Crystal Ball Challenge

[Aaron]

For those of you who might not know, there is an active Crystal Ball Challenge going on; so dust off your balls and get cracking!

http://365project.org/discuss/themes-competitions/11292/crystal-globe-trotter-challenge

[Gark]

Can anyone recommend a specific crystal ball for photography? I have been looking around but don't know what is actually good. Any specific recommendations including manufacturer and size would be appreciated. They look like they are fun to use which means I really want one! Thanks in advance!

[Laura]

@gark -- I've been wondering the same thing myself!

[Aaron]

@gark This is the one I picked up (110mm), and honestly it is a little bigger than I would like. Amazon has a TON of selections though, all VERY reasonably priced.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000PN675E/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details

[Leonie Mogridge]

I had a look on Amazon, but they don't, ship that particular product to Australia. Found an 80 cm one on eBay (Amazon had the 80cm as well)

[Achilleos]

I actually went out to buy one last weekend after seeing some amazing shots on this site, couldn’t find one anywhere. So off to Amazon I think..

[Miley]

I managed to find one in my local market, they've a crystal, stone, incense sort of stall there, It was kind of an accident to just stumble upon it when I wasn't even looking for one. I've done a few shots, but not managed a good one yet I don't think. It's 60mm and it's probably just a bit smaller than a tennis ball.

[Sabrina]

I bought mine in Shanghai's so called antique street. Nothing special but it works well and I payed only about 8 Euros ...

[Sheila]

Mind is 80mm. Bought it from a vendor on e-bay and am very happy with the size. Large enough to go nearly full frame with it and small enough to be manageable for handling with one hand.

[limpet365]

@sdpace @swguevin

Quick question - what are your globes made of?

There seem to be both glass and acrylic ones available. The acrylic ones are much cheaper, but I don't know if they would give the same crystal-clear effect for photography?

Any thoughts? Thanks :)

[Stacy ♥ DOF]

@limpet365 mine is glass, and it is smaller than most. i went to Hobby Lobby and found an ugly spinning windchime thing with the ball in it - bought it for $8, took the ball and trashed the rest. I like the smaller one because it fits nicely in my bag or pocket.

Of course they don't have any product pics on their website, but it was something similar to these: http://www.fiveacrewindchimes.com/cyclonespinners.html

[Aaron]

Brilliant idea from @sdpace, the one I have (110mm) is honestly much bigger and heavier than needed. I might spring for a smaller one. I find that mine is so large I tend to leave it behind rather than take it along; a smaller one would be with me all of the time :)

[Sheila]

@limpet365 Mine is actually clear quartz stone. So very "crystal" and very heavy for its size.

[limpet365]

@swguevin @sdpace Thanks for the info :)

@sdpace I'm gonna keep an eye out for ugly windchime/mobiles unless a find a good quality reasonably priced globe first!

[Lisa]

Mine is a 80mm crystal ball, it is quite heavy (for it's size) but easy to handle. I have had mine for about 10 years, I brought it of eBay for about $20.