. It's a variation of SteB1's cup diffuser. He's one of the most brilliant macro experts I've met online!The front of the diffuser does tend to get in the way when i try to approach my subjects. I trimmed a bit off the PP material on the front and the side but ended up with light spill, resulting in part of the image being brighter than the rest of the image. The affected area is normally on the sides.
The solution, is, however, really simple.
40D, MPE65 lens, MT24EX Twin Flash, DIY Diffuser
I use 3M medical tape to hold the concave diffuser onto the MT24EX adatper, but you can use moldable plastic to DIY a better and more secure way of holding the diffuser in place.
While i've trimmed away the front and side of the transparent PP material, I left the polystyrene protruding beyond the transparent housing.
40D, MPE65 lens, MT24EX Twin Flash, DIY Diffuser
Sometimes I bend the polystyrene sheet back a little to prevent light spill and to prevent the background from becoming too bright, or to prevent the diffuser from getting in the way.
40D, MPE65 lens, MT24EX Twin Flash, DIY Diffuser
MT24EX is lighter and more hassle free to use than a diffused speedlight on a flash bracket, but more expensive. With the MT24EX, when the working distance changes from 4 inches (1:1) to 2 inches (3:1), all I need to do is the click the flash heads all the way down. I normally leave it at one click up when shooting at anything between 1:1 to 2:1.
A diffused speedlight on a flash bracket is, of course, slightly heavier.
Weight aside, it is really troublesome to have to adjust the ballheads to re-position your diffuser when the working distance changes! Of course, you don't always have to use the 580EX II / 430EX (or equivalence). The 270EX will work just fine, as demonstrated in these great macro rigs from my friends.
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I've played with similar things but as you said it gets in they way sometimes. Definitely gives good lighting though.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I've made a few diffusers over the years and I used to make "light tunnels" and reflectors by laminating mylar film in an A4 laminator. Try it. The laminating pouch bonds well with the mylar. Then cut out your parts. You can make your own carnival mirrors :)
It rarely gets in the way once you get the hang of it, esp since after making the minor improvements.
ReplyDeleteKurt,
ReplyDeletePlease call me to discuss the use of your images in a McGraw-Hill textbook. This week my number is 614-750-7212 or email me at bredt_covitz@mcgraw-hill.com . I am moving locations next week and my number will change and don't know the new number.
I sent some of your images to our designer to see if they are interested in you work. I thought i would open communication with you incase they like the images. let me know asap
Bredt Covitz
Image Specialist l 614.750.7212 l 614.750.7373 (fax)
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ReplyDeleteKurt, thanks for your inspiring website and practical advice.
ReplyDeleteIt's 'back to work' for me, after a long stand-still.
Thanks, Albin. Welcome back!
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