Macro Flash Diffuser

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 15-04-2011, 06:13 PM

Flash diffusers love 'em or hate 'em. I have been trying to make one using three long larger cans in a Y-shape but having emptied them, if I mess up I need three more ..........
Any hoo, I found this one on the interweb DIY Macro Flash Diffuser - Dyxum forums - Page 1

jaybie · #2 (**permalink**) 15-04-2011, 09:16 PM

Isn't it just easier to use the flash off the camera

JohnB

DaiTheDragon · #3 (**permalink**) 16-04-2011, 07:37 PM

To be honest I can't understand why people who spend hundreds of pounds on camera equipment can't be bothered to spend around £20/30 for a proper diffuser.

Dai

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 16-04-2011, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiTheDragon

To be honest I can't understand why people who spend hundreds of pounds on camera equipment can't be bothered to spend around £20/30 for a proper diffuser.

Dai

Quite agree Dai.

JohnB It's still advisable to use diffuse flash for macro even with the flash off camera.

nightshade · #5 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 08:08 AM

Too many photographers take having money to buy equipment for granted I post ideas that may encourage those whose pockets are less deep to have a go, these dimensions could be scaled down to allow use with the pop up flash.

Bruce Williams · #6 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 08:48 AM

Thanks for the tip nightshade

.

Personally I would prefer to buy as I don't particularly enjoy making things, but...

Does anyone know of any commercially produced diffuser heads that are purpose designed for macro? Most manufactured units I've seen cannot be directed downwards enough for really close-up work or cast a shadow of the lens into the frame.

I mainly use a Nikon D300 with diffused SB-R1 speedlight system for macro but I would dearly like to get hold of a (largish head) macro diffuser for use with a camera mounted SB600 flash head - something like the handmade unit in nightshades link (with a larger head maybe).

Re nightshade's later comment - yes a diffuser unit for use with pop-up flash would be useful (particularly if it could be designed to fold flat for transport.

Bruce

nightshade · #7 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 05:06 PM

Look for diffusers on AMAZON there are plenty starting at £3.99 they are probably also available at other photographic outlets. Amazon.co.uk: Flash diffusers Photography

glsammy · #8 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaiTheDragon

To be honest I can't understand why people who spend hundreds of pounds on camera equipment can't be bothered to spend around £20/30 for a proper diffuser.

Dai

I can understand it. Whilst I use a commercial diffuser with my 150mm macro lens, the commercial ones for the MT-24 simply don't work well enough. The only ones I've seen are the Stofen type, which to be brutal are next to useless at such high magnification.
The fact Canon don't supply one I find really strange. They love to rip us all off with expensive accessories, yet fail to offer any form of diffusion for their most expensive macro flash unit.

For this reason I've made my own BUT it actually involves two commercial ones adapted just for the MT-24.
It all depends what the posters means by macro!

Bruce Williams · #9 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 07:55 PM

nightshade - Thank you for your suggestions and link - however I think you may have missed my point.

My original post read: "Does anyone know of any commercially produced diffuser heads that are purpose designed for macro? Most manufactured units I've seen cannot be directed downwards enough for really close-up work or cast a shadow of the lens into the frame."

I'm aware that there exists an almost limitless variety of flash-head diffusers available for purchase on the internet. I own several types that work very well for portraiture and general low-light photography. However IMO these diffusers are almost universally unsuitable for macro work.

I also wrote: I would dearly like to get hold of a (largish head) macro diffuser for use with a camera mounted SB600 flash head - something like the handmade unit in nightshades link (with a larger head maybe).

My point was/is, that (surprisingly?) there seems no real alternative open to the serious macro photographer but to build their own custom diffuser.

..and as I'm not that good at cobbling things together I was hoping that someone might know of a source of flash-head diffusers designed specifically for macro use.

Bruce

glsammy · #10 (**permalink**) 17-04-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce Williams

My point was/is, that (surprisingly?) there seems no real alternative open to the serious macro photographer but to build their own custom diffuser.

..and as I'm not that good at cobbling things together I was hoping that someone might know of a source of flash-head diffusers designed specifically for macro use.

Bruce

When you've found one make sure you let me know where they are!

The point I made about the MT-24 applies just as much to traditional flash heads when using in macro mode. The stofen slip on type are just about useless but that's all you see. I have a Lambency diffuser which does work well with my Sigma 150mm but for macro lenses that need to get closer I doubt it would work well, although I've no knowledge of anyone who's tried them.