The best flash diffuser gives you even lighting for more professional photos. Whether you’re shooting portrait, product, or food photography, a flash diffuser can make all the difference. But which flash diffuser is best for your photography?
The Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Softbox is our choice as the best flash diffuser. It delivers soft and even lighting when using a flash. It’s compact, lightweight, and collapsible. And it’s an affordable piece of photography equipment.
What Are the Best Camera Diffusers?
The best flash diffuser improves your photography by softening the flash and creating more even illumination. But there are several different types of flash diffusers on the market. The key is finding the one that meets your needs as a photographer.
You can get softbox diffusers, which are similar to photography softboxes, only smaller. They fit on the end of your flash, diffusing the harsh light of the flash bulb. Softbox diffusers are often directional, so you point them where you want the flash.
Globe or bulb diffusers are the other main type of flash diffuser you need to know about. These are rounded and look similar to a light bulb. Globe diffusers are not directional, so you have less control over where the light goes. But they do minimize the intensity of harsh flash lighting.
You also have reflector diffusers, which reflect subdued light onto your subject. And there are flash cap diffusers. These are plastic caps that fit directly over the flash of the flash gun. All types of flash diffusers are featured in this article.
Here’s a quick roundup of the best flash diffusers for photography. We’ll look at each diffuser in more detail in the following section. And there’s a brief FAQ section at the end if you need more information on choosing the right flash diffuser for you.
- Produces soft, evenly spread light that reduces harsh shadows
- Compact, easy to use, and fits into any gear bag
- Compatible with most shoe-mount flash units
- Backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Easily attaches to most flash units
- Disperses light for softer, balanced effects
- Reduces hard shadows and eliminates red eye
- Compact, portable, and collapsible for easy use
- Achieves studio-style lighting anywhere
- Collapses down to 1.5 inches for portability
- Securely attaches with new Speed Mount design
- Universal fit for all Speedlite flash units
- Comes with three mounting adaptors
- Collapsible design makes it easy to store
- Collapsible material gives you different lighting effects
- Gives you 360 degrees of soft, diffused light
- Compatible with any flash unit when paired with MagGrip
- Soft silicone rubber is collapsible for easy storage
- Delivers soft, natural-looking light
- Increases flash efficiency so you get more flashes from a single charge
- Two-in-one reflector with white and silver surfaces
- Ultra-lightweight and portable
- Great value for money
- Elastic strap fits with nearly all flashguns
- Compatible with the Neewer TT560 flash light
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple item that transforms flash lighting
- Compact, lightweight, and affordable
Best Flash Diffusers for Photography
Now we’ll look at all the best flash diffusers in more detail.
1. Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Softbox
| Brand |
Brand
Altura Photo
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
6 x 5 x 6 inch / 15.2 x 12.7 x 15.2 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.15 lb / 70 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Softbox
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Elastic Velcro strap, collapsible design, storage pouch
|
| Best For |
Best For
Any photographer looking for a functional and affordable light diffuser
|
The Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Softbox is our top choice. It’s an affordable piece of photography gear that’s easy to use and functions well. It’s lightweight and portable, and you can store it in the included storage pouch.
Despite the reasonable price tag, the diffuser softbox is made of robust materials. It won’t fall apart after a few photoshoots, so you can keep using it time after time.
The softbox interior has a pro-grade silver lining. It maximizes light output, so you don’t lose any power from the flash. The light is then diffused by two translucent layers that soften and spread the light.
You attach the diffuser to the flash unit using the elastic strap. The elasticity allows you to attach it to flashes of different shapes and sizes. Then you secure it with the Velcro strap. The softbox is so light the Velcro is more than strong enough to keep it attached.
This flexibility means the softbox diffuser is compatible with nearly any hot shoe flash unit. Whether it’s a Canon, Nikon, or Sony flash, you can pair it with this diffuser. And third-party flashes from Godox and Neewer are no problem either.
We’ve listed the smallest (6 x 5″) Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Softbox. But there are two larger models available. There’s a 9 x 7″ and an 11 x 8″ version if you need something bigger.
2. Neewer Universal Mini Soft Diffuser
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
3.9 x 3.5 x 1 inch / 10 x 9 x 2.5 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.07 lb / 35 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Softbox
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Collapsible design, elastic opening
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a simple flash diffuser
|
Photography equipment doesn’t come much simpler than the Neewer Universal Mini Soft Diffuser. It’s a small softbox diffuser that folds down to a compact size. You’ll have no storage issues in your camera backpack. And it couldn’t be easier to use.
