Opteka Inflatable Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units

by Opteka

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 4.3 x 5.9 inches ; 1.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001GRU1AA
• Item model number: OPT-INFLATE-DIFF
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 26, 2008

Product Description

A dramatic, eye catching photo can mean dramatic profits. Getting a well exposed photo is extremely important. Photographers often turn to a flash to help light the scene. The problem is that flash can cause harsh reflections or glare spots or create deep shadows that distract viewers. This little, portable, unique inflatable universal external flash diffuser will prevent those problems when using a flash. Simply put the unit over the camera's flash, point and shoot. The light will be softened and your photos will be well exposed, without the harsh glare spots. Deflates in seconds and can be stored in your pocket.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Works pretty well for a cheap piece of inflatable plastic...., August 4, 2009

By 

Topher (lv, nv) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka Inflatable Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units (Electronics)

PROS
====
1. Inexpensive
2. Does what is expected
3. Compact for storage

CONS
====
1. Woah, talk about CHEAP! I mean, I'm almost ashamed to use this thing...the build quality is worse than anything I've seen
2. I can see the draw string that cinches this over the flash just RIP off the plastic after 30 uses.
3. I've never felt like such a dufus as when I pull this out.
4. Being that it's universal, it doesn't fit my 580ex II very snug. (i keep thinking it will fall off...but it never has)

Conclusion
==========
Hmmm, I guess it depends on what your requirements are. It works better (in some cases) than the standard plastic difuser you can purchase for most flashes. It's so cheap looking and being that you blow it up...it's not a confidence builder by any means.

Q&A
===
1. Would I use this professionally? Maybe as a last resort.
2. Would I use this frequently for personal use? Nope, the plastic difuser works well enough most of the time.
3. If I could start over, would I buy this again? That's tough, I probably would...for two reasons - A. It's so inexpensive / B. It's extremely portable (as a photographer, you want to keep all your options open.)

In short, if you have an extra $15 lying around and want to keep your portable lighting options open...it's not a bad idea to have this in your bag. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me...??

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars looks odd, works great, April 9, 2009

By 

Eugene Bogorad (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Opteka Inflatable Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units (Electronics)

You do look like a moron while inflating this thing. But then you get a BIG diffuser that took no space in your bag. As lawyers say, 5 minutes of disgrace is worth it ;)

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars works well, December 8, 2008

By 

S.D. Rogers (Ga.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Opteka Inflatable Universal Studio Soft Box Flash Diffuser for Canon EOS, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax, Sony, Sigma, & Other External Flash Units (Electronics)

This device works well on close up portraits I encounter on the job. The problem is you look like a fool blowing up this odd looking thing prior to taking your shot. If you can get past this, you can make this goofy thing work well for you.