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Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight


Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight

Overview : The Gary Fong PowerSnoot replaces the need for cumbersome light modifiers and allows photographers to maximize the efficiency of their strobe but with more directional control. Mounted off camera, instead of filling a room with a soft light, the parabolic reflective interior will allow you to focus light in the areas you want to highlight, and more importantly, away from where you don’t. Mounted on camera, photographers now have a tool for creating cutting edge special effects.

Features :
  • Increases directional light output by 3 times
  • Narrows the light output which can be used as a hair light, spot light, or any subject that needs a concentrated light source
  • Universal mounting system that fits most strobes currently in the market
  • Concentration of the light increases the effective distance of the strobe being used
  • Universal Fit - fits most flash units with a tilting/bouncing head, including: Nikon SB600, Nikon SB700, Nikon SB800, Nikon SB900, Canon 430ex, Canon 430exII, Canon 580ex, Canon 580exII, Leica SF-58, Olympus FL-36, Olympus FL40, Pentax AF540FGZ, Sony HVL-F42, Sony HVL-56, Sony 56am, Sony 58, Sony 58AM, Sigma EF530-610, Bower SFD Series Flashes, Vivitar DF383, Vivitar DF400, Metz 44, Metz58AF, Nissin Di622, Nissin Di866, Quantum Q Flash


Quality/Usability : If you're a wedding photographer, do studio work or portraits, traveling with large light set up will become a thing of the past. The Gary Fong PowerSnoot has been designed with portability in mind. This device will replace the need for cumbersome light modifiers and allow you to maximize the efficiency of your strobe but with more directional control. Mounted off camera, instead of filling a room with soft light, the reflective interior will allow you to focus light into the areas you want to highlight and more importantly away from where you don't. Mounted on your external camera flash, you now have the tool for creating special effects.

Here is a unboxing video of the Gary Fong Lightsphere PowerSnoot:


Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight

The PowerSnoot includes the PowerSnoot, grid attachment, archival grip band (rubber band), cinch strap (velcro strap) and guide/instruction.

Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight
Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight
Gary Fong Lightsphere PowerSnoot attached to Nikon SB-600 External Flash

The grid attachment looks like the bottom of a potato masher. The grid attaches to the PowerSnoot fairly well and won't fall off. To securely hold the PowerSnoot on your camera is a piece of cinch strap (velcro). The rubber band helps give some friction for when the PowerSnoot is attached to the flash. Without it, the PowerSnoot would slide down or even off the flash.

Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight

The PowerSnoot looks metallic but its actually plastic and chrome plated inside and out. With a typical flash, it lights up a broad area. With the PowerSnoot, it's more powerful, sending all of the light through the grid...just like a spotlight. The grid itself can go on any Lightsphere (also sold separately).

Here is a sample image (no retouching done) in a fairly lit bedroom along with a more professional image from Gary Fong:

Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight Review: Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight

This is a great way if you're looking to light up only the subject or a specific area. The spotlight effect enables you to light your subject better and give you control over the background light, even on a bright sunny day. By changing the aperture, you can make the sunny day, look like evening.

Conclusion : Overall, the Gary Fong LSU-PS Lightsphere PowerSnoot Universal Spotlight works as described. It gives you the spotlight effect on your subject and gives you better control at back lighting. This would be more ideal for portrait and studio work.

Although the PowerSnoot fits on most if not all external flash units, to ensure that the PowerSnoot doesn't fall off, you'll need to tighten the velcro strap. The rubber band is also needed to provide friction when the PowerSnoot is attached to the flash.






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