Need a diffuser - DPChallenge Forums

06/01/2007 02:52:33 PM · #1

I am doing a shoot Monday and another friday. I have a SB600 and was curious what I could use as a defuser. I do not have the money to go out and buy one, so I was hoping there was an inexpensive method of doing so.

Note: I am shooting on location and if I am lucky, I wont need the flash, but I am thinking I may for fill.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

06/01/2007 02:54:01 PM · #2

Originally posted by steveh552:

You can make a decent diffuser using a milk carton or thousands of other el cheapo solutions.

Google it

Message edited by author 2007-06-01 14:56:24.

citymars

Nikon D700

06/01/2007 02:55:44 PM · #3

Yeah, search the forums for diffuser, I'm sure you'll find lots of good advice. I think people use sheets, pillowcases, sheets of velum from the art store, etc, etc, etc.

06/01/2007 03:04:52 PM · #4

Thanks for the tips. I will look around, I just dont want it to be to "cheap" looking since I dont what to be looked at as a bad photographer because of my flash.

06/01/2007 03:09:06 PM · #5

If you want to shell out some bucks and look "professional" then check out this guy. Those diffusers work great (albeit a little goofy looking).

If anyone asks why you have a milk carton strapped to your flash, simply reply "A good photographer doesn't worry about how his equipment looks.... only the images that are produced by it!"

Valdo

Canon EOS-40D

06/01/2007 03:33:48 PM · #6

Check this one out

Erick's Diffuser

There is a thread but couldn't find it quickly

Sigma 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical HF for Canon

06/01/2007 03:39:40 PM · #7

Originally posted by Valdo:

Check this one out

Erick's Diffuser

There is a thread but couldn't find it quickly

linky

ssodell

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

06/01/2007 04:07:18 PM · #8

Find a translucent bottle and make a hole in it. Looks OK.

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/01/2007 05:31:03 PM · #9

I just started a pringles can project. I now have a snoot and 1 diffuser made out of two of them. Black Gorilla tape makes them look oh so hockey-stick professional.

I'm thinking I'll have to re-design the diffuser, though, I need some light to come out of the top I think, kind of like a Fongball. I'm liking them because the inside is already silvered, so no mucking about with tin foil.

Also, the Strobist Flickr Group has lots of DIY diffuser/modifier suggestions, projects, and directions to try out.

Message edited by author 2007-06-02 21:29:07.

paddles

Pentax K10D

Pentax FA 50mm f/1.4 AF

06/02/2007 09:06:25 PM · #10

A piece of tracing paper on the front of your flash, held on with a rubber band. Inexpensive, but looks a bit better than a milk carton.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/02/2007 09:28:40 PM · #11

A stofens omni-bounce is less then $20 USD and can be had at most online retailers, and nearly all camera stores. I'd suggest something a bit more professional then a milk carton on top of your flash.

MattO

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/02/2007 09:29:28 PM · #12

Originally posted by MattO:

killjoy :P

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/02/2007 09:39:30 PM · #13

Originally posted by wavelength:

Originally posted by MattO:
A stofens omni-bounce is less then $20 USD and can be had at most online retailers, and nearly all camera stores. I'd suggest something a bit more professional then a milk carton on top of your flash.

MattO

killjoy :P

I'm just saying that if someone is paying me for taking their photos, a used milk jug over the flash probably is something thats going to make them question the ability of the photographer. Even though I understand the principle is the same, perception has alot to do with this or any business.

MattO

wavelength

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/02/2007 11:24:14 PM · #14

Originally posted by MattO:

Originally posted by wavelength:

Originally posted by MattO:
A stofens omni-bounce is less then $20 USD and can be had at most online retailers, and nearly all camera stores. I'd suggest something a bit more professional then a milk carton on top of your flash.

MattO

killjoy :P

I'm just saying that if someone is paying me for taking their photos, a used milk jug over the flash probably is something thats going to make them question the ability of the photographer. Even though I understand the principle is the same, perception has alot to do with this or any business.

MattO

Er, I think you missed the :P part.

MattO

Nikon D4

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/02/2007 11:41:49 PM · #15

Originally posted by wavelength:

[
Er, I think you missed the :P part.

Umm yep, my bad I'm sorry.

MattO

awpollard

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

06/03/2007 12:02:51 AM · #16

The guy in the vid is a bit weird but the bounch cards work great

//abetterbouncecard.com/

but I never take the Sto-Fen off anymore.

Message edited by author 2007-06-03 00:04:36.

digitalpins

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM

06/03/2007 12:26:13 AM · #17

lol order some chinese food and get soup and use the carton to make this

Originally posted by DowseDesigns:

If you want to shell out some bucks and look "professional" then check out this guy. Those diffusers work great (albeit a little goofy looking).

by the way I have one of gary fongs diffusers and it works out awesome

Message edited by author 2007-06-06 12:51:32.

06/03/2007 09:17:20 AM · #18

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Some of the ideas sound better than others, I just do not see myself running around with a milk container on my SB600.

I was thinking of buying a bottle of rubbing alcohol, disposing of the contents, and cutting the bottom of the bottle off and seeing how that works. For .50 or a buck,I may have something that works.

I also agree that perception will play a strong role while doing paying jobs. Right now, I am just toying around with some TFCD model assignments to build my portfolio, the weddings are not until Aug and Sept.

cheekymunky

Canon EOS-40D

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

06/03/2007 09:55:27 AM · #19

Have a look at this: betterbouncecard

The videos a bit much, but it works extremely well!

yakatme

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

06/03/2007 10:04:51 AM · #20

I can't believe that nobody has yet remembered the 'Grandwadizzle' or whatever it was called that

thegrandwazoo made to beat the Lightsphere on a budget.

You can see other pictures of it and some of his test shots here in his portfolio.

Then PM him for exact instructions.

Bugzeye

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

06/03/2007 11:19:31 AM · #21

you can also use a sheet of Wax Paper and some tape. cut the wax paper into a rectangle about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long, tape it to top and bottom of the flash head and your in business.

06/06/2007 12:23:30 PM · #22

Originally posted by Bugzeye:

you can also use a sheet of Wax Paper and some tape. cut the wax paper into a rectangle about 3 inches wide and 5 inches long, tape it to top and bottom of the flash head and your in business.

I used the wax paper, it worked pretty good. Not as good as the real deal, but I cant complain for a buck for the roll

06/06/2007 12:47:18 PM · #23

Originally posted by yakatme:

I can't believe that nobody has yet remembered the 'Grandwadizzle' or whatever it was called that thegrandwazoo made to beat the Lightsphere on a budget.

You can see other pictures of it and some of his test shots here in his portfolio.

Then PM him for exact instructions.

<> If I may....

Originally posted by DowseDesigns:

Originally posted by Valdo:
Check this one out

Erick's Diffuser

There is a thread but couldn't find it quickly

linky

Originally posted by Valdo:

Check this one out

Erick's Diffuser

There is a thread but couldn't find it quickly

ExcaliburVT