't get me wrong, it works. But so does a $5 piece of plastic, or a bed sheet, or a regular dome diffuser.A few years later, I know what I'm doing now, and I would totally not recommend this to anybody. It's overpriced opaque plastic. Gary Fong is a master marketer and successful and probably has boat loads of cash now. Good for him. But for us, I 100% whole heartedly think that we can be wiser with our hard earned cash. Look on [...] for the exact same items that work in the exact same way for fractions of the price. Seriously, if you got one, look at the quality of the material and imagine how much it actually costs per piece to crank these out in a factory somewhere.I'm passionate enough about not buying this product that I would write a review about this 2 years later.Sorry but I have to voice my honest critique. The only good thing I can say is that it works... but I can get the same results with a 90% to 95% savings.Oh yeah and mine started falling apart 1 month into using it.

 
Love Gary Fong
By Beth at the airportVerified Purchaser from Pittsburgh PA on 1/14/2009
Pros:
Consistent Output, Durable, Lightweight
Best Uses:
General Use, Wedding/Event Photography
Describe Yourself:
Semi-Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Gary Fong Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units:

I love Gary Fong products. His webiste is my new favorite. He explains uses of his product perfectly. He is great. I love the puffer too.

[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]

 
SHOULD'A COULD'A DARN THESE FLAPS
By Mark my wordsVerified Reviewer from DC on 6/19/2008
Pros:
Draws a crowd, Durable, Eager helpers find flaps
Cons:
BIG, FUSSY, Light okay, LOSE FLAPS
Best Uses:
ECHO CHAMBER, Flash photos, Getting noticed
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
No, I would not recommend this to a friend

Comments about Gary Fong Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units:

I'm trying this "WhaleTail' after losing my LightSphere (also by Fong). The Sphere fell off very easily and looked kind of dumb but it worked better than this WhaleTail because the Sphere was so simple. Here are the main problems with the 'Tail' and there are about four main ones. 1. the flaps can fall off so there you are scrambling about trying to find lost flaps instead of shooting (that's why they sell replacements at [$] a set). The light is okay but the 'stylized' design is what this is about, more than being a good dome. Form over function as they say. 2. The flaps also make getting that "omni/beauty" light longer to achieve and can slow you down but you still need a good ceiling. It's too fussy basically. The flaps pinging off is the biggest problem. 3. flaps on mine have become loose over time and won't stay in position for long. Do NOT do the strength test as seen on the video. The supplied elastic band WILL slide off and you camera will hit the floor. However, under normal use this unit won't come off the flash head. I have resorted to gaffer taping the flaps which helps keep them in position and on the unit.4. it's BIG (reporter even) and doesn't fit it into your already stuffed camera bag ( I could collapse the Sphere). I have left this 'Tail' at the office many times by mistake just because it does not fit in anything. Not much you can do about that.I can't say I get terrifically consistency results with this or the light it all that sweet. It's not slip it on and forget it like the Sphere. The sphere was cheaper and better if you want ease of use. I'd say skip the "Tail" and buy a Sphere and a ream of 8.5 x 11" white paper for diffusers both of which work better. It should come with more than one elastic band. I do not recommend this 'WhaleTail" whole heartedly but like a dying patient we'll try anything once - right? Gear used with this 1D-Mk3, 1Ds-Mk3, 580EX II

 
Voila!
By DJ-B-Rad from St. Louis on 9/27/2007
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, Lighting, Night Photography, Photography, Photojournalism
Pros:
Convenient Interface, Lightweight, Reliable, Softens Light, Strong Construction
Describe Yourself:
Professional
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Gary Fong Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units:

This is the one we've all waited for! If you have one of these and don't like it, that is only because you have not discovered the hundreds of uses this masterpiece holds within. Seriously though, this so much more than a diffuser, my word fot it would be a light sculpter! Excellent Product!

[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]

 
Excellent light diffusion!
By Daniel Sone from Miami, FL on 5/21/2007
Best Uses:
Fill Flash, Portraits
Pros:
Lightweight, Softens Light, Strong Construction
Describe Yourself:
Hobbyist/Enthusiast, Photojournalist
Bottom Line:
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

Comments about Gary Fong Gary Fong WhaleTail Reporter Flash Diffuser - One Size fits Most Units:

This diffuses the light really well and is even effective for group shots. The light is evenly diffused, even close up, including macro. Eliminates hard shadows, vignetting, and I have yet to get red-eye.

It is great for weddings, portraits, group shots, backlit subjects, dark environments, fashion, and macro.

The velcro strap holds the unit very firmly. Normal bumps and dings don't budge it and the strap does not gradually come loose.

It fits 430EX and even the 580EX flashes alike. So, although your flash might change, you can use the same diffuser.

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