21/02/10

When using flashguns many photographers use accessories (such as gels, bounce cards, snoots and flags) to modify the light output from their flashguns. These items are often attached to the flashgun with elastic bands, hair scrunchies, tape or Velcro. The Honl Speed Strap is a commercial product that does the same job.

I’d been using velcro strips stuck to my flashguns and also tried hair scrunchies to hold a bounce card or gels in place. These had generally worked but were fiddly and sometimes unreliable. So, at a cost of less than £10, I thought I’d give the Honl Speed Strap a try.

The Honl Speed Strap is about 4 cm wide (1.5 in) and 30 cm long (12 in). It is the right size to fit most flashguns and for Canon users it will be fine for either a 580EX or 430EX Speedlite. One side of the strap has a textured rubberised coating. This side grips against the flashgun stopping the strap from slipping off. It’s very effective and secure. The other side is covered in Velcro to allow for the attachment of gels and modifiers. It’s well made and looks more professional than home-made options.

The strap can be attached in seconds and is much more secure than a ‘do it yourself’ fixing system. It provides a large and secure base for adding accessories and doesn’t mark the flashgun. There’s a wide range of light modifiers available from Honl Professional and these are also of high quality

If you wish to use your flashgun for a ‘bare bulb’ effect then a Sto-Fen Omni Bounce can fit on a Canon Speedlite 580EX in front of the Honl Speed Strap without needing to remove the strap. The smaller head of the Speedlite 430EX doesn’t quite allow this.

So, is it worth shelling out for? Well, for ages I’d resisted buying one as I thought it was rather expensive compared to a couple of elastic bands or scrunchies. Having succumbed, I’m glad I switched. It’s much more effective, more reliable and looks more professional. If you choose to buy into the Honl range of accessories then the costs will start to mount up but they are quality products that get the job done effectively and efficiently.

Overall Rating: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Value for money: 4/5
Build quality: 5/5