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Best Flash Diffusers For Any Kind Of Photography

GEEKOTO Softbox 3

When talking about camera accessories and the equipment that the photographer should use, the first things that come to mind are lenses, tripods, monopods, and flashes. Anyways, there are some other things that definitely should be found in a photographer’s backpack! What are those?! Well, those things are flash diffusers! Basically, the things that you are searching for right now.

Let’s dive deeper and see which are the best flash diffusers!

A Quick Look at My Favorite Flash Diffusers

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Portable
Profoto

Profoto

10
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Best for Outdoors
Godox 5 in 1

Godox 5 in 1

8.6
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Best in Studios
GEEKOTO Softbox

GEEKOTO Softbox

8.5
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Best With Harsh Shadows
Neewer Collapsible Softbox

Neewer Collapsible Softbox

8.8
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Best Runner-Up
Godox AK-R11

Godox AK-R11

8.6
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Best Overall
Neewer Dome

Neewer Dome

8.2
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Key Takeaways

  • A flash diffuser will be the best thing to use in case you are working at a dim place when it comes to the light part.
  • There are three types of flash diffusers that you can use, and they are domes, reflectors, and softboxes.
  • In case you are searching for the greatest dome flash diffuser, I present to you Neewer Dome, which is amazing!
  • The GEEKOTO Softbox is one of many photographers’ most used softbox flash diffusers.
    Neewer, as a brand, brings some of the greatest flash diffusers on the market!

The Top 6 Best Flash Diffusers

Before starting with the list of the products I would like to mention that there are three main types of flash diffusers which include Reflectors, Softboxes, and Domes. I will be dividing this article into three parts in which you can find the diffusers based on the type.

The Top 2 Best Reflector Diffusers

In the nowadays market, you can find different reflector diffusers that do a great job while in use. However, there are two of them that I chose for this article and that’s because I and many photographers love to use them!

6. Profoto – Best Portable

Profoto

What I Like

  • Very Flexible
  • A Great Traveler
  • Made of Metal

What I Don’t Like

  • A Bit Pricey

Profoto is a brand that has a narrow relationship with lighting tools for any photographer. Their products are quite used, and being used, they are some of the greatest ones.

Hence the name, Profoto is a very flexible diffuser and it is super easy to be used based on its collapsibility part. It owns two handles that allow you to hold it n your hands and adjust it in the best way possible. Its dimensions measure 20.47 x 1.97 x 20.47 inches, while its weight is about 2.74 pounds. The shape of this diffuser is squircle which means that it is between a square and a circle.

When it comes to the light, this diffuser owns a super fabric that brings a great light quality, and it helps you capture great pictures both indoors and outdoors. It is a translucent reflector that permits full passage of the light.

On the outer part, this diffuser owns a frame that is all made of metal, and that assures you that this diffuser is one of those that stay stable enough in its place.

Why should you buy it?

The best portable item on the list because it owns two handles that allow you to hold it n your hands and adjust it in the best way possible.

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5. Godox 5 in 1 – Best for Outdoors

Godox 5 in 1

What I Like

  • Works in All Types of Photography
  • Resistant for Outdoors
  • Different Color Choices
  • Collapsible

What I Don’t Like

  • None

If you are a professional photographer it would be interesting if you haven’t heard about the name Godox. Now, if you are a beginner, let me mention that Godox would definitely help you become a great photographer!

This Godox reflector comes in different colors! You can choose between white, black, gold, silver, and also translucent. It is again a collapsible diffuser which means that it is totally portable. This diffuser may be a bit big based on its measurements of 41.73 x 41.73 x 0.79 inches and its weight of 1.61 pounds but still, you don’t have to worry about it in any way. The shape of this one is totally rounded.

As a diffuser, it is more used with the translucent surface and it is important to mention that it does an amazing job outdoors whenever you need softer light. Most photographers say that it is one of the greatest diffusers to be used during portrait photography.

Why should you buy it?

This flash diffuser is one of the greatest diffusers to be used during portrait photography.

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The Top 2 Best Softbox Diffusers

Since we are done with the reflectors, the time has come to mention some of the most famous softbox diffusers that are considered the best ones and by the way, softbox diffusers are the most commonly used ones. Here are two softbox diffusers:

4. GEEKOTO Softbox – Best in Studios

GEEKOTO Softbox 4

What I Like

  • Great in Studios
  • 2 Bulbs Included
  • Rotatable

What I Don’t Like

  • Little Bit Bulky

Another name that should be used when talking about diffusers, in general, is Geekoto. Geekoto as a brand is also one of those that is in charge of camera equipment, and I assure you that they definitely bring whatever you are in need of as a photographer.

