Lately I’ve been using the built-in pop-up flash in my camera, primarily as a fill in flash, now I need a diffuser, but I can’t convince myself to buy those $20 pop-up flash diffuser available in the market, so I went to the kitchen to try to find if there’s something there that I can use. Here’s the first one that I found, a dominos pizza cup, must have been better if I can find a plain white plastic cup.
Here are some photos of the diffuser attached to my camera and some of the test shots I did:
[flickrset id="72157623555465547" thumbnail="square" overlay="true" size="medium"]
I find that a cup like this can be a great help, it’s no Gary Fong
If you take a close look at the three test I did, all those photos with the diffuser on the camera has lesser harsh shadows and has a softer effect.
There are available diffusers in the market for the built-in SLR Pop-Up flash available in Amazon, prices can range from $9.99 to $40.00, but like what I said earlier, I can’t convince myself yet to get one. I’m surely getting a diffuser when I get a Canon 580EX II. For now, there’s always lots of stuff in the kitchen.
Equipment’s I used with the test:
My Gear :
Lightbox – a white square plastic container I found in the laundry room
Canon Rebel XS with EF-S 18-55mm IS kit Lens
Dolica AX620B100 62-Inch Proline Tripod Legs
Vanguard SBH-300 Large-Format Magnesium Alloy Ballhead
Dominos White Cup for the Diffuser
Test subjects :
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
KungFu Panda Toy
Diecast Model Monster Truck
All test were done with the Canon XS mounted on the tripod. Focal range on all shots are the same.
Below are some of the pop-up flash diffusers compatible with most SLRs:
Gary Fong Puffer Pop Up Flash Diffuser
Professor Kobre’s Lightscoop, Standard Version Bounce Flash Device, Universal Model.
Professor Kobre’s Lightscoop, Warm Version Bounce Flash Device, Universal model.
If you find this small tip helpful you might also be interested in my new DIY External Flash Diffuser design after the famous Demb Diffuser Pro. Please click here to read all about my DIY – Demb Diffuser or Homemade Demb Diffuser Using Kitchen Items.
You can also share your homemade DIY photography accessories, just post in the comment portion below.
8 Responses to DIY Pop-Up Flash Cup Diffuser – Homemade
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hey, it’s a great idea. i’ll try with some cups and see what happens. here in argentina the difusers are very expensive
Simply Awesome
You said it right, same here they’re expensive alright. I’m still looking for some other stuff to try on. I’ll post more when i get a chance
very creative =]
[...] is what I used for my test for my DIY Pop-up flash diffuser. The purpose of a Light Box is mainly to show details of an object, and to elliminate destruction [...]
good idea! maybe i’ll try it. i’m a low budget photographer, and i’m seeking for diy ideas. i made one for macro photography, check it out on my photostream, if you feel like…
I tried the tissue as a diffuser.
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/40773577@N03] yeah, tissue works and styrofoam plates and cups. hehehe
Hi I just want share my creation because I have an SX10 is and SX20is and SX30is are the same.
I get some deception when I bought an ligtscoop as a flash bouncer diffuser. I realize that doesn’t work for my Canon SX10is (have and flash light leak under the piece).
My budget was so far for get an good external flash and I decide work on it, redesign and improved. Now I create my own version.
Click on my name for see my flirck pictures
Pop-up Flash vs Folded Brightscoop:
Folded Brightscoop:
Installed on my Canon sx10is
My improve feature is:
you can folded for carry on your pocket: