MagMod Professional Flash Kit 2
www.magnetmod.com £250/$200 Now even better, and easier to use on round or rectangular flashguns
MagMod founder Spencer Boerup had the idea for a flash modifier system using magnets. In 2013, the first system launched on Kickstarter and quickly caught the attention of portrait and wedding photographers, thanks to its robust build and ease of use. The MagGrip’s design means the MagMod system can be used on a huge number of flashguns. The MagGrip 2 makes it compatible with an even wider range of flashes.
Key features
MagMod sells all its components separately, but if you’re buying for the first time, it makes sense to buy a kit. The Starter Kit 2 includes the MagGrip 2, MagSphere 2 and MagGrid 2, while the Professional Flash Kit 2 adds the MagBounce 2 and Pro Correction Gels, too.
The MagGrip 2 is essential for the system.
It’s made from tough, stretchy silicone and fits on the head of the flash, housing magnets that enable the modifiers to be attached. The MagSphere 2 transforms a flash into a diffused omnidirectional light source, making the light softer. Made from white silicone, it has the same squishy feel as the original version but at 88g, it’s 40% lighter.
Similarly, the MagBounce, which is designed for use on a flash pointing upwards rather than forwards, is made from white silicone and is lighter than the original version. It’s claimed to increase the apparent size of a flash by over 300%. Unlike most lighting grids, the MagGrid is made from silicone. It weighs under 49g, is more compact than the previous version and has magnets that enable it to mount quickly on the MagGrip 2.
MagMod’s Pro Correction Gels are made from rigid polycarbonate and are easier to handle than gel sheets. Unlike the original MagMod gels that had to be mounted on a holder, the new ones have a magnet on either side and snap onto the MagGrip 2.
Build and handling
Although lighter than their predecessors, the MagGrip 2, MagSphere 2, MagGrid 2 and MagBounce 2 look similar. The MagGrip 2, however, has a larger, more rounded aperture that makes it easier to fit on flashes with a circular head. That said, it still takes a bit of wiggling to get it onto a Profoto A-series flash – if you have more than one flashgun, you won’t want to swap the MagGrip between them, you’ll want one for each light.
MagMod is a modular system which means that once the MagGrip is on the flash, the modifiers can be used by themselves or stacked together. There’s a powerful magnetic attraction between the MagGrip and the light modifiers which means that once the modifier is around 2cm from the MagGrip, you can let go and the MagSphere, Bounce, Grid or Gel snaps onto the flash.
MagMod supplies a drawstring bag with the Professional Flash Kit 2. Thanks to the silicone nature of the MagSphere and MagBounce, it has just enough room to fit the components, keeping everything together in your bag.
Performance
Once the MagGrip is on the flash, using the rest of the kit is a cinch. The MagSphere 2 does a good job of diffusing and softening the light so highlights are less harsh and shadows aren’t as deep. If you need a wider throw of light, the MagBounce is a great choice as it spreads the flash brilliantly. Conversely, the grid reduces light spill well and there’s rapid fall-off towards the edges of the frame, depending upon the direction of the flash.
Meanwhile, the six correction gels (1/4 CTO, 1/2 CT, Full CTO, 1/2 CTB, Plus Green and 8x ND) give you good scope for matching the flash to the ambient conditions. If you want to get more creative with the colour of the flash, there are the Pro Artistic Gels and Pro Creative Gels, each with six filters.
Though not a major issue, it’s worth taking care where you place the MagSphere and MagBounce when they are not in use. The silicone is a magnet for dust and dirt, and while it’s not a problem in use it doesn’t look good, especially in a professional setting.