Good fun Dustin and informative well. I liked the idea of the comparison shots. In a perfect world I would have liked to see them all up at once and hear your thoughts on the effectiveness of each. Who knows, yet another opportunity to get our your light-saber garden hose :-) I've been using mine a bit and find that setting my flash to a manual zoom setting of 50% helps using it in soft box mode. Thanks so much
Thank you Dustin for this review. I have the Lite-Scoop and it very limited as to what you can do to it with out braking it. It's still with in 30 day and I'm returning it to B&H for the flashbender kit and just pay the difference. I think that I'll be a more happier with the diversity of many shapes it can be formed to and the ability to use it as a softbox is great to add. But I do plan on getting 2 more Yongnuo flash which will allow me to use all three if needed. Thanks a lot for making my decision much easier.
+Victor Vazquez I am glad that i could help with your decision! These are definitely not fragile! I have been beating mine up for a couple years now and they are still going strong! They have a few more diffusers out now that i would love to try as well!
Nice review, how would you feel about using as a first all-round flash modifier (including for portraits) compared to say an umbrella or a softbox? I do feel like this would offer more stability when mounted on a light stand, but how about light quality?
Honestly if I had an umbrella or softbox I would use that. Larger light sources produce a softer light. But if you are on location where you need to be constantly on the run, I think that the flash bender does a nice job. It would probably also be more forgiving if it was on a stand on a windy day!
can you do a video on the way you would use the flash bender like in what situation would you bend the flash bender on the corner or the top like 90 degrees to make it form a hockey stick L shape. and will you point the flash mostly straight up with the flash bender especially once you add the soft panel or would you angle it like 60-75 degrees range?
Judging from the right-side shadows on the back wall in the images you privided as the examples, the flash wasn't mounted on your camera when you were taking those images... Am I right?
Great review. One of the things that was missing was perhaps to show how i can be used in portrait mode. Also, with the diffusion panel it does get a little clumsy putting it on - is the difference (with the panel) that significant?
Hello Alexis, One advantage of the Sony system is that the flashes not only tip forwards and backwards but twist side to side as well. That puts the Flashbender in a perfect position when shooting portraits. The difference with the diffusion panel is not extremely noticeable in my experience. Maybe a tiny bit softer at most.
i used it to shoot portrait with a white back drop and it always created a slight shadow on the right side of the subject entire arm down to the legs....turned the flash power down or even changed the aperture no luck so it must be the way i am angling the flash bender is that correct??? the ceiling is about 10 feet high and it is white and some part is silver....
What do you think about the cheap version from Mcoplus? Is almost the same size and the diffusor is already included. Could you compare them? And another question: Is the LightBender useful for Macros (Insects in nature and mounted indoors)?
I will check out the Mcoplus and get back to you. I think that the flash bender would be nice for macro and would probably give you nice even light. Id love to see your results!
First off, I am liking both products, however, with the Rogue how do you should with it on camera in portrait mode, something that the Fong Sphere can do?
Mike Manfredo Hey Mike! Luckily with the way sony flashes pivot it isn't any problem for me at all. I can see how it would be kind of tricky with other manufacturers though!
Keep up the good work ok... I've been taking pictures semi professionally for approximately 50yrs..i love love your enthusiasm and passion... Your analysis was succinct thorough and accurate...Thank you
Hello shaolin95 It is always nice to have an extra surface to bounce off of but it is not necessary with the flash bender. I have used mine at many outdoor events and it has always done a great job!
If Rouge would send me one I would totally blend it! I already called them to see if they thought it would be ok to run over with the bike! I think they thought I was a little bit nuts! I haven't had the chance to try the extra large. But considering the difference in performance from the small to the large, I think I might need to pick one up!
I've purchased a flash bender recently and everything's good, the only problem i faced so far while shooting, is the flash bender being too heavy. While positioning the flash(Canon 600EX-RT) at a "non-locked" position, it causes it drop all the way down. I wonder if anyone could give me suggestions as to how i can prevent this from happening if i don't want to fully extend my flash.
