5 Best Camera Flash Diffusers - July 2022

Updated September 2021

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Bottom Line

Pros

Cons

Best of the Best

Altura Photo

Flash Diffuser Light Softbox

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Bottom Line

Large diffuser box that will fit most styles of external flash units securely, all at a reasonable price.

Pros

Diffuser attaches to the head of the flash with a Velcro strap to ensure a tight fit and to limit light leakage. Offered in three different sizes for various photography needs. Entire diffuser folds down to a small size so you can carry it easily in a camera bag. Should fit most flash units that attach to a hot shoe.

Cons

Aimed more at photographers with some experience with a mid-range price point.

Best Bang for the Buck

It may look a little silly, but this bag style diffuser gets the job done for all kinds of flash photos.

Pros

Looks like a small pouch, so it will fit nicely over most external flash units. Small and compact, making it easy to carry with you anywhere it's needed. Shape of the pouch can be molded to fit even odd shaped flash units. Stays in place well in windy conditions, which can be a problem for flat diffusers.

Cons

Thicker materials than some other diffusers, so it may end up blocking too much light or not spreading it as evenly as you'd like.

Very simple flash diffuser that cleanly and securely fits onto any brand of flash unit that fits on a hot shoe.

Pros

Extremely low price point for a diffuser that's made for simple photographs making use of a hot shoe flash. Small diffuser that's easy to carry to any photography job. Also includes a reflector on the opposite side for convenience. Photographers of any skill level can successfully deploy this model.

Cons

Doesn't diffuse the light as efficiently as a softbox style of diffuser, so not made for detailed studio work.

Extremely low price for a simple diffuser that will work on many different external camera flash units.

Pros

Securely attaches to almost any flash unit with a sturdy elastic strap. Works nicely for simple photography jobs, even for beginners. Very small and flat size, so it can be carried anywhere. Gives you a reflector on the other side of the diffuser for a convenient and inexpensive two-in-one tool.

Cons

Not the most durable model. Not made for precise photography work where the light must be perfect.

Neewer

Flash Diffuser Light Softbox

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Bottom Line

Reasonable price point for a softbox style of flash diffuser that is compatible with most hot shoe flash units.

Pros

Folds down to a flat size, so you can carry it anywhere in a camera bag. Will fit around the end of an external flash unit tightly, preventing light leakage. Although it's made more for photographers working in a studio, its design is simple enough that almost anyone can attach and use it successfully.

Cons

Smaller than some other softbox style diffusers and only one size offered. Durability is questionable.

HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Camera flash diffusers are external flash add-ons that help to soften or spread out the flash, which results in a more flattering light for the subject. It can also limit shadows that an external flash can create. When shopping for a diffuser, try to find one that is adjustable enough to fit a number of different kinds of external flashes. You want a tight enough fit so that you limit your light leakage. Does it fold down easily so it fits in a camera bag? How durable is it? Also, consider the diffuser rule of thumb: The larger the diffuser, the softer the light you’ll end up with.

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