Four Spotted Sap Beetle: My magnetic dome diffuser arrived this afternoon, and of course, I had to try it out. It is another addition to my collection of Speedlight diffusers. I staged...

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

My magnetic dome diffuser arrived this afternoon, and of course, I had to try it out. It is another addition to my collection of Speedlight diffusers.

I staged my preserved four spotted sap beetle on a twig with lichen and shot a single macro image of it. Shiny black subjects are quite difficult to photograph with the lens just a few inches away so this would be a good test of the dome diffuser.

The Zenistudioit magnetic diffuser is designed to be universal to fit most Speedlights as you can see in the photo below installed on the Nikon SB-800. There are three powerful magnets that hold the grid, gels, and dome firmly to the base. I'm impressed with the holding power of the magnets.

I plan on doing some creative sessions with the colored gels (rigid plastic) so it will provide more indoor playtime.

This sells for $29.00 (free shipping) https://www.ebay.com/itm/265617751780

(Download)

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Beautiful shot Sippy. You have an amazing assortment of "stuff". Have you ever bought, or built, the same thing twice?

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Curmudgeon wrote:

Beautiful shot Sippy. You have an amazing assortment of "stuff". Have you ever bought, or built, the same thing twice?

Thanks, Curmudgeon. What good is a toybox if it isn't full of toys? The room that I use in the basement for my sessions looks a lot like Dr. Frankenstien's laboratory for I leave things laying around so that they can inspire me to do something with them. I'm of the belief of, out of sight is out of mind and it would impede my creative juices....at least that's what I tell the Better Half when she insists that I straighten up down there.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

sippyjug104 wrote:

Thanks, Curmudgeon. What good is a toybox if it isn't full of toys? The room that I use in the basement for my sessions looks a lot like Dr. Frankenstien's laboratory for I leave things laying around so that they can inspire me to do something with them. I'm of the belief of, out of sight is out of mind and it would impede my creative juices....at least that's what I tell the Better Half when she insists that I straighten up down there.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

That is interesting, and the lighting looks pretty good. You can drape some sort of reflective hood over the top of the dome to direct more light down and around the subject. Just to see if that does anything worth while.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

sippyjug104 wrote:

My magnetic dome diffuser arrived this afternoon, ... (show quote)

Fantastic image!!
Does it work any better than you home made diffuser ?
But then $30 won't break the bank and it sure looks pretty

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Thank you Sippy for educating us to a simplistic practical effective completed diffuser tool. Your link is a dazzling must-see for all.

Excuse me, I was so taken by the insanely fantastic magnetic diffuser fully accessorized assembly, that it was easy to overlook commenting on the artistically deigned well photographed sap beetle.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Great work, Gary.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Mark Sturtevant wrote:

That is interesting, and the lighting looks pretty good. You can drape some sort of reflective hood over the top of the dome to direct more light down and around the subject. Just to see if that does anything worth while.

Mark, great minds think alike although my mind pails in comparison. My thoughts are to make a hood and experiment with an external diffusion with the final product to be similar in function to an AK Macro Diffuser style.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Manglesphoto wrote:

Fantastic image!!
Does it work any better than you home made diffuser ?
But then $30 won't break the bank and it sure looks pretty

Manglesphoto, I am quite pleased with my large cottage cheese diffuser and it will be one that I take on walkabouts with me. This one is quite handy and I like the feature of the colored gels so it will be one that I may use when doing sessions on flowers to create an artistic feel to them.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

dpullum wrote:

Thank you Sippy for educating us to a simplistic practical effective completed diffuser tool. Your link is a dazzling must-see for all.

Excuse me, I was so taken by the insanely fantastic magnetic diffuser fully accessorized assembly, that it was easy to overlook commenting on the artistically deigned well photographed sap beetle.

Thanks, Dpullum. This diffuser is quite handy and easy to carry for it is held together with STRONG magnets. I find it to be well worth the $29 for anyone looking for a way to tame a harsh flash and do some creative light coloring with the gels. It will be one that I take on my trips to Lowes to photograph the flowers in their Lawn and Garden area.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

ecobin wrote:

Great work, Gary.

Thanks, Elliott.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Very nicely done, sippy. I wish I had your energy and enthusiasm.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

kpmac wrote:

Very nicely done, sippy. I wish I had your energy and enthusiasm.

Thanks, Kpmac. It's simply that I have nothing to do and I have all day to do it.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

nice shot sippy