Light rings vs. flash diffusered heads
May 12, 2013 21:33:12 #
Early on I was aware of flash rings - now looking at the single - large 8X8 or so - single and dual boxed diffused
heads I am wondering if I would be wasting my time and $$ with the ring. Would using a flash/lighting reflector help with this?
As I do see possible shadow problems from the direct forward flash compared to the slightly angled over head single and deal side angle lighting.
I was going with the Pringle can DIY version with a 45% or so angled diffused lens end for my pop up flash.
heads I am wondering if I would be wasting my time and $$ with the ring. Would using a flash/lighting reflector help with this?
As I do see possible shadow problems from the direct forward flash compared to the slightly angled over head single and deal side angle lighting.
I was going with the Pringle can DIY version with a 45% or so angled diffused lens end for my pop up flash.
May 12, 2013 22:24:16 #
Look down about half way on this page http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-3.html of the set ups and you can see my home made diffuser for when I used pop up flash. Simple to make and gives you plenty of light. You can still wrap a coffee filter around the flash also. You still have to learn how to adjust your flash. When you start looking into speedlites check out the yongnuo, very affordable and it's all I need to get the results you see
May 12, 2013 22:33:14 #
I use a very small SB400-- it sells for around $130.00. it has no controls on the back other than on and off. I control the flash output through the camera's menu... typically starting at 1/4 manual power. The Yongnuo is used by a lot of macro photographers-- I've never used one-- but I would definitely trust Fstop22's opinion.
May 12, 2013 23:02:04 #
fstop22 wrote:
Yes - the DIY snoot flash diffuser is what I have in mind- my first test shot using a double strip of milk bottle plastic over the pop up flash I ended up with a small amount of lens shadow. I well understand the tapered snoot theory.Look down about half way on this page http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-3.html of the set ups and you can see my home made diffuser for when I used pop up flash. Simple to make and gives you plenty of light. You can still wrap a coffee filter around the flash also. You still have to learn how to adjust your flash. When you start looking into speedlites check out the yongnuo, very affordable and it's all I need to get the results you see
May 13, 2013 07:38:58 #
Harvey, have you seen Nikonian72's new set-up? In it he is using a softbox instead of the O-Flash he was using for too many years to count. He posted pics about two weeks ago- you could try a search or PM him for the link. :)
May 13, 2013 11:37:05 #
I bought a ring flash and to be honest (although I have no experience whatsoever) it's only been out of the box once.
I started with a home made diffuser and latterly have the same looking diffuser as Nikonian has. I think the latter is what I'm going to use as it's super portable and will survive field trips which my home made one (well made though it is) won't.
I'll give the ring flash another go when the sun finally comes out here in the UK and there is something other than woodlice and grumpy spiders to photograph.
I started with a home made diffuser and latterly have the same looking diffuser as Nikonian has. I think the latter is what I'm going to use as it's super portable and will survive field trips which my home made one (well made though it is) won't.
I'll give the ring flash another go when the sun finally comes out here in the UK and there is something other than woodlice and grumpy spiders to photograph.
May 13, 2013 13:30:17 #
Db7423 wrote:
I have used my $35 O-Flash diffuser for about 3-years. It leaves a subtle, but distinctive reflection on shiny surfaces, whereas my $15 overhead softbox diffuser set-up does not. The softbox set-up is more cumbersome then the O-Flash. I cannot use the overhead softbox when photographing insects on a vertical surface, like a tree trunk or a wall, whereas the O-Flash works perfectly. They each have their pros & cons.Harvey, have you seen Nikonian72's new set-up? In it he is using a softbox instead of the O-Flash he was using for too many years to count. He posted pics about two weeks ago- you could try a search or PM him for the link. :)
O-Flash Field Set-Up
Softbox Field Set-Up
May 13, 2013 13:33:33 #
I have a ring light (not ring flash) and a speedlite and use both at the same time. The ring light helps me get a better focus and seems to help reduce some of the shadow when taking the pic using the diffused flash overhead. The ring light is not strong enough to replace the flash.
