Thanks for this, Stewart! I've adopted this system, and am happy with it. Thanks to your inspiration, I ordered my Crafty Bells diffuser just before the developers retired. As a sewist, I might have to take up the mantle here in the US... I slimmed down the rings and believe the ideal set-up starts with an 82-77 SD ring (glued to the MF12 ring), followed by 77-72 SD, 72-77 SU, 77-82 SU and 82-67 SD. That provides a channel for the diffuser, guarded by a lip, then gets right down to business with the Raynox. i like the option to mount an MF12 right on the trigger, but my hot glue wasn't up for the task. I just ordered a plastic cold shoe and will try gluing this with ABS plastic cement. That should give me a permanent weld, which I won't mind at all.
Nice to see someone made a DIY diffuser for them. A few days ago I built my own diffusers for them using cardboard around each flash, inside with aluminium foil and like 10cm away from the head some thin white foam. To diffuse it even more I added a thin white seedling bag around them as well 😂 it works, but then I saw there are adapters being sold to make the flashes go from rectangular to round, and then you can add a round diffuser. So I've ordered that, not sure which setup will be better yet.
Thanks for the video I just got my crafty bells set and I was wondering how I am going to fit it on MF12 :)) good on you. Glad you feel better and making videos for us. Cheers
Hi and great video. I love my godox flashes. I noticed that pope shield are now doing a dedicated mf12 magnet diffuser. I wondered if you seen it or would maybe consider testing one to see what it's like. The idea of being able to take it on and off easily via magnets really appeals.
I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with to photograph. I just started getting serious about macro just in time for the insects to all go into hiding. Thanks for showing us how you are diffusing the MF12. I've been considering getting that but was worried about diffusion. Sadly, the Laowa 25mm doesn't have filter threads which makes this sort of flash tough to attach but I am planning on either the 60mm or 100mm this spring.
Have you considered using a large diameter (72mm or larger) short length metal lens hood instead of all the step rings? Seems like it would allow for more front to back adjustment latitude for the diffuser (IMO).
@Stewart Wood Great video - really interesting solution. Do you happen to have a link to the 3D printed washer that prevents the MF12 from twisting? Would really like to print one out for my setup. Thanks 👍
Stewart, I am a BEGINNER at Macro photography and I'm wondering what the difference is between using light from a flash source vs. constant light. If your subject is not moving, won't constant lighting give you the same effect? Thanks! I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm still trying to perfect my dandelion cloches thanks to your videos! :)
I have enjoyed all your episodes and also have been trying different flash setups and trying to deal with hot spots. But my real question, that I don't seem to be able to find an easy answer to is, how much degradation of the image is there if I just enlarge my image in the computer instead of trying to get to 2x - as an example if I get to .75x and I want 2x. How much difference would I see if I am only showing my images on facebook or for digital projection. How much difference would I see if I were making prints? Your help would be appreciated. Keep up the good work.
It's best to experiment with your equipment as every camera and sensor is different. On my Canon EOS R "30mp" I can get away with about 30% enlargement before seeing degradation.
@@StewartWoodArt Thank you very much - I will try some experiments on my own system. I am encouraged that there is some realistic option on enlargement and then of course how much tolerance you have for reduced sharpness.
The optics are better in the Laowa 100mm and it focuses to infinity so I'm able to photograph any size bug from large to 3X macro which out changing the lens.
Love you and your vids Stewart, I ordered the crafty bells magnetic diffuser system about 6 months ago on your recommendation, I knew it could take a while to receive but I have just found out that they have closed their website and are listed as closed permanently on google. I've tried contacting them via email but no response. I suppose I'm out my money but I'm sadder I can't get this diffuser now. Maybe don't recommend this in the future just so you know.
So, I just looked this unit up on B&H. It sells for $250. US, is currently not available yet and it appears that the transmitter (the part plugged into the hot shoe) is NOT included and must be purchased separately. Is this the case? Even though I don’t know the price of the transmitter, the Yongnuo YN24EX IS ready to go right out of the box and sells for $182.00 on B&H. While I like the fact that the Godox is wireless, that is a substantial price difference IMHO.
Hopefully you are all recovering well. I'm happy to hear that you're thinking of the welfare of the critters and look forward to your future videos. Just an additional question... do your pet spiders also hibernate?
Why have you still got the original diffusers on ? They don’t actually work as diffusers. As in they don’t help create a softer light. Soft light = the larger the light source the softer the light. The closer the light source the softer the light. The plastic diffusers don’t do either. They only reduce the light output. You can get the same effect by simply turning it down on the flash and also save battery life. All you need is the diffuser at the end of the lens which provides that larger softer light.
@@Ericbjohnston5150 Yes, but the point of his MMC was to do something challenging. I can take a photo of a pattern in moments - insects in the style of Stewart's MMC is totally different.
Thanks for this, Stewart! I've adopted this system, and am happy with it. Thanks to your inspiration, I ordered my Crafty Bells diffuser just before the developers retired. As a sewist, I might have to take up the mantle here in the US...
