[Dave]

OK, so I've noted some members on Pixalo have recommended the Gary Fong diffuser, but which one would people suggest is best for wedding photography, specifically with the Nikon SB-800 flash unit ??

[Hacker]

The Cloud, that's the one I use and wouldn't swap it, great bit of kit and like you I use it on the SB800. I'm thinking of getting the Chrome Dome to go on top of it to throw a bit more light forward and increase the re-cycle times. Oh, and make sure you've plenty of power, it eats batteries!

This was taken a couple of weeks ago using one flash on the camera and the GF Lightsphere.

[Dave]

CHeers Colin ....very impressive result !!! What price did you manage to get yours for, if you don't mind me asking ?

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Hacker

. Oh, and make sure you've plenty of power, it eats batteries!

Do you use the SD-8A High Performance Battery Pack ?

[Hacker]

I think it was about £50 although I believe Kerso does them for about £40. If the SD-8a is the thing that replaces the battery door with a fifth AA battery in it then yes I do. It does make a difference.

[Matt Charlton]

I've got the Fong II cloudy and will be trying it out at a wedding tomorrow.

Did you use it with the round cap in place for that shot Colin?

[Hacker]

Through trial and error I keep the cap/dome on all the time now, quite often you're moving around at weddings and it is a pain to keep taking it on and off. With the dome on it also throws a bit more light forward which helps, two things to note though (again through personal experience) is that you will need a relatively wide aperture and remember to dial in about 1.5-2 +EV.

It is also very good for fill flash if your subjects are outdoors in the shade. I know you've seen this before but it did an admirable job with this grab shot...



If I was going down the studio light set again I would seriously consider using more SB800s and Lightspheres and/or umbrellas because of the versatility of the Nikon Creative Lighting System, wireless iTTL and portability. Everyone I know who has the Lightsphere has been very pleased with it and mine is now always in my bag.

[VikingPhotography]

Originally Posted by Hacker

If the SD-8a is the thing that replaces the battery door with a fifth AA battery in it then yes I do. It does make a difference.

The SD-8A is an external battery pack that replaces the need for the add-on 5th battery chamber for the SB-800; I picked up one a few weeks ago and now wouldn't dream of leaving for an assignment without it

http://www.pixalo.com/reviews/showpr...hp/product/293

It beats the 5th battery into a cocked hat as far as recycle times go, and you'll readily get up to 250 or more full power flashes from your SB-800 with one connected