The folks over at KOBRA put together a nice video (together with The Slanted Lens) covering flash event photography — featuring their KOBRA flash modifiers.
We’ve been super-impressed with the product. It’s surprisingly light, especially if you’ve been using the magnetic-based flash diffusers, with a large surface area for very soft diffuse light. The KOBRA band is very snug and secure.
For a limited time, they’re offering free shipping (Canada & USA), for CPW readers! Use coupon code canonpw to see the discount at checkout. The full system (band, diffuser, gels, and wallet) is $96, and the modifier and band alone is $65. Check out the video to see the product in action.
Sample photos in the video aren’t that impressive, it’s better than no modifier, but you really need a larger surface area (like an umbrella) to get a softer light. But if you’re by yourself and no one else to hold an umbrella, I guess this is the way to go.
Correct — the larger surface area will definitely give you a softer light. One of the problems that comes with that is that you need a very powerful light source to cover that large of an area. The other problem is that if you walk around a crowded room with an umbrella, you’re sure to poke someone’s eye out! -Paul