User Review on Rogue Flashbender reflectors

I have been searching for some time for an easy to use flash diffusion system. I use a white umbrella when I am taking a head and shoulders shot, but for quick use in the studio (ok table top..), the umbrella is a bit big and gets in the way. I’ve been working a lot with a new macro lens and I wanted something that would spread the light but be very manoeuvrable. The Rogue FlashBenders have turned out to be just perfect. The full system comes in three sizes – a 10 x 11 inch model for large groups, a 10 x 7 inch, and, finally, a 5 x 9 inch reflector. This last one also comes with a velcro black panel to make it into a “flag” to block light from the subject if necessary. Each reflector has metal supports inside the very well made structure so that you can bend them in any way you want. The basic idea is that you strap them onto the head of your flashgun with an elasticated strap which fastens with velcro. It forms a very solid connection, and I have had no issue with it slipping. Then you can bend the reflector forwards to kick more light back at the subject, or form into a tube to create a spotlight effect. The only issue I have had with the large one is that it can make the head of my Canon 55oex fall forward if the flash gun leans too much away from vertical, but that hasn’t proved to be much of an issue.

My first use of the large one was at an outdoor wedding where I wanted fill in flash to counteract the sun – it worked great. I dialed back the flash exposure quite a lot so that the flash was not overpowering, and achieved a nice subtle effect for portraits as well as bigger groups. The largest group I took was about 25 people, and it lit them all very smoothly. Not a problem for outdoor use.

Lighting with shadows

I’ve then spent a lot more time using them indoors – mainly as simple reflectors for macro work, and they work very well for that – you can place the flash right by the subject, bend the reflector over the top of it and get almost shadowless lighting. I use the smaller one to then light the background, or to provide shadows where needed. Here is an example of the latter where I lit the book from besides the camera with a large reflector, and had a flashgun without a reflector pointing directly towards the camera through the lenses of the glasses. Nice effect!

The other thing I have found very useful is that, because the flash is standing with the head vertical, you can lay a colored filter across the flash-head with no need to attach with tape or any other support. Great for trying special effects like the picture of the magnifying glass with red edges.

Color filters on flash gun

All in all, a very useful purchase. They are very well made, and pack flat, which helps for location work. There is a set of three on Amazon, and you can also buy them individually on Amazon as well.