Gralson Insight belongs in a travel photographer's bag
By Laurie Excell
There are many flash modifiers to choose from these days, giving the end user a variety of options with which to customize their flash photography and match their style.
With the bigger-is-better mantra when it comes to light, getting that big light source from a small flash provides a challenge that Graslon (http://graslon.com/) has tackled head on and done a fine job in the process. The US$69.95 Graslon Insight (and Prodigy, its big brother) Dome Flash Diffuser Model 4300D incorporates highly reflective silver baffles inside the base to help intensify the light before it passes through the domed diffuser onto your subject.
This design helps you gain back the loss of light caused by shooting through a diffuser. The result is similar to that of a larger light source with a diffused, soft quality in a lightweight, portable package. I found the setup to be very easy, with four moveable rubberized grips and an adjustable strap -- one size fits all and very nicely, I might add, with no sticky Velcro pieces on the flash head.
Also available to fit the Insight is a flat diffuser lens for more directional light as well as Amber lenses in both flat and dome for shooting in tungsten light (the additional lenses cost $19.95 each). An oversize stand ($14.95) allows you to set up your flash remotely using your camera’s TTL system.
I found the Graslon Insight Dome Flash Diffuser very easy to use and was very impressed with the wraparound quality of light it produced. Its light weight makes it a no-brainer as an addition to a travel photographer’s bag.
Rating: 8 out of 10
(This review is brought to you courtesy of "Layers Magazine": http://layersmagazine.com/ .)