Mini Test

Flashguns are great, but these gadgets will help you get more from them

We talk a lot about light this issue – so we’re also examining six modifiers that are designed to get the best from a flashgun

There’s nothing quite like a flashgun for providing instant illumination in a portable package. They’re not short on versatility, but add a light modifier and even more creative effects can be achieved.

Modifiers range from simple pocket-sized caps to full-on ring flash substitutes which funnel the flash burst into a ring of light that surrounds your lens. A classic option is a diffuser that softens harsh light into a more flattering glow that’s ideal for portraiture or macro photography. Alternatively, if you’re after a more focused feel, a snoot or honeycomb attachment will turn your flashgun into a powerful spotlight to isolate a subject or produce a defined hair light. What’s more, if you’re fed up with boring backdrops, you can slip a coloured gel over an off-camera flashgun, or there are devices that’ll go one better and project image slides onto the background instead.

We’ve compiled a selection of popular modifiers to find out which offers the best light transformation, and which you can manage without...