The main section is basically a white nylon bag. The material is fairly thick, but it lets a significant amount of light through. The bottom has an elastic opening. And you wrap the elastic around the flashgun to attach it. It’s that simple.
Despite the simplicity of the design, the diffuser is highly effective. You don’t have much directional control. But it softens the light from the flash, giving you more even illumination.
The simplicity of the design also means it’s compatible with any flash unit. As a Neewer product, it works perfectly with Neewer flashes. But you can also use it with Nikon and Canon flashes, as well as flashes from Sony and Olympus.
3. Gary Fong Lightsphere Gen5 Diffuser
| Brand |
Brand
Gary Fong
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
5 x 5 x 3.5 inch / 12.7 x 12.7 x 9 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.04 lb / 20 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Expandable bulb
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Velcro strap, expandable shaft, removable bulb end
|
| Best For |
Best For
Professional photographers
|
The Gary Fong Lightsphere Gen5 Diffuser is the best option for photographers with a bigger budget. It’s the priciest diffuser on the list. But it’s also the most versatile and durable. It’s worth the extra money if you can stretch your budget.
The LightSphere is an expandable bulb-type diffuser. The end of the diffuser is half a sphere, which you can remove. The shaft is an expandable tube with an accordion-like design. You simply pull the tube to expand it and push it together to flatten it again.
You can use the diffuser without the bulb top. This gives you a spot flash you can use for directional lighting. And using the unit with the bulb top gives you a more even distribution of light.
It’s compatible with any flashgun, no matter which brand you use. You attach the diffuser to the flash using the strap. It has Velcro, and you can tighten the cinch strap for extra security. It’s the most secure fastening of any flash diffuser.
The transparent materials mean you don’t lose any flash output. Unlike diffusers that use nylon or other dyed materials, no light energy is lost. You get the full power of the flash but without all the harsh shadows.
4. Godox ML-CD15 Diffusion Dome
| Brand |
Brand
Godox
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
5.9 x 5.9 x 4 inch / 15 x 15 x 10 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.8 lb / 371 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Globe
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Three mounting adaptors, collapsible
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who use different flash lights
|
The Godox ML-CD15 Diffusion Dome is a unique diffuser. And it’s also one of the most versatile. It comes with three flash light adaptors. And you can change the structure of the dome to create different lighting effects. It’s a great option for creative photographers.
As mentioned, this diffuser comes with three mount adaptors. There’s a rectangular one for your typical hot shoe flashguns. You get a rounded one for round off-camera flashes. And there’s another round adaptor for Godox ML and AD-type flashes.
The globe is made of soft plastic you can manipulate. That makes it easy to pack away in your camera backpack. But it also gives you different lighting options.
Using the fully extended dome gives you even lighting all around. If you collapse it back, you get forward directional light. And if you collapse the front, you get a softer light for subjects positioned closer to the camera.
The Godox ML-CD15 Diffusion Dome is innovative and original. And it genuinely works well with on-camera flash photography. It’s a reasonable price to pay for a creative piece of photography gear.
5. MagMod MagSphere 2
| Brand |
Brand
MagMod
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
5 x 5 x 3.4 inch / 12.7 12.7 x 8.6 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.5 lb / 238 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Bulb
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Collapsible, universal fit for any flash
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a universal, one-size-fits-all flash diffuser
|
The MagMod MagSphere 2 has an original and unique design. It’s a globe diffuser made of soft silicone rubber, which you can collapse for easy and convenient storage. It’s a simple yet versatile tool that gives you soft, even lighting.
The MagSphere is a rubber bulb-like structure you stick over your flashgun. It’s compatible with any flash. But you do need the MagGrip 2 to attach it securely. It’s best to buy the MagGrip and MagSphere combo.
The material and shape of the MagSphere help to give you professional lighting results. You get softer, more even lighting in the scene. It removes harsh shadows, and it spreads the light wider and further. It actually increases flash efficiency, allowing you to get more shots from the flash battery.
6. Neewer Flash Diffuser Reflector
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
8.5 x 7.1 x 0.2 inch / 21.6 x 18 x 0.5 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.04 lb / 20 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Reflector
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Two reflective surfaces, universal compatibility
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers looking for a reflector-type diffuser
|
The Neewer Flash Diffuser Reflector is the best reflector diffuser for photographers. It’s a simple and affordable piece of kit. But it increases your creative options when you’re using flash lighting.
