Poppadom Diffuser

Since the start of 2014, I have been experimenting with different flash diffusion setup for the MT-24ex Twin Macro flash, when using the MPE-65mm and the 100mm Lens. This to see if I could improve on the dome diffuser setup I had been using for a while.  This one I have used exclusively on the former lens, and was my first experimental setup.

The diffuser is made from half a Poppadom box ( hence the name ).  These are the ready cooked variety.  The box fits nicely over the MPE-65mm lens, with a small curve cut out.  I have then lined the box with vellum paper.  The idea was to create a kind of light tent that would go over small subjects, such as minor bees on flowers.

The flash lamps are fitted with a bit of light tent material, immediately stuck over the light.  On top of that I have some dove diffusers taped on.  This is so the lamps fit over the box.  As shown in the following image.

The diffuser is attached to the MT-24ex’s lamp ring holder via Velcro for easy attachment/detachment.  The next image shows the mount and a more clear image of the dove diffusers.

The rear of the poppadom box has of course reciprocating Velcro.

The next two images show the top and inside of the diffuser.

Results

In the field this produced nice even lighting, and I would be happy with this.  However it has a disadvantage of being too close, for many insects to stay around.  It sort of envelopes them.  This is the reason I have marked it only 4 stars.  I use this as my preferred stacking diffuser, when using the Stackshot to shoot dead insects – they don’t spook 😀

Here a few sample images taken with this setup.