You all know by now that I am not a fan of flash. Whenever possible, I really, really prefer to use natural light for my pictures. But sometimes, even with a fast lens, there’s not enough light for a decent picture.
One solution is to buy an external flash unit, but those are expensive, and a little awkward to cart around with the camera. I’m obviously not opposed to dropping money on camera equipment, but since I’m not really looking to get into flash photography, I’ve been loathe to spend several hundred dollars on a flash unit.
So, I was thrilled to pieces when I got the opportunity to review a new product called a Lightscoop.
(I got a free LightScoop from the company but I was not compensated for this review in any other way).
This hand-dandy little mirrored gadget slides onto the top of most SLR cameras, and helps to soften the harsh light of the flash by bouncing the light up onto the ceiling or onto a wall. This is similar to the way a bounce flash unit works, but the Lightscoop costs a mere $29.99.
The light produced with the bounced flash is much softer and more diffused. I snapped a couple of shots of Sonia and Zoe to show you the difference.
Here’s Sonia with the bare flash.
And here she is with the LightScoop added.
The shot with the Lightscoop isn’t perfect (well, it’s not as good as it’d be with natural light!), but it’s way, way, way better than the one with the flash.
Here’s Zoe with a bare flash.
And Zoe with the LightScoop.
I tried this out with a food shot as well. Here’s some stromboli with a bare flash.
And this is with the LightScoop added. Can you see how much more dimension this picture has?
By request, here’s an additional set of pictures…this time with no flash, bare flash, and LightScoop flash.
It’s a dark and cloudy day, and this is in a chair that’s not near the window. You can see that there’s not sufficient light to take a picture without a flash, even with my fast 50mm lens.
Here’s the bare flash picture.
And here’s the LightScoop version.
Just for good measure, here’s a black and white series of Sonia shots.
No flash resulted in a blurry picture.
Bare flash makes a picture that’s not blurry, but one that is pretty artificial looking.
The LightScoop is the best option out of the three, I think, though this one turned out a little bit dark.
I’m so pleased with the results of this little tool…it’s a perfect fit for someone like me, who only wants to use flash occasionally. I think I’ve used my flash something like 3 times in the 2 years I’ve owned my SLR, but now that I have the LightScoop, I think I’ll be utilizing the flash a little more often.
The Lightscoop
However, if you’re an SLR owner (or you want to give a gift to an SLR-owner), I’d highly recommend buying this little gadget…it’s definitely worth the $30 investment.
Kristen, thanks for this review – this is just what I was looking for (I hate flash pictures, too, and was looking for something to assail the glare). But when I went on the direct website, they wanted $38 for one flash, inc. shipping. Bought the same thing on Adorama for $19.95, free shipping. Just wanted to share that for those who want this product but can;t afford $40 for a flash.
Keep up the great pictures!
Thanks for the post. I too am not ready to drop a bunch of money on an external flash but would enjoy having something like this around for taking pictures inside at birthdays, holidays, etc.
Can you add a set of comparison shots which include a no flash picture? Without that it’s impossible to tell how much light the LightScoop actually added to the scene.
Actually, it’s kind of a dark-ish day today, and I have a few spare moments, so I’ll go see if I can get someone to be my model. lol
Wow, the results look great, thanks for the extra shots.
Thank you! I have been looking for something like this very half heartedly.
You made my day and I already ordered it!
Kristen-
This only works on SLR’s with pop-up flash, right? That is what it looks like from the pics. Darn. It really looks like a handy little gadget, except my camera doesn’t have a built in flash. I guess I will have to continue my internal debate about buying an external flash.
Gosh, I had no idea SLRs even came without a pop-up flash!
Yeah, the LightScoop has no built-in light…it just reflects the light from the camera’s on-board flash. Bummer for you!