You strap the reflector to your flashgun using the elastic strap. The reflective surface reflects downwards at 90 degrees. This means you can point the flash above or to the side of your subject, and the reflector sends diffused light onto your scene.
This Neewer gadget comes with two reflective surfaces. There’s a white surface for bright light. And there’s a silver foil-lined surface for more subdued lighting.
It takes up no space, so you’ll have no storage issues. And it weighs practically nothing. It’s also an inexpensive piece of equipment that makes a big impact on your photography lighting.
7. Neewer Hard Flash Diffuser
| Brand |
Brand
Neewer
|
| Dimensions |
Dimensions
6.7 x 4.7 x 1.3 inch / 11.7 x 12 x 3.3 cm
|
| Weight |
Weight
0.04 lb / 20 g
|
| Diffuser Type |
Diffuser Type
Flash cap
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Simple, easy-to-use design
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers in need of a simple diffuser
|
The Neewer Hard Flash Diffuser is one of the simplest options. It’s a hard plastic diffuser that fits on the end of your flashgun. In terms of light spread, it’s most similar to an undiffused flashlight. But it diffuses the intensity, giving you gentler and more subtle lighting.
Due to the fact the diffuser needs a snug fit around the flash, it doesn’t have universal compatibility. You can only use it with Neewer TT560 and TT520 flashguns.
It’s a small and compact piece of gear. It’s small enough to carry in your pocket. And it’s also affordable for photographers on the tightest of budgets. It’s a small investment that goes a long way in transforming your photography lighting.
FAQs—Best Flash Diffusers
Finding the best flash diffuser for photography isn’t always easy. That’s why we’ve answered some FAQs on the subject to provide more useful information.
What Does a Flash Diffuser Do?
A flash diffuser is a piece of photography equipment that covers your camera flash. They are made of different materials, but they are always translucent. They are not completely see-through, but light can pass through.
Light from a flash gun can be bright and harsh. This creates hard shadows and areas of glare. But when you use a diffuser, the light from the flash is softer and looks more natural. You don’t get harsh shadows, and the illumination is more even across the scene. When used well, you can create natural-looking light in a studio setting.
What Types of Photography Do You Use Flash Diffusers For?
The first thing to note is that you can use flash diffusers for on-camera and off-camera flash photography.
Portrait photographers commonly use flash diffusers. A naked flash can make your subject’s lighting look too bright and intense. You might get reflections and glare from their skin. And the bright light creates dramatic shadows on their face and behind their head.
A flash diffuser gives you softer and more even lighting. It illuminates the face evenly, removing unwanted shadows. And you get even illumination around the head and in other areas of the shot.
Wedding photography also requires flash diffusers. They are useful for indoor sections of the event as you don’t get reflections from mirrors or windows. It’s a useful tool for wedding portraits. And it’s a must-have piece of gear for weddings when the sun goes down.
Product photography is another profession where you see diffusers being used. The even lighting of a diffused flash helps you set the scene you need to promote the product. It helps you display the product in its best light.
Flash diffusers are also used in food photography. Similar to product photography, diffusers allow you to show your food in a flattering light. A naked flash can make some food look too wet and greasy. But diffused light makes it look appetizing and delicious.
What Is the Difference Between a Flash Diffuser and a Softbox?
Flash diffusers and softboxes share some similarities. They both help photographers achieve even lighting for studio and outdoor photography.
But generally, a flash diffuser attaches to your flashgun, while a softbox is used for off-camera lighting. This isn’t a fixed rule because the Altura Photo Flash Diffuser is a softbox. But this softbox attaches to your on-camera flash, making it a diffuser.
You can see our full article on the best softboxes for photography if you want more information. Photography umbrellas are another similar tool for enhanced photography lighting.
Conclusion: The Best Camera Diffusers
A flash diffuser is an essential piece of gear if you’re shooting portrait, product, or food photography. And the best camera diffusers are also essential if you’re getting started with wedding photography.
The Altura Photo Flash Diffuser Softbox is our top pick as the best flash diffuser. It’s simple, reliable, and affordable. It’s a great piece of kit to have in your setup. And it’s a simple tool that will transform your photography lighting.