Hello SeTaGification Which Flash bender are you using. Depending on the size, there can be a little bit of leverage on your flash. let me do some experimenting and i will get back to you!
I purchased the large Flash bender with the soft box kit and although i'm only using the large reflector, I can't position my flashes at any other angles other than the extreme ends.
+SeTaGification I have the same issue with my SB700. The flash bender is way too heavy for it, especially when moving around. Can only be used in 180 degree or 90 degree position of the flash head.Sad because the quality and idea is really good. Too bad reality kicks in.
That is a challenge! Especially if it is an older flash it will tend to fall over. But I bet that would probably happen with any flash modifier on the market.
It all depends on the look that you are going for. Larger modifiers have a softer quality of light. the smaller size is more manageable. It is kind of a trade-off :)
On my Sony flashes the entire flash head pivots 180 degrees. That puts the flash in a quite similar location. I use a flash bracket a lot of the time as well. the bracket will rotate the flash around when switching the camera from horizontal to vertical
Hopefully, by now, 4 years later, you got a proper answer for this. All you have to do is instead of mounting the Flashbender on the broad side of your flash, you mount it on the narrow side. That way when you put your camera in portrait orientation (vertically), you'll now be able to keep the Flashbender above the level of the lens (this goes for pretty much all bounce cards. No bulky bracket required). I have no idea why ExpoImaging never advertises that as a very logical way of using the Flashbender on camera because for run and gun photography, mounting it on the broad side just makes no sense as if you’re someone who shoots vertically for 1/2 body shots or whatever, your flash ends up way off to the side and too low. The only two people I've seen showing RUclipsrs how to mount bounce cards et al the more logical and convenient way on camera was Peter Gregg when he had his A Better Bounce Card products and another guy whose name escapes me at the moment. That way makes *the* most sense if you don't just shoot in Landscape orientation (horizontally) but vertical often as well. I love my Flashbender but hate seeing people mount it on the broad side with no advice from the company that actually makes them (ExpoImaging) to mount it on the narrow side when using it on camera *smh* I've shown many people this configuration and it's changed their enjoyment of on camera flash for the better. For on camera flash, the narrow side trumps the broad side every time. It's been working for me for years.
I think it depends on the type of light you are looking for. If you are looking to flood the room, the Fong might be what you are looking for. I know Fong makes an attachment that acts as a bounce but I haven't tried it yet. The Flashbender seems a lot more directional to me.
i couldnt afford to buy the flash bender for the $215 price so i went out bought the materials and got a very excellent taylor to construct it for me under the supervision of myself.... i did a lil HOW TO vid and also call it a different name *FLEXI-LIFUSSER* which stands for Flexible Light Diffuser and it acts as a bounce card to.. tested it out and trust me it works all for just $80 and i am going to get 2more from the materials that i had bought. check the video out and will upload pics of the item itself as well as some before and after pics ruclips.net/video/ohDh9mLeNAo/видео.html
Good fun Dustin and informative well. I liked the idea of the comparison shots. In a perfect world I would have liked to see them all up at once and hear your thoughts on the effectiveness of each. Who knows, yet another opportunity to get our your light-saber garden hose :-)
I've been using mine a bit and find that setting my flash to a manual zoom setting of 50% helps using it in soft box mode.
Thanks so much
love the XL in the stripbox configuration...great as a light source when doing boudoir or shoots in small spaces
Thanks for the review! I'd like to see a demo using the Flashbender outdoors.
Thank you Dustin for this review. I have the Lite-Scoop and it very limited as to what you can do to it with out braking it. It's still with in 30 day and I'm returning it to B&H for the flashbender kit and just pay the difference. I think that I'll be a more happier with the diversity of many shapes it can be formed to and the ability to use it as a softbox is great to add. But I do plan on getting 2 more Yongnuo flash which will allow me to use all three if needed. Thanks a lot for making my decision much easier.
