Some more macros with my cardboard tube flash extender/diffuser

[davelok]

Here are some more bugs:

These photos have been cropped. Gear used: NEX-6, 55-210mm, Raynox DCR 150, and on-board flash




Hoverfly from genus Syrphini




Further crop of the image above

As the knowledgeable critics might say, there obvious hot spots. However, this extender allows me to take photos at f/16-f/20, which was not possible earlier with a cloth diffuser I used with the pop-up flash.




Yet another hoverfly




Grass Demon butterfly - please view at 100%




A farther shot of the Grass Demon - the Raynox allows me to focus at this distance




A small Lynx spider




Lynx from the side



[ATTACH alt="A moth we found at home - about 1" at the widest "]1161953[/ATTACH]
A moth we found at home - about 1" at the widest

I haven't processed the RAWs I took for these shots (I don't know much about RAW processing anyway), so these are straight JPEGs, sometimes cropped.

 

[davelok]

I don't know what else to call it.

 

[rjjr]

Can you post more about how you made your flash extender/diffuser?

Edit...nevermind I found your post about it.

Here's a link if anyone else needs it...

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56471772

 

[daelliott]

I don't know what else to call it.

Nice! Looks like some kind of Crab / Ambush Spider. Here's one that I found. Other than color, you can, I think, see the similarity.




Crab Spider

 

[nopix]

[No message]

 

[davelok]

Thanks! I'll look up crab spiders. This one was very much in an ambush position,but didn't move despite my repeated intrusions (more than 20 shots bending over awkwardly into a thicket) - might it be guarding an egg sac. There is something behind it - could also be a bunch of rotting leaves though.

 

[davelok]

Thanks rjjr!

One variant of the extender could have a diagonally cut front end to spread the light in front of the lens. Presently, it's concentrated slightly above. One could also make a removable peak like on a cap. An articualting diffuser end would help in reaching around corners, I mean under leaves etc.

Better diffusion material than the plastic cap I have used is needed.

A shorter version too This one actually extends longer than the focusing limit when the adapter is used on a shorter FL lens.

Lastly, my new project (funnel and diffuser) should be interesting and more challenging. It might work better with an external flash though, due to the size of the front end.

 

[davelok]

[No message]

 

[daelliott]

... (more than 20 shots bending over awkwardly into a thicket) ...

I know it all too well!!!!!

 

[davect01]

Set up seems to be working great for you.

 

[davelok]

Yes, and it's fun! A new world has just opened up!

 

[viperkeeper]

Good job try a Pringles can the inside is reflective and the a lid just fits on. The lid is almost 18% gray so you can set a custom white balance with it. Bonus points for cutting diagonal and taping wax paper or go to the fabric store and get some white rip-stop nylon.

 

[Docrum]

Well done. I've been meaning for ages to try and make something up that uses the on board flash. Your results show it's worth the effort.

 

[davelok]

Thanks, Viperkeeper! I used the material at hand, and for reflectiveness, kitchen foil was a good choice.

 

[davelok]

Well done. I've been meaning for ages to try and make something up that uses the on board flash. Your results show it's worth the effort.

Thanks Docrum, it is definitely worth the effort, and once you have the basic idea, you can try your own improvisations.

For me it was a spur-of-the-moment project, really. I have been contemplating buying a Meike MK320s flash. However, when I found the tube rolling around on the floor, I decided to do something with it.

To be honest, the tube was also lying around for a few days after sticking the foil inside, till one day when I suddenly realised how I could make both the ends. Of course, I had some clue from all the online DIY articles.

 

[viperkeeper]

I'm always building camera stuff with bits laying around. Last year it was a salad bowl this year the gummy bear container trumps all. I like using reflectors too and silver insulation and aluminum insulation tape are both easy to work with and inexpensive. All my favorite macro photographers use DIY rigs often without an actual macro len..