Gary Fong Lightsphere Universal System Cloud

2020-02-07T07:46:43

This is perfect for all sorts of sessions. I’ve used it at weddings and love it. It gives a nice diffused light without leaving harsh shadows. I highly recommend!!

MICHELLE G.

2020-01-27T08:42:35

Love how easy it is to use, and how sturdy it seems to be!

MATTHEW B.

2019-10-03T11:33:57

Another reviewer referred to trouble with the SB-900 speedlight. I'm using an SB-910, which I think is the same form factor. The Lightsphere is "Universal", which, in this case, means it is usable with the SB-910. It's clearly not made specifically for it (but I knew this going in.) The rubber band attaches to the flash head. The Lightsphere tabs on the bottom go over the rubber band. The velcro strap tightens it all down (Lightsphere material is flexible enough for this). So, it fits. I found that small taps or bumps would cause it to slip a little, so I just have to be careful not to touch it once it's on. 2 times in a 3 hour shoot I had to basically remove everything (including the rubber band) and start over with attaching it. I recommend following the exposure setting suggestions that come on the card with the Lightsphere. Deviating from that too much will not give "improved" results. The SB-910 is a reasonably-powered flash, but it works hard. This is no surprise. More light is simply needed to light the scene. Light is going in all directions (which might be desirable), but it reduces the number of shots in quick succession that you can do. Shooting an event, I found myself waiting for the flash to recycle after 4-6 shots within 15 seconds (estimate). That's not a fault of the Lightsphere, but something to keep in mind. With the flash pointed up and the Lightsphere on top, your camera becomes very conspicuous. I got several questions like "what is that?" That can be annoying, but once the few curious people hear the explanation, everybody seems used to it. The results: very pleased. No harsh shadows. It delivers nice, soft, diffused light. I'll be using it often (when appropriate). The results are 5 stars, but the "universal fit" is more like a 3, so I'm going with 4 stars on this.

Patrick D.

2019-06-21T11:39:37

Product arrived on time and looks as advertised. Haven’t had a chance to try it yet.

CELIA W.

2019-06-14T08:47:16

I was skeptical .i haven't tried so many on camera flash modifiers. This is the first tine i have actually been amazed at quality of the light coming out of a device that fit on my falsh . it stays puts too but is still easily removed. Qulity of the pics i m getting much brighter and Sharp.

H 1.

2019-02-24T08:55:52

I borrowed my friend's Fong modifier a few years ago in order to try it out before I bought it. So glad I did. The method for attaching it leaves it very unstable and it easily falls off. I resorted to gaffer tape to keep it in place. Then I found the MagMod system of flash modifiers. WAY better. This thing is junk.

Patricia M.

2019-02-18T12:34:34

Does a great job taming the harsh flash. Much softer light makes a big difference.

Randall G.

2018-07-20T15:14:32

I purchased this at the recommendation of a friend and I've only just played around at home with it- but so far, I love how it has been working. I'm shooting an event that I shot last year and while I had my flash then, we still had to deal with harsh lighting and quickly eroding ambient light (it is an outdoor event). I also got the colored dome kit because it was helpfully recommended to add and I'm glad I did. In the Fall, I have an indoor/outdoor event to shoot and I can't wait to see how well it works indoors (at Stronghold Castle in Oregon, IL. I'm a renaissance faire photographer). I can't wait till next week to see how well it works at the event (I'm one of the photographers at the Bristol Renaissance Faire and last year, Steam Powered Giraffe did a show there and while we had decent, late-day sunlight, the fan meet-and-greet went till 1130 PM). Anyway, highly recommended. So far, so good. I plan on using this A LOT!

PATTY S.

2018-03-31T21:22:47

Does a great job of getting lighting just right. Wished I had purchased it SOONER!

LYNN A.

2017-08-02T12:48:08

Go get this right now!!

Renato S.

2017-07-07T14:07:56

Best diffuser I ever used. All but eliminates shadows of objects photographed. I have two and pan on another.

Leon A.

2017-06-29T17:03:01

you have to use Iso 800 for group photos

hon W.

2016-11-18T07:55:25

Group shots are no more an issue and I would highly recommend this product! Gary Fong is the man!

Vince T.

2016-11-16T10:37:38

Quick attachment to improve tough lighting scenarios

Eric S.

2016-09-05T15:19:18

Performed very well.

Robert S.

2016-02-28T08:48:00

I purchased this Lightsphere Universal product a few years ago and it was an instant hit. It lived-up to its expectations. I just love shooting with it and all my photos come out as expected. When I am out and about people ask me all the time," What is that," and all I have do is show them my photos and it blows them away. My pictures do all the talking. I just love it !!! By Louielove

LUIS R.