+Victor Vazquez I am glad that i could help with your decision! These are definitely not fragile! I have been beating mine up for a couple years now and they are still going strong! They have a few more diffusers out now that i would love to try as well!
Recently picked up The master lighting kit. I love it....
Nice review, how would you feel about using as a first all-round flash modifier (including for portraits) compared to say an umbrella or a softbox? I do feel like this would offer more stability when mounted on a light stand, but how about light quality?
Honestly if I had an umbrella or softbox I would use that. Larger light sources produce a softer light. But if you are on location where you need to be constantly on the run, I think that the flash bender does a nice job. It would probably also be more forgiving if it was on a stand on a windy day!
nice review. i have the whole kit and yes i totally agree with you. they are amazing. thx for your time.
Thanks. Useful information.
can you do a video on the way you would use the flash bender like in what situation would you bend the flash bender on the corner or the top like 90 degrees to make it form a hockey stick L shape. and will you point the flash mostly straight up with the flash bender especially once you add the soft panel or would you angle it like 60-75 degrees range?
Judging from the right-side shadows on the back wall in the images you privided as the examples, the flash wasn't mounted on your camera when you were taking those images... Am I right?
You are correct Greg. The flash was about 2 feet to the left of the camera.
Good to know..... that does make a difference.
Great review.
One of the things that was missing was perhaps to show how i can be used in portrait mode. Also, with the diffusion panel it does get a little clumsy putting it on - is the difference (with the panel) that significant?
Hello Alexis,
One advantage of the Sony system is that the flashes not only tip forwards and backwards but twist side to side as well. That puts the Flashbender in a perfect position when shooting portraits. The difference with the diffusion panel is not extremely noticeable in my experience. Maybe a tiny bit softer at most.
i used it to shoot portrait with a white back drop and it always created a slight shadow on the right side of the subject entire arm down to the legs....turned the flash power down or even changed the aperture no luck so it must be the way i am angling the flash bender is that correct??? the ceiling is about 10 feet high and it is white and some part is silver....
What do you think about the cheap version from Mcoplus? Is almost the same size and the diffusor is already included. Could you compare them? And another question: Is the LightBender useful for Macros (Insects in nature and mounted indoors)?
I will check out the Mcoplus and get back to you. I think that the flash bender would be nice for macro and would probably give you nice even light. Id love to see your results!
First off, I am liking both products, however, with the Rogue how do you should with it on camera in portrait mode, something that the Fong Sphere can do?
Mike Manfredo Hey Mike! Luckily with the way sony flashes pivot it isn't any problem for me at all. I can see how it would be kind of tricky with other manufacturers though!
fantastic analysis and review..
i highly commend you..
very well explained!
Thank you very much Alexander!
Keep up the good work ok...
I've been taking pictures semi professionally for approximately 50yrs..i love love your enthusiasm and passion...
Your analysis was succinct thorough and accurate...Thank you
Flashbender is great for landscape orientation pictures but how is it for portrait orientation shots. No one on RUclips will demo this.
Nice stuff what is this camera bag though
I love your t-shirt
believe it or not, my girlfriend made it for me! :)
So to clarify, do you need to be able to bounce on the ceiling plus the bender to use this or does it work even outside fine?
Hello shaolin95 It is always nice to have an extra surface to bounce off of but it is not necessary with the flash bender. I have used mine at many outdoor events and it has always done a great job!
TheShutterSchool Excellent, thank you!
but will it blend?
best review on rogue flash bender.
how much of a difference does the xl version make vs the large rogue flash bender?
If Rouge would send me one I would totally blend it! I already called them to see if they thought it would be ok to run over with the bike! I think they thought I was a little bit nuts! I haven't had the chance to try the extra large. But considering the difference in performance from the small to the large, I think I might need to pick one up!
