If you use on-camera flash, the Kobra Flash Modifier is the slickest diffuser we’ve seen yet. It’s a two piece modifier — a clear, flexible silicone diffuser, which snaps secure into the “Kobra Band”, a black silicone band that hugs your flash head tightly. It looks elegant (and not at all dorky — ahem, Gary Fong), won’t pop-off your flash, and is compatible with many different flashes. They’ve even got a nifty system for color gels and have partnered with LEE Filters to offer a nice six-pack.
It’s available through a Kickstarter Campaign that lasts until October 4th — the super early bird price for the band + diffuser is $58 and the band + diffuser + 6 LEE Filter gels + case is $80. These are the super early bird prices, for which there’s less than a few dozen spots left. Get in early on this very exciting refinement (finally!) in the flash diffuser space.
Because I sense the flames are coming: yes, it’s better to bounce flash. Sometimes it’s not possible (super high ceilings, distant walls, outdoors, etc.), and a flash modifier can come in handy.
$90… LOL. Pass.
Mag mod copy?
Nice
Mike Mendez
Looks interesting but it’s going to be a tough sell when MagMod has a more complete system and is now distributing via Best Buy. Honestly, I use the MagGrids and MagGels more than I use the Sphere or Bounce.
I’ll admit the MagGrid does look really nice. It looks like the MagMod system is quite a bit more expensive.
Magmod rules
Apparently there’s 315 backers that never heard of MagMod. lol. Oh boy..
Not one of the 315 backers, but I have never heard of magmod. Then, I spend a lot more time researching how to take better photos than I do products, so it’s not like I am on the cutting edge of what is available. The Kobra looks handy, I especially like how it is silicone base, and can be folded up for a better storage design. I often use a bag like the Lowepro Toploader 75, and usually have a flash stored in front, with a crappy plastic diffuser on it, just in case I need an off camera flash. Works for shit, but its better than nothing. This would be a better solution, and will fit well in my bag.
I’ve heard of magmod. It’s just more than I need to shoot candids at events.
I’ve never been delivered anything I paid for on Kickstarter. Throw your money in the trash instead or buy yet another 50mm 1.8.
According to a researcher studying/surveying Kickstarter, only 9% of projects fail to deliver rewards. You must have gotten quite unlucky…
Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/fulfillment
Matt, you are definitely unlucky when it comes to kickstarter. In the photographic industry along, kickstarter has been a preferred method of launching new products into an existing lineup. For example: Spider Holster recently had a very successful project finish & deliver. Platypod the same early in the summer of 2016. The company I work for : MagMod – we have used kickstarter with each major product launch from the beginning. That is 3 very successful projects (and counting) that have delivered.. ontime I might add. We will have another in the beginning of 2018. Then there is the KING of Kickstarter projects : Peak Design. They have successfully executed on more than 5 KS projects all have delivered ontime or early. Maybe it’s that you have backed projects for companies like KOBRA all looking to launch their first projects that would or would not define their legitimacy of their fledging company. Chose your Kickstarter project backing wisely !
Yes, the Fong Dong looks dorky…but if the finished product is spot on, who cares?
if it’s all about looks, one has to agree that the MagMod MagSphere looks the best. HA.
It might sound unimportant, but looking good in the field is part of the battle. You camera, your lens, and anything else on you draws attention, and people that see you out there aren’t going ot judge you on your body of work, since they haven’t seen it. If you look like a dork, then you will have less people that want to approach you, and thus less people interested in your craft.
Kickstarter earlybird deal is $40 with gels and shipped, which I think is a fair price for the kit. I signed on for one at this price. But I agree that $80 is too high.
I think that only gets you the mount and the gels. The diffuser is part of a different deal, in case you didn’t realize.