Macro Flash Diffuser - DIY vs. Manufactured?
Nov 8, 2013 14:41:08 #
I notice that quite a few of the macro setups posted on UHH feature homemade diffusers. What are the advantages to a homemade diffuser as opposed to a wide softbox (6" by 8" approx) such as those sold by Lumiquest or Fotodiox? Or vice versa?
Nov 8, 2013 15:17:41 #
there are a few that use paper towels as diffuser so they make the box to hold it, seems to work well, I haven't tried it yet
Nov 8, 2013 15:50:30 #
Yes, I understand what diffusers do. The question was not which look nicer or about cost, but what are the advantages, such as performance, between manufactured and homemade. Actually, the Fotodiox flash mount soft box is under $10, so this question is not at all about money. Hoping to hear from folks who have experimented with both kinds of diffusers and can address advantages and disadvantages of each.
I believe, for example, that Nikonian72 uses a manufactured product, whereas Blurryeyed and Fstop22 use homemade. I suspect that they (and many others) have insight into this question.
I believe, for example, that Nikonian72 uses a manufactured product, whereas Blurryeyed and Fstop22 use homemade. I suspect that they (and many others) have insight into this question.
Nov 8, 2013 18:12:24 #
LiamRowan wrote:
I think the proof is in the pudding as they say. I still use the paper towel to diffuse the light because it diffuses the light just a tad better. The toughest part of any subject is the reflective areas that reflect light. With the paper towel these areas are a little less blown out. I've used the store bought one you mentioned for a couple of days and easily went back to the paper towel as I liked the results better. Mind you we are talking minute difference and your eye will only pick these up as you progress thru macro. Also remember the bigger the diffuser the softer the light, with making your own you can experiment with different sizes/6by8/8by10 and different depths, 4 inches 5 inches 6inches.. These little adjustments will all make a difference.I believe, for example, that Nikonian72 uses a manufactured product, whereas Blurryeyed and Fstop22 use homemade. I suspect that they (and many others) have insight into this question.
Nov 8, 2013 19:14:05 #
Look at that big ugly one Thomas Shahan uses.... If DIY is good enough for him...it's certainly good enough for me. I've used both. I like the look of a diffused paper towel-- which I believe I picked up from f/stop22. Hangman is another who I believe uses a commercially made softbox....
Nov 8, 2013 22:40:08 #
This is what LordV came up with. His work speaks for its self: http://www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/72157594312315664
I have always used the manufactured ones for ease of transport.
I have always used the manufactured ones for ease of transport.
Nov 9, 2013 01:36:30 #
LiamRowan wrote:
I apologize for the rude tone to you in an earlier post on your thread. The poster is NOT a macro-photographer, and has NEVER previously posted on this forum. I have removed his post, and ask you to ignore his flippant answer to you.I believe, for example, that Nikonian72 uses a manufactured product, whereas Blurryeyed and Fstop22 use homemade. I suspect that they (and many others) have insight into this question.
Nov 9, 2013 01:49:23 #
You are quite right in asking for result differences between DIY and commercial diffusers. As you noted, I use a FotoDiox 6x8 softbox diffuser on my Nikon SB-600 speedlight. What is NOT apparent, is that I use the built-in 'flip-down' wide-angle diffuser on the SB-600 (which sets the light pattern to match a 14-mm lens width), as well as the side-to-side cloth diffuser inside of the FotoDiox softbox. Couples with the silvered inside of the softbox and the diffuser face, the two internal layers of diffusion provide even, corner-to-corner soft illumination.
And the price of the FotoDiox softbox diffuser is less than US$10.
And the price of the FotoDiox softbox diffuser is less than US$10.
Nov 9, 2013 03:45:46 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
You mention "side-to-side cloth . . ." Am I correct the cloth is something you insert into the diffuser yourself? If yes, what kind of cloth? This sounds very interesting because, unless I misunderstand, this gives the option to test different materials inside the softbox for effectiveness. I made the Gary Fong Diffuser (http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Gary-Fong-Lightsphere ) which uses Ikea plastic drawer liner and photographed the flash in a mirror tilting the external flash at various angles. There was no question the dimpled plastic diffuses the light extremely well. I suspect it might be very effective inside the soft box.You are quite right in asking for result differenc... (show quote)
FotoDiox 6x8 softbox
Nov 9, 2013 03:50:29 #
Thunder_o_b wrote:
This reinforces my current theory that successful macro photographers have one extra gene compared to other humans which gives them mechanical ingenuity. :-)This is what LordV came up with. His work speaks for its self.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/72157594312315664
http://www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/72157594312315664
Nov 9, 2013 04:59:51 #
LiamRowan wrote:
The FotoDiox diffuser has an internal white cloth strap that can be stretched side-to-side, and fixed in place with Velcro on one end.You mention "side-to-side cloth"
Nov 9, 2013 07:00:40 #
I have used both. The trouble with asking us is that there is no comparison between individual homemade diffusers. Even if you use the same materials you will probably get different results. I definitely get better results with my Fotodiox 6x8 and 8 inch round than with my 2 DIYs (potato chip can and round).
I get a more even spread of the light and softer shadows with the Fotodiox. I have seen Martins shots and if my homemade diffusers worked that well I would keep it like he has.
I was using the white cloth strip inside the diffuser and Douglass mentioned using the flash's drop down as well and I liked the results so that is how I shoot.
I use the round because I like the catch lights better, but it is large and awkward in tight areas.
I get a more even spread of the light and softer shadows with the Fotodiox. I have seen Martins shots and if my homemade diffusers worked that well I would keep it like he has.
I was using the white cloth strip inside the diffuser and Douglass mentioned using the flash's drop down as well and I liked the results so that is how I shoot.
I use the round because I like the catch lights better, but it is large and awkward in tight areas.
Nov 9, 2013 08:39:57 #
I mostly use the softbox for people photos - it can be big for macro. for macro I use a pocketbounce which folds up flat. It not only diffuses the flash, but reduces shadows by making the actual source of light broader.
Nov 9, 2013 09:14:17 #
I have both and after using the store bought one for a while I went back to my homemade one just like fstop22 I have found that my homemade one does a little better job. I still use the store bought one when I travel just because it folds up and is easier to transport.
Nov 9, 2013 15:18:20 #
I think this thread looks like it's about done. Just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to share information and insights; I sure understand a lot more about the various approaches than prior to posting, and have a good idea where to go from here.
William
William
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