Great review! 🤗
I've purchased a flash bender recently and everything's good, the only problem i faced so far while shooting, is the flash bender being too heavy. While positioning the flash(Canon 600EX-RT) at a "non-locked" position, it causes it drop all the way down. I wonder if anyone could give me suggestions as to how i can prevent this from happening if i don't want to fully extend my flash.
Hello SeTaGification
Which Flash bender are you using. Depending on the size, there can be a little bit of leverage on your flash. let me do some experimenting and i will get back to you!
I purchased the large Flash bender with the soft box kit and although i'm only using the large reflector, I can't position my flashes at any other angles other than the extreme ends.
+SeTaGification I have the same issue with my SB700. The flash bender is way too heavy for it, especially when moving around. Can only be used in 180 degree or 90 degree position of the flash head.Sad because the quality and idea is really good. Too bad reality kicks in.
That is a challenge! Especially if it is an older flash it will tend to fall over. But I bet that would probably happen with any flash modifier on the market.
Any thoughts on large vs small?
It all depends on the look that you are going for. Larger modifiers have a softer quality of light. the smaller size is more manageable. It is kind of a trade-off :)
I want that T-Shirt! Thanks cool stuff!
Thanks man! Vy actually made it for me! :)
He's talking about HER shirt
Alright! A fellow Sony shooter. Nice.
How do you use the Flashbender for vertical shots?
On my Sony flashes the entire flash head pivots 180 degrees. That puts the flash in a quite similar location. I use a flash bracket a lot of the time as well. the bracket will rotate the flash around when switching the camera from horizontal to vertical
Hopefully, by now, 4 years later, you got a proper answer for this. All you have to do is instead of mounting the Flashbender on the broad side of your flash, you mount it on the narrow side. That way when you put your camera in portrait orientation (vertically), you'll now be able to keep the Flashbender above the level of the lens (this goes for pretty much all bounce cards. No bulky bracket required). I have no idea why ExpoImaging never advertises that as a very logical way of using the Flashbender on camera because for run and gun photography, mounting it on the broad side just makes no sense as if you’re someone who shoots vertically for 1/2 body shots or whatever, your flash ends up way off to the side and too low.
The only two people I've seen showing RUclipsrs how to mount bounce cards et al the more logical and convenient way on camera was Peter Gregg when he had his A Better Bounce Card products and another guy whose name escapes me at the moment. That way makes *the* most sense if you don't just shoot in Landscape orientation (horizontally) but vertical often as well. I love my Flashbender but hate seeing people mount it on the broad side with no advice from the company that actually makes them (ExpoImaging) to mount it on the narrow side when using it on camera *smh* I've shown many people this configuration and it's changed their enjoyment of on camera flash for the better. For on camera flash, the narrow side trumps the broad side every time. It's been working for me for years.
Flash Bender vs Gary Fong Lightsphere on Light Quality ?
I think it depends on the type of light you are looking for. If you are looking to flood the room, the Fong might be what you are looking for. I know Fong makes an attachment that acts as a bounce but I haven't tried it yet. The Flashbender seems a lot more directional to me.
I wish I watched this before I bought the lightsphere.
Gorgeous girlfriend, I want to see more of her!
did u come up with tiki tom that second? was funny.
+Troy Amhaz Yea it was definitely a flying by the seat of my pants kind of moment :)
i couldnt afford to buy the flash bender for the $215 price so i went out bought the materials and got a very excellent taylor to construct it for me under the supervision of myself.... i did a lil HOW TO vid and also call it a different name *FLEXI-LIFUSSER* which stands for Flexible Light Diffuser and it acts as a bounce card to.. tested it out and trust me it works all for just $80 and i am going to get 2more from the materials that i had bought.
check the video out and will upload pics of the item itself as well as some before and after pics
ruclips.net/video/ohDh9mLeNAo/видео.html