Venus Optics Dual Head Flash DIY Diffuser
Feb 4, 2023 17:04:35 #
I'm chomping at the bit waiting for spring to arrive so until then I'll be putzing around with my gear.
This is a "Do It Yourself" diffuser that I will be using on the Venus Optics KX-800 Flexible Macro Twin Flash (bendy arms) that I will be using for critter hunt walkabouts in the field. The diffuser is made from a $1.00 organizing folder and a piece of 12x12 white polypropylene plastic sheet material that I paid $2.50 for that is large enough to make six inserts from.
Of course, once I made it, I had to try it out and these are a few of the shots that I took of some things in the yard. The camera is a Nikon Z6 with a 105mm S mount macro lens. Set to manual mode, 1/160 sec., f/11, ISO-200, auto white balance, flash at 1/64.
This is a "Do It Yourself" diffuser that I will be using on the Venus Optics KX-800 Flexible Macro Twin Flash (bendy arms) that I will be using for critter hunt walkabouts in the field. The diffuser is made from a $1.00 organizing folder and a piece of 12x12 white polypropylene plastic sheet material that I paid $2.50 for that is large enough to make six inserts from.
Of course, once I made it, I had to try it out and these are a few of the shots that I took of some things in the yard. The camera is a Nikon Z6 with a 105mm S mount macro lens. Set to manual mode, 1/160 sec., f/11, ISO-200, auto white balance, flash at 1/64.
Feb 5, 2023 11:38:14 #
Very good! I've tried this simple design as well, and was impressed with the results. When needed, you can try to reduce any hot-spot effect by pulling the flash heads away from the diffuser.
Feb 5, 2023 12:11:40 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Very good! I've tried this simple design as well, and was impressed with the results. When needed, you can try to reduce any hot-spot effect by pulling the flash heads away from the diffuser.
Thanks, Mark. I've tittied it up some so it doesn't look so crude. What I like about using the document holder is that I can easily change the diffusion material put inside it which makes it quite easy for experimenting.
You are spot-on about keeping the powered source of light a distance away from the diffusion for the diffusion ultimately becomes the source of illumination, not the powered source. It is believed by many that overcast days provide pleasing results compared to bright sunny days. I equate this to the sun being the powered source being kept away from the clouds which are the diffusion that becomes the source of illumination. Thus, keep the intensely bright light a distance away from the diffusion for more pleasing results. Mother Nature always knows best.
Feb 5, 2023 14:15:29 #
Among the variety of diffusing materials can be those diffusing screens in flat-screen and lcd computer screens. I just did another set of tests about what material diffuses best, and there is a layer in there that does quite well. Also fancy Vellum paper from an art store. That stuff can also be quite good, as is that polyester cloth that you mentioned about a year ago.
Amusing typo in your last comment, btw! 😅
Amusing typo in your last comment, btw! 😅
Feb 5, 2023 22:18:44 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
Among the variety of diffusing materials can be those diffusing screens in flat-screen and lcd computer screens. I just did another set of tests about what material diffuses best, and there is a layer in there that does quite well. Also fancy Vellum paper from an art store. That stuff can also be quite good, as is that polyester cloth that you mentioned about a year ago.
Amusing typo in your last comment, btw! 😅
Amusing typo in your last comment, btw! 😅
Thanks, Mark. We have a Hobby Lobby near which is a good source of supplies to play with. We also have a Salvation Army Thrift Store that has several old PC monitors that are far outdated which would make a fun "take them apart" project for diffusion material. The search for the Grail continues.....
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