The DIY 99p Stofen Diffuser

I recently bought the Lumiquest softbox, but its just to big for taking images of insects and butterfly's I think it will scare them, so the carex bottle is on the shopping list tomorrow. Is there any heat generation that can harm the flash ? Hope it fits my Sigma 530 super. I did take some shots of this spider with just the wide angle flap down not too bad http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/56094

BTW, I am new to Flash...
 
Like it, in fact I'm going to empty out the handwash bottle later!

I have just made a couple of snoots/ Grids from the little cereal boxes my son has, the fun pack size cocoa pops ones are perfect for an SB28!
 
I discovered these exact Carex bottles at work today, so mine didn't even cost me 99p!

My hands are very, very soft tonight though.
 
"Carex - soft on your hands. Even softer on your light."

Anyone find a bottle that fits the head of an SB900?
 
Many thanks for this idea - the Carex normal size also fits my 580EX which means I do not have to panic that the "bits that connect" my flash and Skyports have decided not to work so I can still use the flash and slave later today.

Should there be any holes in the carex bottle (apart from the big one that slides over the flash before anyone comments) as it does seem to get a bit hot
 
itsdavedotnet said:
that doesn't do the same thing as a stofen, and can also damage your flash. A stofen makes the flash appear as a single light source (like a bare bulb), so the light bounces off the walls and ceiling, giving you much softer light due to the light coming from 'all around' the subject. It does not directly 'diffuse' the light, the light is softened only by the fact that it is appearing as a huge light source the size of the walls and ceilings.

while afaik they don't do them for metz guns, 'real' stofens are about £2 from dealextreme/focalprice/ebay
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How sure are you about Damaging your flash any proof:thinking:
 
raythefab said:
How sure are you about Damaging your flash any proof:thinking:
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Here is a direct quote from the 580EX II manual. I would think the assumption made by Canon is that you are not enclosing the flash head in a nice toasty "greenhouse", so that figure of 20 continuous flashes may need to be revised, as would the resting period if you did not let the flash "breathe" properly when cooling down...

---- Cautions for firing continuous flashes ------
• To avoid overheating and degrading the flash head, do not fire more than 20 continuous flashes. After 20 continuous flashes, allow a rest time of at least 10 min.
• If you fire more than 20 continuous flashes and then fire more flashes in short intervals, the inner overheating prevention function may be activated to make the recycling time about 8 to 20 sec. If this occurs, allow a rest time of about 15 min. and the flash will then return to normal.
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Full doc here - http://www.eosdoc.com/manuals/?q=580EXII*
 
tdodd said:
Here is a direct quote from the 580EX II manual. I would think the assumption made by Canon is that you are not enclosing the flash head in a nice toasty "greenhouse", so that figure of 20 continuous flashes may need to be revised, as would the resting period if you did not let the flash "breathe" properly when cooling down...



Full doc here - http://www.eosdoc.com/manuals/?q=580EXII*
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Thank you i will leave this to the experienced guys to comment on this and will watch and learn:thumbs:
 
Ecover handwash bottles make good diffusers - translucent, no colour cast and they fit pretty good on my SB28 with the aid of an elastic band.
 
The bottle was too large for the 430ex ill have to look for something smaller:'(
 
did you try the extra free carex bottle, or the normal size one, which is smaller?
 
All taken using 580 EX II with the DIY diffuser on...


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Nice shots.

I had to take some pictures of my eldest in a show, was stood at the back as normal.

THey had so dry ice for effects, but the Carex worked a treat to stop it bouncing of the fog. Took one without it and just got a white haze from the mist...

(not the photos are that good, but at least you can see people in the diffused one!!)
 
For the 430 EX the Radox 300ml Clean and protect handwash is a perfect fit. Straight cut across 2.5 inches from the bottom and it is an easy but snug fit. It is slightly clearer than the Carex plastic but have just tested it - I must have the cleanest hands in Christchurch :) - and it still works quite well. All a bit subjective but I have a little comparison test I do which is to shoot something in a recessed corner of the room. If the diffuser is contributing little fill light then the shadows in the overhang from the bounce on the ceiling will be pronounced and clear. The less intense the shadow (whilst maintaining the overall lighting) the better the diffuser is working. A quick bounce comparison of with and without the Radox showed that even though this is relatively clear it was still pushing some light forward.

So, Carex for the 580 and Metz 54 and Radox for the 430. I have not got a price on the Radox one as I helped myself (in the pursuit of results and research) whilst my other half was out. I'm sure I'll be told in clearly understood saxon english exactly how much it costs when she finds the pudding dish full of soap next to the sink.

John
 
jpwone said:
For the 430 EX the Radox 300ml Clean and protect handwash is a perfect fit. Straight cut across 2.5 inches from the bottom and it is an easy but snug fit. It is slightly clearer than the Carex plastic but have just tested it - I must have the cleanest hands in Christchurch :) - and it still works quite well. All a bit subjective but I have a little comparison test I do which is to shoot something in a recessed corner of the room. If the diffuser is contributing little fill light then the shadows in the overhang from the bounce on the ceiling will be pronounced and clear. The less intense the shadow (whilst maintaining the overall lighting) the better the diffuser is working. A quick bounce comparison of with and without the Radox showed that even though this is relatively clear it was still pushing some light forward.

So, Carex for the 580 and Metz 54 and Radox for the 430. I have not got a price on the Radox one as I helped myself (in the pursuit of results and research) whilst my other half was out. I'm sure I'll be told in clearly understood saxon english exactly how much it costs when she finds the pudding dish full of soap next to the sink.

John
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Tell her it has saved XX amount compared to a stofen, so she can have half to a new pair of shoes. That'll keep her happy!!
 
Lol.

Then I tell her I made two of them and suddenly I owe her a pair of shoes. It would be cheaper to buy a box of Stofens :)

I think I'll just replace the bottle of Radox. To be fair she did not swear. Tutted aggressively would be a fair summary of the reaction. From experience I know that this is like a low growl from the dog in front of the fireplace. It basically means 'You have had your warning, next time there will be some teeth to go with this'.

John
 
DarrenToogood said:
I lost mine today while out shooting :(

Rushed to Sainsbury's but they didn't have to 50% extra bottle. I got the normal bottle and it JUST fits on a 580 EX II
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Youcould have lost a Stofen though! Look onthe birght side.
 
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