Professor Kobre's Lightscoop Standard Version Bounce Flash Device - Universal Model

PHOTO QUALITY: This thing works very well, flashed indoor shots look so much more flattering now. Still not as nice as no flash at all, but when you're shooting fast moving kids in low light, you've got to compromise (higher ISO = more grain; lower f-stop = less in focus; or - the unwise sacrifice most cameras make on "auto" mode - slower shutter speed = blurred subjects). This gadget helps immensely to add light to the scene without that "flash in your face" look, without red-eye, and without blinding your poor subjects - so you won't have to compromise (as much). And contrary to the directions, I almost always use full manual controls, and I get very good results with this at lower ISOs (ISO 200-400), shutter speeds of 1/125-1/160 second, and f/2.8-4.0... where otherwise I would be shooting at a noisy ISO 1600-3200+, 1/80 sec or slower, and f/1.4-1.7 to get a satisfactorily exposed shot.RANGE: Obviously range isn't very far since it's only using the on-camera flash, but you know going in that this doesn't multiply light, it only redirects it. Keep whatever surface you're bouncing off (wall/ceiling), as well as your subject, within maybe 5-10 feet.WORKS GREAT BOUNCED OFF WALLS TOO: If you have a wall within range, try holding your camera sideways with this thing mounted to get some nice added side lighting (very flattering for portraits).A word of warning: this thing is BIG. Although it can fit in a large coat pocket when not in use, I use it with a Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 16.05 MP Live MOS Interchangeable Lens Camera with 3-Inch Free-Angle Touch Screen LCD (Black Body Only) micro 4/3 DSLR-style body, and the lightscoop makes the camera *twice* as tall - it's huge. It doesn't seem as imposing on a larger camera body (I also use it on a Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only)). But I would imagine it wouldn't give as nicely spread fill light if it were significantly smaller.

I bought this bounce flash device shortly after I bought my SLR. If you follow the instructions provided, it works like a charm and makes your pictures look stunning. It's definitely 10x better than using a pop-up flash. At the same time, I quickly realized that you are very limited in how to use it, and it's definitely no substitute for an external flash. You can't use this with high ceilings, not-white ceilings, or outdoors. Also, it annoys the crap out of people behind you, since they see the reflection of the flash through the mirror. It's also a pain to carry around this pop-up flash because of it's unusual shape. It would have definitely been more efficient to have the option to fold it flat during storage/when not in use.If you're a beginner in shooting pictures, take a lot of indoor pictures, and can't afford an external flash anytime soon, I'd recommend this product. Like I said, in no way does this replace an external flash, and personally for my needs, I upgraded to an external flash (430ex II) just a couple months after buying this.Overall, I give this product 4.5 stars. If they made a version that folded flat when not in use or slightly dropped the price by even $5, then this would be a 5 star product but really, all you're getting is a mirror attached to a piece of plastic.

Disappointed with the fit compatibility with my Nikon D3200. So far I'm quite happy with the improvements to my indoor pictures - much less glare from the direct flash, however I've only played with it for a very short while now.I was very disappointed with the fit on my Nikon D3200. The Lightscoop was EXTREMELY tight, so much so that it was a significant struggle to take it off and I was afraid of damaging the camera or breaking the Lightscoop while doing it. It certainly would not have been quick to "pop on or pop off". I would note to other potential buyers that this product's existing Questions/Reviews seem variable for Nikon cameras. Some have said it fits other Nikon models well (like the 5xxx and 7xxx series). Another Answer said it DID fit their D3200, but another Review said it did NOT fit their D3200. Another reviewer had a similar experience as me on their D40, despite being apparently compatible (see next paragraph).The compatibility chart on the Lightscoop's website states: "Most Nikon 35mm dSLR cameras with a built-in flash. Does not work with the Nikon FX series including D600, D800, D800E, D810, Df, D3, D4, D4s." To me, this is a bit vague because I don't know what Lightscoop considers a "35mm" camera (because it doesn't seem like DSLRs are typically defined this way anymore), but I assumed it meant it would work with my D3200, which is considered a DX series. Perhaps my model isn't considered to be "most" Nikon cameras or perhaps my Lightscoop's foot was a bit thicker than most, creating some interference with the hotshoe.I probably should have returned the item, however this seemed to me the best option available without going for a separate-attachable flash module. The only way I could get the Lightscoop to fit satisfactorily was to take a Leatherman knife and shave off some of the Lightscoop foot's material (which took some time), so that it had less interference with the hotshoe. Ultimately, it's now working much more smoothly and easily but I'm annoyed that I paid $20 (for an item that probably costs less than $2 to manufacture) and it didn't fit very well, despite the website's compatibility chart and I spent time modifying it.Just a forewarning to other Nikon camera owners, however your mileage may vary...