Well, I’m using an old Vivitar flash and quite frankly it does what I need. (Disclaimer – I shoot film) You don’t need to buy a super expensive flash gun but if you do buy a flash, learn how to use it and learn it well. Check used gear prices as a lot of people sell off items as they “upgrade.”
so it gives the pictures a light shade of brown, for a warmer more natural look…I like it :)..thanks for sharing…..and the kids got a light tan added
Yes, the light it produces seems to be warmer, but the main advantage to me is that the light is softer and more natural-looking (not just in tone). It makes the subject have more depth.
I actually prefer my light to not be so warm, but I can correct that pretty easily by editing the pictures.
thanks for the post. i’m going to get one
That is so cool!!! Now I just need to save the money for a DSLR!
Too bad there isn’t a link for you to get credit, Kristen. I just bought one, too!
Hmm, I wonder if there is a way. Maybe if I ever got off my duff and set up an Amazon store page…
I got a free LightScoop, though, so I’m a happy girl. lol
Thanks for sharing… this look like such a handy little tool.
One question, when I go to Adorama they show a “standard” and “warm” version. DO you happen to know which one you used?
Mine is the standard…and I find that the flash+regular LightScoop looks a little warm anyways, so I can’t imagine feeling the need for the warming version!
Great… I figured so. I was afraid the warm might turn out too yellow. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the post. I had never heard of LightScoop before. My sister and her guy friend both are mini photographers… not I’ve found the perfect birthday gift for her!
I don’t usually like these types of posts (love your blog though! No hating!) but this one is actually exactly the product I need. I have a bridge camera at the moment, but will probably be upgrading to a Nikon D40 or similar in the near future… and I too hate flash. The results are pretty amazing, and you’ve given a perfect demonstration of a great product. Thanks! Glad you got a free one.
Oh, I’m glad you liked this. Normally my review posts go over on my review page, but this one fit the criteria for being on my main page…and I really was excited about sharing this product with you! It fits with the frugal aspect of photography that I cover here every now and then.
Actually I can go one step cheaper than this.
http://www.diyphotography.net/diy-built-in-pop-up-flash-diffuser
I have an external flash that I bounce off the ceiling usually but when I want a bounced flash and I’m in an area with tall or dark ceilings I will bounce it using an index card rubber banded to the flash unit. I don’t shoot much flash either but this works for me.
I tried the index card thing and got frustrated with it! lol I like the ease and convenience of the LightScoop…I can just stuff it into my camera bag and pull it out whenever I want to use it.
Yeah, to be totally honest I can’t tell you the last time I used flash anyway but then I shoot handheld with 64iso film so I’m a bit crazy.
Found a 10% off code on Facebook: GRTPIX. They also had a 25% off code at Mother’s Day, maybe they’ll do the same for Father’s Day.
I am in Australia and the shipping by Lightscoop is only $8 compared to $50 through Adorama.
So excited to find this! I have the 50mm lens as well but continually get blurry shots, I am often shooting in low light situations. This is just what I need!
Awesome review! I just ordered one. Thank you =)
I can’t believe that no one commented on how super cute your girls are! That’s what struck me more than the lighting.
Thanks for this post – I’ve just ordered myself one!
I love your straight forward picture taking advise and the rest of your blog is great.
I am always painting old furniture so found your painting tips really useful too.
Great blog – I think I have a lot of reading to catch up on!
Thanks so much, Kristen! My house is so dark and often there’s not enough natural lighting to get decent photos. I’ve added this to my Christmas wish list!
Hi there! Thanks for the tips! I have a questions about outdoor photos with flash. I recently purchased Canon EOS 70D. When I take photo outdoor, I get shadows in the face. Other than following your other tips about finding a place with less light or shaded area, would a light scoop help? I used my flash and really lighten up the pictures tooooo much! but if I turn off the flash, there’s shadows in the face. I changed the ISO as much as I could…ie, I am a NOVICE photographer….any suggestions? Thank you!!!
Lien
A light scoop only works when there’s a ceiling to bounce the light off of. The best solution is to look for a spot with open shade, and then your lighting will be great.
I really don’t like using fill flash outside, because like you said, it tends to brighten up the pictures too much. I always try to look for a spot with better light and shoot there.