Stofen vs Fong (vs Milk Carton)

[mmcp42]

Has anyone got experience of these - and which would they recommend?

 

[whiteflyer]

I use a hong kong knock off Stofen and a sometimes a milk carton. The Milk carton is free so give it a try and see what you think.

 

[dazzajl]

I find the fong really impressive but I don't see how you could lose much by getting a cheap copy.

 

[kendo]

As far as I can tell, my cheap Hong Kong copy is no different from the Fong model.

 

[Wookie]

what's the best way of using a milkcarton as a diffuser then?

 

[mmcp42]

here's the result of some homework - comments most appreciated......

all at 1/200 f/4 Canon 580EX II

here's the setup:

here's "one I prepared earlier"

 

[andrewc]

remember to empty the milk first...

 

[CT]

I find Stofen diffusers pretty much a waste of time. They don't solve the basic problem, which is they don't enlarge the size of the light source which is what's really needed to kill hard flash shadows.

I have the Fong Lightsphere, and I think it's the best solution you're likely to find for a single flash on camera situation. Having said that, it's expensive, and I see no reason why some of the cheaper copies or home made versions shouldn't work as well. Les McLean posted a home made version a while back showing great results.

 

[mmcp42]

thanks CT - that's the sort of comparitive info I was looking for
off to search for Les' thread

... and here it is ...
Les Mclean 70p Softbox

 

[Wookie]

thanks mike, that's a really good demonstration

 

[mmcp42]

 

[Keltic Ice Man]

I have both the official fong and the hong kong cheapy.

There are both the same in terms of photo quality.

If I was buying again it would be the hong kong one.

PS - both are FAR better than the stofen

 

[mmcp42]

thanks Keltic person!