For any commercial assignments, a good source of artificial light is as essential as carrying a camera. In last few years use of high intensity battery powered flash lights has become very popular due to the convenience factor. Similarly, light modifier specifically designed for these lights are in great demand. Manufacturer are consistently inventing new technologies to make the workflow simpler. One such product which is in huge demand for its ease of use and quality is Magmod. I have seen this product with many wedding and outdoor photographers who are involved in fashion photography.
Sometimes back when I was in Mumbai for CEIF 2018, I consistently noticed huge footfall in Magmod stall. Out of curiosity I went in and had a look. Immediately it appears to me as a premium flash accessory and I felt like taking one for myself. I approached Anish George and he agreed to provide me a Professional Kit along with a Snoot for testing.
It’s been a while since I am using this in almost all my commercial assignments. As an Architectural and Industrial Photographer, I don’t come across any Fashion Photography assignments. So here is my assessment about Magmod from a “Non-Fashion Photography” prospective.
Flash modifiers gives you lots of options to control the shape and dynamics of your lights. In my opinion use of artificial lights should not be apparent on the images. In past I have used many different kinds of modifiers, (some with Velcro, some with tapes which often use to be messy) to achieve this, however ease of use was one of the key issue in all the cases. Magmod works in magnetic technique. Maggrip which is mounted on top of the flash, allow the accessories to stick on to it. It takes only few second to mount on to your flash. I used it on both Nikon SB 910 and Godox AD 200 without any difficulty.
There are various accessories, like Magsphere, Maggrid, Magbounce, Magsnoot, Maggel with different purpose of use which can be mounted on the Maggrip in just a moment.
Magmod impressed me right from the beginning. The packing, the feel and the quality of the product is quite professional.
There was a bit of apprehension about the magnet being used in the Maggrip to hold the modifiers. Is it going to damage the electronics and the cause issue with the memory in the card? Magmog says, Maggrip is equipped with rare-earth neodymium magnet which is super strong in terms of holding power, however it causes no damage to any electronics equipment. So far, I have not faced any issue of this sort.
Since most of it is made out of silicon rubber, it is easily foldable which gives you the comfort of carrying it in a small package.
There is a misconception that this product is particularly designed to be used by Wedding or Fashion photographers. Here are some of the images in which I have used various modifiers of Magmod.
I never recommend using flash directly. Not even mounted on the camera. Always use modifiers and you will be amazed with the result. Though it may sound little expensive at the first impression, but trust me, to add some extra punch to your images, you need to invest. And it is worth spending.