Small flash for macro on D90

<p>Does anyone know if 'The Puffer Diffuser' will work with macro photography - specifically the Tamron 90mm - or will the lens still cast a shadow over the subject? I know the lens will cast a shadow from the direct flash of the cameras pop up but will this little device 'wrap' the light around the subject and gently illuminate it? If not, I am considering the Nikon SB-400 as an alternative. I want to travel as small and light as possible. Would this work mounted on the D90 or would I need to use a flash cord? Many thanks.</p>

<p>I have the puffer - it might work - personally I'd rather build a diffuser from a milk plastic bottle & hook it onto the lens - - sounds strange but works great. I may still have the shots I took for a friend to show him how to build one for that specific lens. Though I used the Kiron.<br>

One thing with the puffer - - you can only use it in a horizontal position. Put the camera vertically & the result is not good.<br>

Lil :-)</p>

<p>Not sure what camera you have but manual flash mode would be great to have for macro, and that may not be possible with the SB-400 ? Just make sure you consider all aspects. </p>

A friend of mine has one too... But then, when it comes to macro shots and flash I like my SB-600 instead. In a pinch I

have used the Nikon SB-30, which is inexpensive enough (alas, discontinued and probably replaced by the SB-400). If you are using the Tamron 90mm I think you'd be better served with an optional flash instead of the built-in.

<p>Joseph - if you want to travel light - than my suggestion of a homemade diffuser placed in front of the on board flash is going to be your best bet.<br>

This shot was shot with the Kiron & the on board flash & plastic jug diffuser I suggested. Now I know it sounds weird - but it's actually rather efficient & I know many photographers who use this system.<br>

<img src="http://lilknytt.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p896125183-4.jpg" alt="" /><br>

so is this one....<br>

<img src="http://lilknytt.zenfolio.com/img/v1/p44784335-4.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

<p>The SB-R200 flash is designed for this purpose, and you can control it from the D90's pop up, but that whole set up is not inexpensive.</p>

<p>I ran into a cheap alternative recently- The Phoenix macro ring flash is about $80, and is TTL compatible. It feels EXTREMELY cheap as well, but does a suprisingly good job, lighting-wise. Flash exposures are as reliable as my speed lights In TTL mode with my D90.</p>

<p>D300/75-150mm/3T close-up lens with shoe mounted SB-600 with built-in diffuser down.</p><div></div>

<p>I solved the problem with the lens on my P&S digicam casting a shadow on macros by making a very simple, cheap diffuser that attaches to the lens hood. It's just a sheet of translucent white plastic with a hole cut in it, large enough to fit snugly between the front of the lens and the lens hood. When the hood is threaded into place the diffuser is secured.</p>

<p>With the diffuser near the front of the lens the on camera direct flash neatly minimizes the shadow effect. It doesn't produce perfectly evenly distributed light like a ring flash or true macro flash, but only costs about a buck to make, and it fits anywhere in my bag. Surprisingly, little or no exposure compensation is needed for closeups. The TTL flash seems to compensate well for the presence of a farm-rigged diffuser.</p>

<p>All the pix in my <a href="../photodb/folder?folder_id=878389">Flutterbys</a> folder were taken using this simple diffuser on an Olympus C3040-Z P&S digicam.</p>

Lil Judd, I really like the second one, with the stars on the drops. Neat effect!

<p>Lil<br>

Can you post a pic of this difuser made from a milk jug and how it fits on the camera.</p>

<p>Ian R</p>

<p>Thank you Francisco,<br>

those stars were a surprise in the computer - much appreciated at that. :-)</p>

<p>OK Ian - sorry for slowness in getting these up for you. Had to locate them. Here is one shot. I want to point out that I've accidentally on this shot turned the diffuser the wrong direction - but it actually makes no difference.</p>

<p><img src="http://lilknytt.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p901929581-4.jpg" alt="" /><br>

And this gallery shows shots showing how I creat them. Please feel free to contact me for further instruction if interested or you feel you need it.<br>

http://lilknytt.zenfolio.com/p1023367975</p>

<p>Hope this helps a little</p>

<p>Lil :-)</p>