Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 580EX Flash

by Stofen

Product Details

• Item Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B0007DDK7A
• Item model number: 371714
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #3 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Lighting > Lighting Controls & Modifiers > Diffusers
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 18, 2006

Product Description

The Omni-Bounce creates a Diffused Bare Bulb Effect. Giving even coverage across the entire frame, with lenses from 15mm to 200mm in the 35mm format. (And equal in other formats as well.) The Omni-Bounce is easy to use and goes onto and off of your flash in seconds with custom fitting, except UNI, and No Velcro. Designed for years of service with out the bulk of some other Diffusers, it is small enough to fit easily into your gadget bag or pocket.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

145 of 151 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple yet effective, October 27, 2005

By 

L. T. Beasimer "www.LBphoto.net" (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 580EX Flash (Accessory)

This seemingly simple piece of molded plastic was recommended to me by a professional photographer. Basically it's the shape of an open box that slides firmly onto the flash. It is small and sturdy enough to stash in your camera bag without worrying about damage. When used the light disperses more evenly and is less harsh on the subject being photographed.

The white box is for general use. Also available are the green Omni-bounce for florescent lighting and the gold Omni-bounce for a warming effect.

PROS:
Inexpensive solution for better flash photography.
A quality product that works.

CONS:
None

76 of 80 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Diffused Light Is Usually More Flattering, May 10, 2006

By 

Brian Koch "Aspiring Photographer" (MI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 580EX Flash (Accessory)

I use this little gadget mainly for macro and portrait work. When you have it on the light emitting from the flash is diffused which gives you a more flattering less contrasty light to illuminate your subjects with. Unless you are going for a very shadowy, high-contrast, image this diffuser can save the day. It is very light weight and easy to pack in small places, so you should never have a good reason to leave it behind. Sometimes it is the simple things that make the biggest difference in a photo, and using this can defiantly make very noticeable differences.

143 of 158 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Works are advertised, November 29, 2005

By 

Sudoku Junkie (SF, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sto-Fen Omni-Bounce for the Canon 580EX Flash (Accessory)

...in that it diffuses the light energy of the flash in different directions, essentially turning the flash into a point light source. The light going off in different directions then bounces off nearby objects to fill in the shadow areas on the subject, making for a more pleasing softer look, especially on people.

Note of caution: because this device diffuses the light from the flash, it takes much more energy per flash. Using the Stofen will drain your battery much quicker (about 4X in my experience) and it takes the flash much longer to fully charge after each shot, say 8-10 seconds vs 2-3s. Always keep a spare set of flash batteries with you.

Another note...because it requires bouncing light of nearby objects to be effective, using this outdoors is not recommended. You're better off removing the omni-bounce and aiming the flash directly at the subject (and living with the harsh lighting).