This flash diffuser is more exactly a great softbox! It measures 27.5 x 8.25 x 8.12 inches and weighs around 7.63 pounds. Based on its size and weight, the softbox is one of the greatest that can be used in photography studios. The shape of this softbox is fully octagonal and the material that it is made of is very durable nylon.

On the lighting part, the Geekoto softbox does a great job. It diffuses the light in the best way possible and brings to you amazing soft lighting of any picture, that you are taking. Of course, when it is harsh.

Why should you buy it?

This flash diffuser is one of the greatest that can be used in photography studios.

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3. Neewer Collapsible Softbox – Best With Harsh Shadows

Neewer Collapsible Softbox 2

What I Like

  • Easy-to-Use
  • Reasonably Priced
  • Flexible
  • Portable
  • LED Lights Included

What I Don’t Like

  • Not Very Resistant

I can’t really stop it but mention the most famous name in the world of camera equipment, and that’s basically Neewer! This softbox that I chose, is definitely one of the best softboxes that a photographer can use.

What deserves to be mentioned for the Neewer softbox is that it is very easy to be used! It won’t cause any problem during working hours for fellow photographers because it can be attached easily, wherever you want. The measurements of this squircle softbox are 5.59 x 9.06 x 9.76 inches, and it weighs 12.6 ounces.

As a diffuser, this softbox does a great job of softening the light anywhere you want. It is one of those versatile softboxes that can work amazingly in any environment, and it works perfectly wherever you want. It spreads the light better than you can think of. Besides being great for softening the light, it also does a perfect job when it comes to harsh shadows.

Why should you buy it?

This flash diffuser is one of those versatile softboxes that can work amazingly in any environment, and it works perfectly wherever you want.

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The Top 2 Best Dome Diffusers

The two last flash diffusers that occupy two of the best places are dome diffusers! Well, dome diffusers, even though do the same job as the ones mentioned above, they still seem to be photographers’ favorite tools. Let’s see two of the best!

2. Godox AK-R11 – Best Runner-Up

Godox AK R11

What I Like

  • Small and Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Easy Installation
  • Softens Very Harsh Lights

What I Don’t Like

  • Plastic Built

Next on, a diffuser that definitely deserves a place in this article comes again from Godox! Since we all know who Godox is and what does Godox, let me say that this dome diffuser is one of those that works perfectly with Godox flashes in general.

As for its measurements, this diffuser is a small one, measuring only 3.46 x 3.11 x 2.01 inches, and its weight is 1.76 ounces. Godox allows you to also choose accessories like color filters but still, it is important to know that you should purchase those special filters separately. In order to attach this diffuser to a flash, it uses small magnets that provide a super-fast, and a very simple installation

What does this dome diffuser do to the flash? Well, it totally spreads and softens the harsh lights that a flash works with, and it helps you capture better pictures than you can ever imagine.

Why should you buy it?

This flash diffuser will help you capture better pictures than you can ever imagine.

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1. Neewer Dome – Best Overall

Neewer Dome

What I Like

  • Very Versatile
  • Lightweight and Portable
  • Super-Affordable
  • Great Lighting Ability

What I Don’t Like

  • Not Perfect with Other Brands Flashes

The last diffuser that appears on our list of the best flash diffusers stands for the amazing Neewer name. I already mentioned above who Neewer is, and this dome that they bring to the market is one of the greatest and everywhere known as the best overall, especially if you own and work with a Neewer flash.

Here goes the most portable flash diffuser that you can ever find! It is one of those that measures 6.7 x 4.7 x 1.3 inches, and just imagine, its weight is 0.3 ounces. It feels like you have nothing in your hands. Literally!

This diffuser’s specialty is that it can be used in any type of photography! That is basically the reason why I listed it as the best overall. No one beats it in any way. It softens the light in the best way possible, and it brings to your pictures a more natural and a more professional feeling.

Why should you buy it?

This diffuser is listed as the best overall because it can be used in any type of photography.

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Use of Flash Diffusers Throughout the Years

For many years, photographers have used flash diffusers to smooth out and soften the light coming from a flash unit.

