It DOESNT MATER what you use to get the job done. I'm very lazy if there is a easier way of doing it I'm all for it. I only put it(my project) in cos I was asked to. every body has their favorite way.. and if they are happy with the results then ''go for it''. I could have used something smaller for my sample but it was the only coin I could find at the time. BUT this system will work with smaller things ,and as I said you can change it to a softer light if you wish. Most people feel their Idea is the ''Holy Grail'' and answer to all their problems.. NO... I found after 40 years behind the lens I found its not the case. You end up making a small device for a number of projects, and that is what photography is all about.. have a problem work it out, exercise the mind/skills think outside the box. every one is happy. That's how I feel .If I can share my knowledge with those who will listen then I will. cos people helped me that way when I was a young lad

you are welcome. any further questions on it just ask. Some people have suggested foam cup etc but to me that give a soft even light and does not look as sharp.. where this set up give a very sharp light and shows up ever scratch ,makes it easier to prove its yours if they get stolen. almost a finger print of them.. You CAN use this set up get a SOFT light ..only need to put 1 or 2 layers of tissue paper over your flash head. that will soften the light about 1+ 1/2 stops Id be interested to see some of your photos when you find your tools. he he he

here is how I do with with this small thing I made up.

Ill see if I can find my photos of it. if not Ill take some more photos of it tomorrow its past my bed time here I need my beauty sleep. Give me your e-mail address and Ill send it direct to you if u like

I gave a answer to this a while ago, you need to make a Black box lighting unit. very easy to make.I sent in photos and instructions to this site. maybe about 2 months ago.

I would get a filter a size smaller and put it in the lens inside the bad thread. so ok then you need a smaller filter in the future,, but your problems solved ...don't forget to put a small amount of glue to hold it in I did this with my Blad.. I had many 52 mm filters from my Nikon range of cameras, To buy a gen Hasselblad filter Id need to take a loan out on the house. so this was my way around it. a 52mm fitted into it just nice.

for your interest cannon was named after Kannon the "'goddess of mercy'' In the Japanese religion but changed to the version we know as a brand choice cos it would be easier for westerners to pronounce

Nippon comes from the Japanese way of making it easier for westerners to pronounce it.. In Japanese its written Ni -hon source of the sun (where we get the ''land of the rising sun'' from.as the 2 characters in the name of Japan read.I learnt the Japanese language for several years as well as lived there for several months.
When I was in the US many years ago,it took a while to workout what people were talking about.I thought there was a new brand of camera out? then it clicked.

you will not take a step wrong with the 80-200 2.8 I have one its one of the sharpest lenses Nikon made. Mine is a little old now, but the glass still works. You should try using the 105 macro for your work.if you find your images a little soft,Use a tripod. turn of all the bits (Auto focus,stabilizer etc)that can make the camera move/vibrate, use MANUAL focus and focus very sharply at the eyes. the rest will take care of itself. Use a shutter release .next most important thing for sharpness. Don't forget you subject will be breathing they can move in & out a bit as well. The most important tool you have is 6 inches behind the camera, your brain,next your love of photography,a desire to learn from others/and your own mistakes is the final bit to add to the mix. I hope to see more of your work and maybe one day we will be able to say ''that's a famous photographer''I knew her when she started out..

there are some photos of it on this page you may have to go back a page or two

have a look on my photos . they are in this ugly hedg

I have posted the photos on Ugly Hedgehog as well as a sketch of another idea Ill make one day

I have posted some photos of the set up with all the measurements I used also a sketch of a nother idea that Ill get around to make one day feel free to ask me any questions you have
Solomon

wood glue,piece of 8x10 glass some bits of card painted black or not.....tools used was a jig saw hammer nails ruler,compass for the hole can of flat black paint glue,and a few nails .(and a good memory)

another Idea ..surround lighting

no Some ''old photographer'' told me about it many years ago when I was wearing shorts
I made this one from my memory .