May 13, 2013 21:35:46 #
It looks like I will be doing some serious time in my shop putting together a couple flash diffuser lite systems for my pop up till I come up with a good hot shoe flash head.
Not in a hurry for that yet -still putting the macro kit together and testing.
Not in a hurry for that yet -still putting the macro kit together and testing.
May 14, 2013 09:07:11 #
Go through the cheapest DIY versions first before spending money on commercial versions. Learn how to take the images with the DIY and you will understand the effects of lighting and what you want. I had a Vivitar speedlight, I then modified a flash bracket, (page 4 of the macro setup) added a ring light ($20 used) added a diffuser ($6). I have seen the setups with ball joints, brackets and multiple flashes, but since I am still learning how to take the photographs with what I have, I am not going to buy anything else. In all photography light is the first consideration. Try modifying a Pringles can (it has a reflective interior) to your popup flash to extend the light over the lens.
May 14, 2013 09:25:39 #
Harvey wrote:
It looks like I will be doing some serious time in my shop putting together a couple flash diffuser lite systems for my pop up till I come up with a good hot shoe flash head.
Not in a hurry for that yet -still putting the macro kit together and testing.
Not in a hurry for that yet -still putting the macro kit together and testing.
Harvey: someone posted specific directions on constructing a flash diffuser out of a cardboard box. I believe it's in the set-up string.
I have two suggestions: a good quality paper towel is better at diffusing than the packing material that I used to use. For the reflective surface, I would recommend spraying it with a white gloss paint rather than aluminum foil-- the quality of light is softer in my experience. I have about five of these. Bigger is better (6"x8" ) however you have to balance size with "sneakability"-- you will scare away more insects with the larger box.
Initially, I was just happy to get insects on digital; now I want the best I can manage-- so I would rather miss the shot than get something I'm not satisfied with. Here's a thought: I would delete it anyway.
Best.
May 14, 2013 11:48:09 #
Thanks for the replies
As I did use diffusers on my flash heads at times when shooting film SLR I am familiar with the way it works and the need for it. I used a white handkerchief in those days.
I am defiantly going to build at least 3 of these DIY set ups.
The Pringle tube - a small frame ( 4X6) and a large frame ( 6X8) I have been looking at the ones on the Macro site and have come up with a couple plans in my mind - just have to see how they turn out. - I have lots of time on my hands. LOL
Thanks for the tip on white paint & paper towel. I am thinking of fabric from a T shirt.
As I did use diffusers on my flash heads at times when shooting film SLR I am familiar with the way it works and the need for it. I used a white handkerchief in those days.
I am defiantly going to build at least 3 of these DIY set ups.
The Pringle tube - a small frame ( 4X6) and a large frame ( 6X8) I have been looking at the ones on the Macro site and have come up with a couple plans in my mind - just have to see how they turn out. - I have lots of time on my hands. LOL
Thanks for the tip on white paint & paper towel. I am thinking of fabric from a T shirt.
May 14, 2013 12:11:48 #
Harvey wrote:
Harvey, hope you will show us what you come up with and let us know how your projects work out. :)I am defiantly going to build at least 3 of these DIY set ups.
The Pringle tube - a small frame ( 4X6) and a large frame ( 6X8) I have been looking at the ones on the Macro site and have come up with a couple plans in my mind - just have to see how they turn out. - I have lots of time on my hands. LOL
Thanks for the tip on white paint & paper towel. I am thinking of fabric from a T shirt.
The Pringle tube - a small frame ( 4X6) and a large frame ( 6X8) I have been looking at the ones on the Macro site and have come up with a couple plans in my mind - just have to see how they turn out. - I have lots of time on my hands. LOL
Thanks for the tip on white paint & paper towel. I am thinking of fabric from a T shirt.
May 14, 2013 18:34:54 #
Db7423 wrote:
I defiantly will post my set ups as soon as I can make them and test them I will be using a lot from the images posted on the True Macro forum.Harvey, hope you will show us what you come up with and let us know how your projects work out. :)
I received my 4 direction rail today - ya hand held and tripod/mono pod shots a doable but not for my shaky hands.
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