Flash diffuser question.
Jul 2, 2016 17:51:07 #
I'm using a 6x9-inch diffuser on my Sony speedlight. I hope that they all look and work pretty much the same.
My question is, what 'zoom' setting do those of you using a similar setup use to get the best results? Mine goes from 24mm to 105mm.
My question is, what 'zoom' setting do those of you using a similar setup use to get the best results? Mine goes from 24mm to 105mm.
Jul 2, 2016 20:44:04 #
First, I strongly recommend that you set your speedlight to Manual, and set starting power just above mid-output.
Second, deploy the drop-down diffuser in front of your flash lens. (On my Nissin Di866 and Nikon SB-600 speedlights, this automatically sets speedlight coverage to widest angle, which is what you want).
Third, if not automatic, then set speedlight coverage to widest (this is for best even diffusion).
Fourth, inside your softbox diffuser, you should find an internal white cloth diffuser on one side, which you can stretch to the other side via Velcro buttons.
My camera is set at ISO 200, 1/200-sec at f/16. This rarely (practically never) changes.
I adjust my exposure by increasing speedlight output for dark subjects, and decreasing for light-colored subjects.
Reviewing your camera LCD after first exposure, will get you in the ballpark.
Second, deploy the drop-down diffuser in front of your flash lens. (On my Nissin Di866 and Nikon SB-600 speedlights, this automatically sets speedlight coverage to widest angle, which is what you want).
Third, if not automatic, then set speedlight coverage to widest (this is for best even diffusion).
Fourth, inside your softbox diffuser, you should find an internal white cloth diffuser on one side, which you can stretch to the other side via Velcro buttons.
My camera is set at ISO 200, 1/200-sec at f/16. This rarely (practically never) changes.
I adjust my exposure by increasing speedlight output for dark subjects, and decreasing for light-colored subjects.
Reviewing your camera LCD after first exposure, will get you in the ballpark.
Jul 2, 2016 22:05:32 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Same here, although I have been using f/11 a lot. Not much difference between f/11 and f/16. I prefer f/11 on overcast days.First, I strongly recommend that you set your spee... (show quote)
Jul 3, 2016 05:48:16 #
Jul 3, 2016 15:46:13 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thanks, I'm using manual on the speedlight (and focus) I'll add the drop-down diffuser and the the white cloth diffuser to the mix.First, I strongly recommend that you set your speedlight to Manual, and set starting power just above mid-output.
I usually can shoot 1/250 @ f11 ISO 200 with the set-up as it is now. I'll see what the additional diffusion does to the exposure but I don't expect much change, just better light.
I've been setting the exposure by changing the speedlight output already so I'll continue that.
I'm thinking of picking up an inexpensive flash (Neewer or Yongnuo ???) with a higher guide number, maybe 60. (my Sony is 43)
Jul 3, 2016 18:22:02 #
rwilson1942 wrote:
Adding these two layers of diffusion will even your illumination corner-to-corner to your diffuser face, softening subject shadowsI'll add the drop-down diffuser and the the white cloth diffuser to the mix.
rwilson1942 wrote:
Several macro-photographers on this forum are quite pleased with Yongnuo speedlights. Remember that you will be using Manual settings, so quite often older (aka used) speedlights perform just fine for macro-photography. Also, higher GN = faster recycle time.I'm thinking of picking up an inexpensive flash (Neewer or Yongnuo ???) with a higher guide number, maybe 60.
Jul 3, 2016 19:35:35 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Several macro-photographers on this forum are quite pleased with Yongnuo speedlights. Remember that you will be using Manual settings, so quite often older (aka used) speedlights perform just fine for macro-photography. Also, higher GN = faster recycle time.
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