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Macro diffuser update

I've simplified the macro diffuser that I open sourced last year. The MK1 version required printing out a custom lens hood which would only attach to a Canon 100mm macro lens. The MK2 version no longer requires a custom lens hood, it simply clicks on to the hood of whatever macro lens you might have making it far more versatile and easier to print.



The tested lenses so far include:
  • Canon 100mm 
  • Canon 180mm
  • Sigma 180mm
  • Sigma 105mm
This hood helps reduce harsh shadows you often get when using flash but the main advantage for me is that the head can be positioned depending on how close you get to your subject. This is the typical kind of result I'm getting with this setup now.



To build your own version you just need to print the model and supply a few basic parts:
  • M3 x 40mm Hex Head bolt (the shape of the head is hex, NOT the shape of the tool used to tighten it).
  • M3 wingnut.
  • Diffuser material. I use the plastic casing found on some notebooks and it seems to work well.
  • Aluminium extractor hose.
The updated model can be found here. Feel free to print your own version and if you do, please let me know how you got on.

For anyone unfamiliar with 3d printing, the process involves using a spool of plastic material and transforming it via heat into whatever shape you have designed. The animation below shows the hood being printed on the entry level FlashForge Finder. This print took just over 3 hours to complete.


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