Nikon R1 DIY Diffuser

Well, as some of you might have seen over in the macro critique board, I acquired a Nikon R1 flash rig this past week. I've not been exactly thrilled with the stock diffusers that came with the kit and I have been really struggling to get back to a nice diffused light - like my old SB-600 with DIY diffuser setup.

I think I may have made some progress tonight at last. Time will tell - there were no willing bugs around to test it out on, but I did have a go on one of my wife's necklaces...

Here's the Heath Robinson affair that I call the "Actimel Diffuser".


Actimel Diffuser Front


Actimel Diffuser Rear

I added a small piece of tracing card into each of the little lenses that come with the R1 kit - sort of like a first stage diffuser.

I then cut the Actimel bottle lengthways and cut the bottom off of it. It then clips around the base of the SB-200 flash and holds itself in place. Quite a good fit!

This is the result. 1st pic bare flash and 2nd pic diffused...


Bare Flash


Actimel Diffused

I'm quite pleased with the results under controlled conditions and I am really keen to see how it stacks up when faced with a little critter and it's eyes.

I'll post back with the results when I find a bug to play along...