2015-03-30T21:00:00

Very helpful in eliminating harsh shadows accompanying many situations both indoors & out when using on-camera accessory Flash attachments.

ROBERT H.

2014-07-17T21:00:00

This "universal cloud" is almost too big for the Panasonic flash the folks at Adorama told me it would fit. Oh, it fits, it's just so darn BIG you really have to pull tight on the strap to close the "mount mouth" so there is friction between the dome and the flash. That's all that holds the Fong Lightsphere like this on your flash head, friction! This is a perfect fit for a bigger Nikon SB-900 or maybe even the SB-910 flash. I haven't tried to mount it on Canon gear, don't own any. I would have given it a 5 Star except it's too big for the Panny flash.

Alan K.

2014-04-28T21:00:00

Lightsphere Universal works very for shooting portraits on location up close. Gives very soft light. No hotspots like some other diffusers. Love that it will accommodate large speedlites like the SB900 or SB910. Velcro strap will hold it on the flash with a firm grip but I wouldn't try dangling my camera while holding the Lightsphere like Gary Fong demonstrates in his video. Only he could chance that and afford to replace it if the velcro strap happened to be a little less secure from not cinching it down enough. At least I know it won't fall off while shooting an event or portraits. Yes it's bulky but ten years from now it will still be useable due to its strong construction. Unlike some light modifiers that almost look disposable.

DAN R.

2013-03-25T21:00:00

This is great for event photography, especially with larger crowds. It's not easy to pack in smaller camera bags, but that is not a problem for most and shouldn't deter you from using this product. Take this to your next concert or dance club for great shots of the crowd.

JESSE S.

2013-02-04T19:00:00

The most useful side of this product is for taking close range photographs, which help diffuse the light and prevents the hard light on clients faces. the removable top of the lightsphere help in situations where the ceiling is tall and doesn't allow the light to bounce off. Just be very careful with the top to snap in really well every time you use, as it has been my experience that when you are in the quick action you may not adjust it well and fall. Product with out the removable top is worthless.

OCTAVIO W.

2013-01-16T19:00:00

I am happy with this purchase

faust

2013-01-07T19:00:00

Provides a very soft, even light. Not what I would use for portraiture but for general interest people photos or small groups it is a functional alternative to "raw" flash. A little bulky when attached to the camera, takes up a fair amount of space in the camera bag and people give you some questioning looks when you're using it. Small price to pay for the end result.

ANTHONY R.

2013-01-06T19:00:00

Love this product. I do a lot of portrait, engagement and lifestyle photography and this has completely changed the outcome of my photos. It's a great fill flash that evens out harsh shadows beautifully. Has been a big help. Unfortunately you look a little silly with this huge thing that looks like a plastic cup on top of your flash, however it is much sturdier than a plastic cup and much more useful too!

Betsy

2012-08-19T21:00:00

As a photo-journalist and related work, my business is shooting people. Shooting with a powerful flash sometimes means harsh shadows and other undesirable results. The Gary Fong Lightsphere is studio quality lighting on the fly. I've been a shooter for more than twenty years and not easily impressed, but this has become my "go to" system when I want the best results from flash photography. I keep it with me at all times.

Shooter

2012-06-24T21:00:00

I just purchased it and used it for all of the wedding photos I took at my nieces wedding,, the pictures were flawless It does exactly what it should, not blasting the peoples faces It gives a natural lighting illuminating the area as it says it does While allowing the natural lighting of the room to not be altered I love it I just wish the universal mount came in the collapsable version for easier storage.

Robin

2012-05-06T21:00:00

Iv'e tried rigging up homemade diffusers which just ended up being a waist of time plus doesn't at all look professional on paid shoots. This Gary Fong diffuser is the real deal.! Built tough, gives a nice even light cast and is light as hell (you don't even know it's on your camera). Stop trying to make your homemade stuff and buy the real thing, you'll thank yourself later.

ERIC G.

2012-02-19T19:00:00

The Lightsphere does a pretty good job of helping my indoor flash pictures look more natural and not so flashy. The downsides are that it is ridiculously expensive for no more than it is and the fact that it's a bit difficult to attach. Nevertheless, I'm glad I bought it, as it does help, and I'm sure I will get even better results with continued practice.

JOANN H.

2012-02-15T19:00:00

For the amount of money I spent, I'm not impressed. I'd say buy something less bulky, more reliable, or create your own. I felt I wasted my money on this purchase. I bought this hoping to diffuse light when shooting indoors, mainly when shooting children. The item is OK, but honestly it's too expensive, doesn't fit my speedlite well (I have to use my gel filter band to secure it) and I always end up with pinwheels in the eyes.

JennaBenna

2012-01-22T19:00:00

Didn't see much of a difference between my small cap diffuser and this one?

ALL P.