> "Matt Clara" <no.emailz@this.guys.expense> wrote in message

> news:BFXSa.699168$mA4.98242@news.easynews.com...

> > I'm taking a few shots with it right now, but I don't like the way it sets

> > the flash to 14mm. Typically one is shooting objects close up with 14mm,

> > even if it's a group shot. I want to be able to shoot groups (small

> groups,

> > no more than 8 or so), from a comfortable distance with my 35-70 f2.8D.

> > Anyone try this yet or anything with this diffuser on the SB-80dx?

> > mc

"StillMan" <stillman@nospam.com> wrote in message news:vhoubfdpd16sa7@corp.supernews.com...

> There is a switch button on the flash that is depressed by the dome. You

> might try wedging something under the dome, next to the button to keep it

> from going to 14mm automatically. Or, you could cut a notch in the dome then

> tape the button when you want 14mm.

"Diffusers" on flashes have no real function unless they can broaden the

light angle (for covering wider-angle lenses with direct-light...), can

increase significantly the light source size, or can direct a significant

proportion of the light to a reflecting surface near enough to be effective

(similar to "increase significantly the light source size", actually...;-).

Diffusers do not "soften the light", as is commonly believed, without

also significantly increasing the light source size, and then this generally

works for close-in shooting only. A couple of test exposures of the

same subject, at a normal shooting distance, in a location with

characteristics similar to those of your normal locations will reveal the

truth...(a diffuser works wonders at 1.5' in a tiny white room, with

the flash 1' from a wall - but will do nothing at 5' in a normal sized

and colored room, with the ceiling at 8-10' and nearest wall 5-6' a

way, except use more flash power...).

--

David Ruether

d_ruether@hotmail.com

http://www.David-Ruether-Photography.com