First Flash Diffusers

The oldest flash diffusers were basic tools, like a piece of tissue paper or a tiny piece of white plastic placed over the flash head. These early diffusers were effective at spreading the light and softening harsh shadows, but because they were fixed in place, the lighting was frequently uneven.

The Flash Diffusers of the ’60s

Diffusers were first included in flash units by camera makers in the 1960s; they were normally made of white plastic and attached to the flash head. Because they were made to disperse the light evenly and reduce strong shadows, they were more effective than the earlier diffusers.

The Flash Diffusers of the ’70s and ’80s 

Camera makers started to create more sophisticated flash diffusers in the 1970s and 1980s. Some of these diffusers are movable, enabling photographers to adjust the light spread to match the scene.

Others had more portable and small designs, which made them perfect for photographers who wanted to use flash in various settings. 

The Flash Diffusers of the 90s and ’00s

Manufacturers of alternative flash diffusers started making a variety of diffusers for photographers in the 1990s and 2000s.

These diffusers were meant to be attached to the flash head and were frequently made of translucent materials like plastic. They worked with a variety of flash units and were frequently more adaptable than the built-in diffusers provided by camera manufacturers.

Flash Diffusers Nowadays

These days, flash diffusers are available in a wide range of materials, forms, and sizes. Others are made to be general and may be used with any flash unit, while some flash diffusers are made to accommodate a certain type of flash unit.

Additionally, they come in a variety of price ranges, making them affordable for photographers of different levels of experience and financial means.

There are flash diffusers that are intended to be used with external flash equipment, such as speedlites or strobes, in addition to typical flash diffusers. These diffusers often allow a wider range of adjustability and are frequently mounted on the flash head using a bracket or other mounting device.

In conclusion, flash diffusers have long been an important piece of equipment for photographers. They help in softening and evenly spreading the light that a flash unit produces, lessening sharp shadows and producing a more realistic-looking image.

Photographers now have more options than ever to regulate the light emitted from their flash units and take better pictures due to the development of more advanced diffusers.

Proper Use of Different Flash Diffusers

Portrait of a beautiful redhead female photographer holds a digital camera and looking on the camera. Studio shot on dark background with lighting equipment

As mentioned above, there are a few diffuser types, but not all of them have the same use, which is why I will mention to you the proper way of using them!

How to Use Reflector Diffusers?

The light produced from a flash unit is softened and uniformly distributed using a reflector diffuser. Attach a reflector diffuser to the flash head and modify the diffuser’s angle to fit the situation for effective use. It can be used to reflect light into the scene from a precise angle or to add fill light to a scene.

By attaching gels or colored filters to the diffuser, reflector diffusers can also be used to modify the color of the light emitted from a flash unit. To produce the required lighting effect, reflector diffusers should be used in conjunction with other light-shaping equipment including softboxes, umbrellas, and snoots.

How to Use Softbox Diffusers?

A particular kind of flash diffuser called a softbox diffuser attaches to the flash head and disperses the light in a rectangular pattern.

First, attach the softbox diffuser to the flash head, then make the necessary adjustments to the flash. After that, place the softbox at an angle with the subject and direct the light there to produce gentle, even lighting. It’s crucial to remember that the light will be softer the closer the softbox is to the subject.

The final result is also influenced by the softbox’s size; a larger softbox will provide softer light, whilst a smaller one would produce harsher light.

How to Use Dome Diffusers?

The light is spread widely and equally by a dome diffuser, a simple flash diffuser that attaches to the flash head. Attaching a dome diffuser to the flash head and adjusting the flash as necessary are the right ways to use one.

To bounce the light and produce a more realistic-looking image, the dome diffuser can either be focused straight at the subject or at a nearby wall or ceiling.

It’s important to remember when using a dome diffuser that the light will be softer the closer it is to the subject.

A zoom feature on your flash can also be used to control the dispersion of light and provide a more realistic-looking image when dome diffusers are used.

The employment of dome diffusers in conjunction with other light-shaping equipment, such as softboxes, umbrellas, and snoots, can produce the required lighting effect. Dome diffusers are excellent for fill-in lighting.

The Importance of Using a Flash Diffuser in Different Photographs

You may have seen that the flash occasionally causes the light to be overly intense, casting shadows or giving the appearance of glossy or imperfect skin on people. But don’t worry as the fix is available by adding a flash diffuser to your camera’s flash to help the light spread more evenly.

