Like most years I spent the last part of the "bug season" experimenting with my MT-24EX and working on better ways to diffuse it. After a lot of trial and error attempting to build a completely new diffuser, that really didn't work better than what I had, I redesigned the set that I've been using for the past year. If you want to get all the details then check out this blog post. I shot two videos, one of them in the middle of building the diffusers and one at the end, plus I've included links to where you can get the parts.

If you use the link on my blog to order the Puffers you'll only pay $30 USD + shipping for two of them. I worked out a deal with the folks at Gary's E-store. For the record I am making no money off of this -I simply contacted them, asked for the discount, and they agreed.

It's very similar to the last set that I was using when I took this shot:

It looks great here John but is it at 1:1? If it isn't, do you have any sample shots at 1:1 or even lower?

n0b0 wrote:
It looks great here John but is it at 1:1? If it isn't, do you have any sample shots at 1:1 or even lower?

Excellent point! Here''s a life size shot (I don't use the MT-24EX much below 1x):

Well it is very diffused but the total lack of shadow makes it look a bit strange, like the DF is not really on the stick. Perhaps it's a bit TOO diffused, you know what I mean?

n0b0 wrote:
Well it is very diffused but the total lack of shadow makes it look a bit strange, like the DF is not really on the stick. Perhaps it's a bit TOO diffused, you know what I mean?

That's just due to the position of the dragon and my fill flash n0b0 -I'd have to back light the critter to cast a shadow on that leaf stem

This shot was taken at close to 1x (not really sure since I had tubes on an EF-S 60mm and I wasn't at minimum focus):

Ah good point... and excellent use of the "pincer" for the composition.

Thanks n0b0 I just wished I hadn't got the very end of that pincer so close to the edge of the frame -was concerned about clipping the antenna on the wasp...

Update: If you use the link on my blog to order the Puffers you'll only pay $30 USD + shipping for two of them. I worked out a deal with the folks at Gary's E-store. For the record I am making no money off of this -I simply contacted them, asked for the discount, and they agreed

John, your techniques are always perfect! The lighting is just wonderful! Your help on pricing is always appreciated!
Dan

Nice! I might have to buy them for next years bug season...


A

mdbassman wrote:
John, your techniques are always perfect! The lighting is just wonderful! Your help on pricing is always appreciated!
Dan

Thanks Dan, but if all of that were true I could quit my day job

I wish I could do more on the sticker shock -shame to spend over $600 for a flash and then have to shell out another $100 or so to diffuse it...

Anden wrote:
Nice! I might have to buy them for next years bug season...




Not sure how long the folks at Gary's E-store are going to give me that discount link, so don't wait too long...