Lastolite HaloCompact Diffuser 82cm
Michael Topham tests a portable diffuser
ONE OF the great challenges of outdoor photography is the ever- changing weather. When we’re presented with bright sunlight and are attempting a few portraits or close ups, this can cause havoc with harsh shadows on our subject. This is not usually flattering, especially with portraiture, and forces us to rethink the shot or seek shelter in the shade. One alternative is to stay put and use some form of diffuser to block out or soften the harsh light.
The Lastolite HaloCompact Diffuser is designed to do the latter and is made to be ultra portable. The collapsible lightweight aluminium frame, which consists of multiple sections, slots together effortlessly and is rather like assembling a set of tent poles. The strong plastic handle clips together to form the circular shape to which the diffuser fabric attaches via small plastic clips that secure onto the aluminium frame.
Building the diffuser is self- explanatory, but to save you having to readjust the clips half way through the assembly process we recommend attaching two clips on either side of the handle first. Against the stopwatch it took 1 minute 15 seconds to fully assemble the diffuser out of its small 6.5x27x6.5cm carry case and a similar time to dissemble it.
A couple of nice touches include a handy carabiner clip that allows the HaloCompact to be easily attached to the exterior of a bag or to a belt, plus there’s a useful 1∕4in thread on the handle of the frame, enabling it to be attached to various support systems. In use, I found the diffuser to be highly effective at softening the light, turning harsh shadows into more natural, flattering ones. Best of all, the handle allows you to grab it securely in your left hand and with your right hand holding the camera and triggering the shutter, it’s possible to work with it independently if you don’t have help. Verdict Unlike your average reflector-style diffuser that collapses and folds down to around a third of its original size, this diffuser is considerably more compact. It’ll make a great accessory for portrait and wedding photographers who come up against difficult lighting situations where a portable, quick to assemble and easy-to-use diffuser can make all the difference. Still-life photographers will find it useful too, albeit possibly a touch on the large side. We’ll have to wait to see if Lastolite follows up with smaller and larger versions of this excellent design.