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01-31-2016, 09:34 PM   #1
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Softbox or diffuser for Metz 52 AF-1

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I will be shooting an outdoor wedding in April for a friend who may not be able to fit a professional photographer into the budget. I'm reasonably well set for lenses, and will use my K3 with my son's K30 as backup (my K5 is overseas with my other son for 6 months). However, lighting is my main concern.

I have a Metz 52 AF-1, but being outdoors, I won't have walls or ceilings to bounce off. What sort of diffuser, reflector, or other attachment would be best to soften the light? I can place the flash on a tripod if necessary and use the on-camera flash to trigger it for some formal shots. But the Metz will be on-camera for the less formal opportunities I expect. I don't mind using the excuse to buy a little bit of kit for flash portraiture (within reason).

Would you use P-TTL or manual?

02-01-2016, 01:17 AM   #2
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I use since years this foldable softbox.
I use most time P-TTL with -2Ev set on camera.
If you want to use the flash in P-TTL mode, off-camera, you could use the Nissin universal shoe cord SC-01.
Or trigger the flash with the internal flash where you fix a little card 45° with tape to redirect the light to the ceiling...
02-01-2016, 03:07 AM   #3
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I use Metz 52 with Sto-fen Omni-Bounce OM-MZ80 but only indoors where walls or ceilings are reasonable close.
Outdoors or in very large rooms with flash on-camera it's not useful.
I'm using P-TTL (or P-TTL HSS) and switch to M when subject is farther away and flash power becomes too weak.
02-01-2016, 03:27 AM   #4
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Rogue Bender (biggest you can get) or folding/popup softbox.

02-01-2016, 05:03 AM   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by clackers Quote
Rogue Bender (biggest you can get) or folding/popup softbox.
Hmm, interesting. Thanks for the suggestion. The FlashBender 2 XL PRO looks very adaptable. I'll check it out. The foldable softbox also looks a convenient (and cheap) option.
02-01-2016, 07:24 AM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by clackers Quote
Rogue Bender (biggest you can get) or folding/popup softbox.
Ditto. Rogue also makes a softbox diffuser attachement for the Flash Bender. I have it for Version1 and it works well. Just remember it has to be in close cause it's not very big.
02-01-2016, 07:54 AM   #7
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I made this one and really liked it:
DIY Reflector-Diffuser
It's inexpensive and very effective for head shots with flash. The article explains the reasoning behind its shape. I'm craft-impaired and mine still turned out well in under an hour.

02-01-2016, 10:39 AM   #8
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For on-camera use this is a good choice:

http://neilvn.com/tangents/about/black-foamie-thing/
02-01-2016, 12:29 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by MPrince Quote
For on-camera use this is a good choice:

http://neilvn.com/tangents/about/black-foamie-thing/
It's an *outdoor* wedding, MPrince. ☺
02-01-2016, 07:24 PM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by clackers Quote
It's an *outdoor* wedding, MPrince. ☺
Thanks, missed that.
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