New Diffuser for the MT-24EX, again!

As you are aware of, I have had a new and improved diffuser since February 2010. Loving the light from it. Sample shots as below:

All images shot with a Canon 40D, Canon MPE65 1X-5X macro lens and Canon MT24EX Twin Flash with DIY Diffuser.



Sample shots:




There is just this one thing that bothers me though - the twin catch lights in subjects with big reflective eyes, such as my favorite spider - jumping spider! In the image above, the highlight/catch lights in the eyes have been toned down in PP. It was much brighter originally!

Now compare it to another jumper shot lit with a big bowl diffuser:


I prefer a single, bigger catch light like this.


For more lighting comparison, please check out A Comparison of Different Lighting Setups.

Now a couple of sample shots from the newest diffuser:

The dome is transparent PP material from a mineral water bottle, covered with 2 layers of polystyrene sheets. Idea from Stephen's cup diffuser (SteB1) on Juza forum.


I used 3M medical tape to hold the concave diffuser in place. But i think I will get some moldable plastic to DIY a better holder!

3M medical tape


Moldable Plastic

Now the sample shots:




Definitely nicer catch lights in the spider's eyes. However, the catch lights seem to be much brighter in the smaller pair of front-facing eyes though.

More to be improved on the newest diffuser. Perhaps a more opaque material Stay tuned.

Edit: slightly improved version of the cheap but great DIY Concave Diffuser is  here.