BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Photographic Field Techniques

Photography Question 

moore White
 

Flash - Diffuser


I have a Canon Digital Rebel with a 420 EX flash. Using a diffuser, I find I have to open up at least two stops and use an ISO of at least 200. Is this normal? Thanks for your insight.


To love this question, log in above
July 12, 2007

 

robert G. Fately
  Yes, Moore, this is to be expected, since the diffuser, by design, is spreading the light output of the flash tube to a greater degree. The tube produces a certain amount of light; if you diffuse, or spread, that light out, then it's like "diluting" the strength. You must compensate for this by opening the lens, etc.


To love this comment, log in above
July 12, 2007

 

John H. Siskin
  Hi Moore,
Anytime you bounce your strobe off a wall, ceiling or umbrella you lose light. And you spread the light you have over a larger area. If you spread your light through a diffuser, you lose light. This is why more powerful light sources are so useful: you can get a lot of light and it will be diffused. Thanks, John Siskin


To love this comment, log in above
July 12, 2007

 

Thomas Ehlers
 
 
  Wedding day
Wedding day
I used a strob above camera and controlled it with aperture. the background or ambient light was controlled by speed.

Thomas Ehlers

 
 
ambient light is controlled by speed, strobes are controlled by aperture.


To love this comment, log in above
July 17, 2007

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread