Diffuser for a Canon 430 EX flash

StarrToDowler

I've seen a few different styles of these items, from what look like
simple overlapping slip-on's to the far more elaborate-looking "Lightspheres" and "Dembs" and was wondering if there's a noticable difference from the $50 Lightsphere to the $12 overlap thingy, or the middle of the road Demb.:scratch

Thanks!

Rhuarc

For about 5 bucks you can make your own.

http://www.cs.hmc.edu/~geoff/diy/softbox.html

After trying some of the others, both the expensive and inexpensive, this seems to work the best for me. I love it!

David_S85

Gus found this a while ago...
Video on YouTube; "How to make a better bounce card"

gus

Honestly i use a 600 ml plastic chocolate milk bottle cut of about 3/4's. Slips over a 430 EX like BMW designed it in a test lab.

Works perfectly.

Let me know if you want to see a photo of it.

Rhuarc

Would that work like a stofen cup? Coveres up the entire flash? I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of your setup gus.

gus

Rhuarc wrote:

Would that work like a stofen cup? Coveres up the entire flash? I wouldn't mind seeing a photo of your setup gus.

I have no idea mate...i just do my own thing. I will get a photo & post it here in 10 mins....laugh when you see it & i will leave.

gus

ok..cost is $2.60 but you drink the chocky milk. Works like a bought one.

Rhuarc

That's fantastic! What kind of milk was it from? I don't remember seeing milk jugs that size in my grocery store.

gus

Rhuarc wrote:

That's fantastic! What kind of milk was it from? I don't remember seeing milk jugs that size in my grocery store.

Its just a plastic flavoured milk we have here in australia..choc/strawberry ..ice coffee etc.

600 mls which i think is about 20 fl oz.


.

ziggy53

You can also use 1/2 gallon plastic milk cartons. Here is the construction detail:



Here it is, mounted on a Vivitar 285HV for macro application (flaps out):


... and here on a Sigma 500 Super, similar to a Canon 430EX/580EX bezel size (flaps in), landscape orientation:


Portrait orientation:


Showing how the light illuminates the wall behind (32 inches):


Finally, just the glow of the flash itself, showing how soft and diffuse it becomes:

HiSPL

OK, I laughed.:D


I just couldn't walk around with such a well endowed flash!

gus wrote:

Glenn NK

Has anyone ever seen one of these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=459113&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://milagrid.homestead.com/3ProductGuide.html

It's cheap, so flexible that it will never break, and if one is really into DIY equipment, the plastic mesh can be purchased at Michael's (the art and handicraft store).

I picked up a piece of the plastic mesh (it's used for needle point work) for less than a dollar (and it doesn't matter if that's US or CAD dollars).

All you need is some velcro to attach it to the flash head.

Basically all the purpose made gizoms are diffusers - they diffuse the strong direct light from a flash.

Various shapes could be tried for less than a few bucks - but I suspect the original shape has already been tested and optimized.

ziggy53

Glenn NK wrote:

Has anyone ever seen one of these?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=459113&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

http://milagrid.homestead.com/3ProductGuide.html

It's cheap, so flexible that it will never break, and if one is really into DIY equipment, the plastic mesh can be purchased at Michael's (the art and handicraft store).

I picked up a piece of the plastic mesh (it's used for needle point work) for less than a dollar (and it doesn't matter if that's US or CAD dollars).

All you need is some velcro to attach it to the flash head.

Basically all the purpose made gizoms are diffusers - they diffuse the strong direct light from a flash.

Various shapes could be tried for less than a few bucks - but I suspect the original shape has already been tested and optimized.

Sounds like fun. Let us know your thoughts and let's see some examples, please.

Thanks,

StarrToDowler

Wow! MANY thanks for all the great responses and ideas!!photo