The picture will seem nicer, and the lighting will appear more natural in this manner. You won’t have to be concerned about wrinkles or blemishes appearing in your photographs if you use a flash diffuser to soften the light and make people’s skin appear smoother.

Also, adding a flash diffuser can enhance the aesthetic appeal and professionalism of your photographs. Therefore, give employing a flash diffuser a try if you want to take better images with your flash!

What to Consider Before Choosing a Flash Diffuser? – Buying Guide

Type

Flashes are one of a kind, but when it comes to diffusers the whole thing changes. Now, when choosing a flash diffuser, the first thing that should be noticed and is the most important of them all is the type that you want to use.

Just as mentioned at the beginning, there are three main, most used types of flash diffusers:

  • Domes – These flash diffusers look like bowls and they are put over the flash head, they are small enough to be carried on wherever you go.
  • Reflectors – You can attach reflectors to the rear part of the flash and they kind of “bounce” the light.
  • Softboxes – Softboxes are the most famous flash diffusers and they are added to the flash in the most direct way possible.

In the article, as you can notice, you can find all the types of diffusers.

Quantity/The Amount of Diffusion

In most cases, during any type of photography, the more diffused the light is, the better the picture looks. However, there are some flash diffusers that may weaken and totally destroy the power that the flash has. That’s why, based on the flash that you use, you should see how the diffusion of the light works with the flash diffuser that you are about to choose.

There should always be a balance.

Size

The first thing that comes to mind when we mention size is the portability part, right? Well in flash diffusers it somehow depends on other factors. Always remember that a larger diffuser brings a softer light. Anyways, the larger the diffuser the more challenging is the portability part. Choose a size of a diffuser that will fulfill both portability and softness of the light in general.

Durability

Flash diffusers are made of different materials and it doesn’t mean that all of them can withstand everything. We all know cameras that are totally weather-sealed and they can work well in different environments but when it comes to flashes and flash diffusers it can be a bit harder.

Based on some fellow photographers the most durable material that is used in flash diffusers is polycarbonate. You better check them out.

Compatibility

What would be worse than buying a flash diffuser and noticing that it isn’t compatible with the flash that you are using? I guess nothing else! That’s why an important thing to consider before buying a flash diffuser stands the compatibility part.

Above, when I mentioned the seven diffusers, I also mentioned some flashes that they can work with. That’s basically what you should do. Always check out what it works with.

FAQ About the Best Flash Diffusers

What is a flash diffuser and what does it do?

A flash diffuser is a camera accessory for any photographer. Just as its name already tells, it is mostly related to the camera flash, in general.

When it comes to its job part, a flash diffuser is a “flash controller” that lets the photographers have full control over the lighting that the flash produces. It modifies the light while softening it in many ways.

When to use a flash diffuser?

Well, nobody can stop you! You can use a flash diffuser whenever you want, and you feel like it! Have you noticed that some flashes are super harsh, and they tend to brighten a picture in the most extreme way? I bet you did! If you notice that it is happening, you can easily use a flash diffuser and bring the best out of any picture that you are taking.

There are some types of photography in which photographers use flash diffusers most commonly. These include Product Photography and Food Photography. During these types of photography, the light may be too much, and the shadows can be super harsh. That’s why it is better if you use one.

If you’re interested, you can read about food photography lenses here.

Can I use flash diffusers both indoors and outdoors?

You can notice that flash diffusers are all small in size and that shows that they are all portable. Since they have a great portability feature and do the job in any environment, yes diffusers can be used both indoors and outdoors. It is up to your choice where to use one!

Final Words

Here we came at the end of this article. On it, in purpose, I added more picks since you never know what would fit the flash that you are using and that’s more related to the compatibility part.

I tried to mention the most important things that should be known so you can choose easier! I really hope that this article will help you find the best flash diffuser!

Further Reading

We already understood that flash diffusers are great tools that would do a great job while in use. However, I would gladly say that there are different “flash tools” that would help you capture great pictures too. Some of those tools are found in some other articles that I wrote. For example, you can find out which are the greatest softboxes for food photography or for product photography. Softboxes do an amazing job too!

Some other things that can be used are also lightboxes and don’t worry, I have already chosen the most prominent lightboxes for food photography and lightboxes for jewelry photography. Don’t forget to check them out!

Right now, there’s nothing left to say besides: Enjoy the best flash diffusers!