REVIEW - Graslon Spark 4500 Flash Diffuser
Posted: January 19th, 2013, 7:38 pm
I had some free time, so I thought I'd write up a quick review on Graslon's latest product, the Spark. The Spark is a pop-up flash diffuser, that mounts via the hot shoe on your DSLR. The idea is to bounce the light from the flash around the mirrors on the interior of the Spark and then project them outward through a piece of opaque plastic, creating a larger light source that is softened. The photo below (that I graciously borrowed from Graslon) shows this idea.
1079233913 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
I received my Spark about two weeks ago via UPS/USPS Mail Innovations after purchasing the product off Amazon for $34.99. Shipping was free and fast, showing up at my door 5 days after my order was confirmed. It was shipped in a standard cardboard box, and inside that was a white cardboard box from Graslon. Inside this box was another box (just kidding, it was the Spark). It was bubble wrapped, and an instruction booklet was provided. I'm not sure these instructions were necessary, considering you just slide the Spark into the hot shoe, but hey, it was nice of them.
The Spark is made of what seems to be molded plastic, very lightweight, but doesn't feel extremely sturdy. I wouldn't pick my camera up by it for sure. The white plastic in the front appears to come off, but I'm afraid to try in fear of snapping something unintentionally.
Overall Construction - 8/10
DSC_2785 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2788 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2789 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2791 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
The Spark performs much better than expected. The image quality makes it well worth the price. The Spark effectively softens shadows, and reduces glare considerably. I have not had this out for herping yet, due to lack of activity, but I anticipate it performing exceptionally well, especially when photographing amphibians. I will update once I get it in the field. I've taken a sample photo of an unattractive vase I had to show the shadows, or lack thereof.
Performance- 10/10; Best you could ask for from a pop-up flash.
Without the Spark
DSC_2780 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
Nikon D70s
Nikon 50mm AF-D
1/125th
f/3.2
ISO 500
With the Spark
DSC_2775 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
Nikon D70s
Nikon 50mm AF-D
1/125th
f/1.8
ISO 500
In conclusion, I think the Spark is an excellent product that is well worth the cost. It makes the most of the pop-up flash, and effectively diffuses the light from it. I recommend this to anyone that is in the market for a pop-up diffuser, who lacks the funds for a speedlite such as a SB-600 or 430 ex, etc. Kudos to Graslon.
1079233913 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
I received my Spark about two weeks ago via UPS/USPS Mail Innovations after purchasing the product off Amazon for $34.99. Shipping was free and fast, showing up at my door 5 days after my order was confirmed. It was shipped in a standard cardboard box, and inside that was a white cardboard box from Graslon. Inside this box was another box (just kidding, it was the Spark). It was bubble wrapped, and an instruction booklet was provided. I'm not sure these instructions were necessary, considering you just slide the Spark into the hot shoe, but hey, it was nice of them.
The Spark is made of what seems to be molded plastic, very lightweight, but doesn't feel extremely sturdy. I wouldn't pick my camera up by it for sure. The white plastic in the front appears to come off, but I'm afraid to try in fear of snapping something unintentionally.
Overall Construction - 8/10
DSC_2785 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2788 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2789 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
DSC_2791 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
The Spark performs much better than expected. The image quality makes it well worth the price. The Spark effectively softens shadows, and reduces glare considerably. I have not had this out for herping yet, due to lack of activity, but I anticipate it performing exceptionally well, especially when photographing amphibians. I will update once I get it in the field. I've taken a sample photo of an unattractive vase I had to show the shadows, or lack thereof.
Performance- 10/10; Best you could ask for from a pop-up flash.
Without the Spark
DSC_2780 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
Nikon D70s
Nikon 50mm AF-D
1/125th
f/3.2
ISO 500
With the Spark
DSC_2775 by Dalton Lund, on Flickr
Nikon D70s
Nikon 50mm AF-D
1/125th
f/1.8
ISO 500
In conclusion, I think the Spark is an excellent product that is well worth the cost. It makes the most of the pop-up flash, and effectively diffuses the light from it. I recommend this to anyone that is in the market for a pop-up diffuser, who lacks the funds for a speedlite such as a SB-600 or 430 ex, etc. Kudos to Graslon.