You'll let me know if I'm bugging you, won't you?

[Bend The Light]

I am on a mission to get some GOOD bug pics. Was out today in my folks' garden and took these...
These are taken on my Canon 400d, 18-55mm kit lens installed correctly with +1, +2, +4, +10 dioptre filters added, and light provided by my super duper light diffuser/deflector that I made from mount board and tin foil. What do you think?

Here is the Super Duper Light Diffuser/Deflector...

 

[Idahophoto]

Nice set up

 

[supraman215]

lens mounting: ur doin it rong

 

[NateS]

For me, these are way overexposed with harsh lighting (i.e. hot spots) which is surprising considering the large size of your diffuser's opening. I'd try backing the flash down a good bit and go from there. Lighting looks a tad flat to me as well, but that's probably a design of the diffuser from coming from directly overhead instead of slightly off axis.

 

[Bend The Light]

lens mounting: ur doin it rong

Am I? Oh.

 

[Bend The Light]

Nice set up

Thanks - I have no funds to get proper gear at the moment - the wife and kids see to that. I'm just having fun playing with things like this - see what can be done.

Cheers

 

[Bend The Light]

For me, these are way overexposed with harsh lighting (i.e. hot spots) which is surprising considering the large size of your diffuser's opening. I'd try backing the flash down a good bit and go from there. Lighting looks a tad flat to me as well, but that's probably a design of the diffuser from coming from directly overhead instead of slightly off axis.

I have backed down the flash for some photos, but maybe not these...I can see what you mean about the hot spots.

This is only a first approximation for a diffuser - off-centre mounting might be the next step, but the engineering with the mount board will be a lot more difficult! :mrgreen:

 

[NateS]

For me, these are way overexposed with harsh lighting (i.e. hot spots) which is surprising considering the large size of your diffuser's opening. I'd try backing the flash down a good bit and go from there. Lighting looks a tad flat to me as well, but that's probably a design of the diffuser from coming from directly overhead instead of slightly off axis.

I have backed down the flash for some photos, but maybe not these...I can see what you mean about the hot spots.

This is only a first approximation for a diffuser - off-centre mounting might be the next step, but the engineering with the mount board will be a lot more difficult! :mrgreen:

I use cardboard which is nice and stiff. I also completely coat the outside with strips of Black duct tape which makes it sturdier overall and looks less obtrusive. Might give it a try. My diffusers are pretty flimsy at first too, but once covered with the duct tape they are very sturdy.

 

[Arkanjel Imaging]

Im not sure why, but the images feel like Im watching them on a tube TV. Kind of a weird distortion going on.

The images are pretty sharp. I like the first one the best. I know those moths are only about an inch long so you are getting pretty close. :thumbup:

 

[Bend The Light]

Im not sure why, but the images feel like Im watching them on a tube TV. Kind of a weird distortion going on.

The images are pretty sharp. I like the first one the best. I know those moths are only about an inch long so you are getting pretty close. :thumbup:

That's got to be the cheap macro filters, you think? I had them all stacked on there, and they only cost a tenner, so I reckon they're not top quality, eh?

I am pleased in general with the sharpness, and yes, that moth was pretty small. The noise is worst, I think, and I think I know why it's there...high ISO was used to compensate for small aperture - this means I got focus better, but introduced noise. Note to self: try lower ISO and larger aperture next time!

 

[kundalini]

That's got to be the cheap macro filters, you think? I had them all stacked on there, and they only cost a tenner, so I reckon they're not top quality, eh?

You are correct, sir.

Nice DIY nonetheless. Must be a bear to handle though.

 

[Bend The Light]

That's got to be the cheap macro filters, you think? I had them all stacked on there, and they only cost a tenner, so I reckon they're not top quality, eh?

You are correct, sir.

Nice DIY nonetheless. Must be a bear to handle though.

Can't do spiders with it...the diffuser wrecks the webs

Mind you, I don't like spiders

 

[Fate]

Nice set up and really like number 2

 

[Bend The Light]

Nice set up and really like number 2

Thank you. :mrgreen:

 

[err_ok]

You seem to have the same problem I do with hoverflies I can never get the eyes nice and red, they always come out really dark and dull looking.

That being said I am liking the DIY, I wish I had made more of an effort when I originally decided I liked macro photography. I just went out and bought a macro lens which ended up being a bit expensive.