I slimmed down the rings and believe the ideal set-up starts with an 82-77 SD ring (glued to the MF12 ring), followed by 77-72 SD, 72-77 SU, 77-82 SU and 82-67 SD. That provides a channel for the diffuser, guarded by a lip, then gets right down to business with the Raynox.
i like the option to mount an MF12 right on the trigger, but my hot glue wasn't up for the task. I just ordered a plastic cold shoe and will try gluing this with ABS plastic cement. That should give me a permanent weld, which I won't mind at all.
Glad it was helpful.
Nice to see someone made a DIY diffuser for them. A few days ago I built my own diffusers for them using cardboard around each flash, inside with aluminium foil and like 10cm away from the head some thin white foam. To diffuse it even more I added a thin white seedling bag around them as well 😂 it works, but then I saw there are adapters being sold to make the flashes go from rectangular to round, and then you can add a round diffuser. So I've ordered that, not sure which setup will be better yet.
It’s nice to see the bloopers.
The Godox macro flash’s are awesome. So much lighter than the Canon twin macro flash setup that I had before.
Brilliant & well explained - luv the images :)
Many thanks!
Thanks for the video I just got my crafty bells set and I was wondering how I am going to fit it on MF12 :)) good on you. Glad you feel better and making videos for us. Cheers
Glad I could help!
I actually like the catchlights in the eyes. It is like shooting modeling shots and that is what you look for! 😁
Stewart.. u r a genius..
Great video, I'm still waiting for the Popeshield thats been design for this flash. It looks very similar to your setup here.
Nice.
Hi and great video. I love my godox flashes. I noticed that pope shield are now doing a dedicated mf12 magnet diffuser. I wondered if you seen it or would maybe consider testing one to see what it's like. The idea of being able to take it on and off easily via magnets really appeals.
Thank you. I have seen the pope shield diffuser for the MF12 however I've not got one for review. maybe in the future.
Please, what about dental photography ? How we can use flashes godox mf12 ? In which direction ? Setting? And diffuser?
Thank you
I have no experience with dental photography.
I'll be interested in seeing what you come up with to photograph. I just started getting serious about macro just in time for the insects to all go into hiding. Thanks for showing us how you are diffusing the MF12. I've been considering getting that but was worried about diffusion. Sadly, the Laowa 25mm doesn't have filter threads which makes this sort of flash tough to attach but I am planning on either the 60mm or 100mm this spring.
Have you considered using a large diameter (72mm or larger) short length metal lens hood instead of all the step rings? Seems like it would allow for more front to back adjustment latitude for the diffuser (IMO).
I haven't tried it yet.
Very interesting videos. I am looking for a lighting kit or macro photography. Love to know why you use flashes instead of ringflashes ?
I don't like the reflections that ring flashes gives you.
@@StewartWoodArt I guess you mean reflections in the eyes ? So for non animal macro ringflash will be great since its a smaller setup ?
@Stewart Wood Great video - really interesting solution. Do you happen to have a link to the 3D printed washer that prevents the MF12 from twisting? Would really like to print one out for my setup. Thanks 👍
Hi, could you explain me the "anti-twist solution" please ?
Thank you 😊
Hi Stewart, Which of all diffusers you have done are the best ones ?
I prefer the craft bells diffuser.
Stewart, I am a BEGINNER at Macro photography and I'm wondering what the difference is between using light from a flash source vs. constant light. If your subject is not moving, won't constant lighting give you the same effect? Thanks! I really enjoy watching your videos. I'm still trying to perfect my dandelion cloches thanks to your videos! :)
It's easy to shake when taking macro photo
Flash allows you to freeze motion not just the subject but lens shake as well
I haven't found a constant light source powerful enough to "freeze" motion when photographing live subjects.
I have enjoyed all your episodes and also have been trying different flash setups and trying to deal with hot spots. But my real question, that I don't seem to be able to find an easy answer to is, how much degradation of the image is there if I just enlarge my image in the computer instead of trying to get to 2x - as an example if I get to .75x and I want 2x. How much difference would I see if I am only showing my images on facebook or for digital projection. How much difference would I see if I were making prints? Your help would be appreciated. Keep up the good work.
It's best to experiment with your equipment as every camera and sensor is different. On my Canon EOS R "30mp" I can get away with about 30% enlargement before seeing degradation.
@@StewartWoodArt Thank you very much - I will try some experiments on my own system. I am encouraged that there is some realistic option on enlargement and then of course how much tolerance you have for reduced sharpness.
Thanks for the nice video. Have you ever used this flash with mp-e 65mm? Is it enought to 5x over f8? Thanks!
I’ll test it out for you.
@@StewartWoodArt still waiting for the results 😬
dos the pope shield fit in front of the mf12 without the stepup and stepdown rings
no, it doesn't.
why not just using canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 1-5x Macro? instead of laowa, canon let you to go to x5 when needed, and can also do x2-x3?
The optics are better in the Laowa 100mm and it focuses to infinity so I'm able to photograph any size bug from large to 3X macro which out changing the lens.
Can I use this flash while charging?
Glad to see a new video. Hope you are feeling much better. Looks like I need to get a glue gun. Look forward to more videos. Thanks for what you do.
Love you and your vids Stewart, I ordered the crafty bells magnetic diffuser system about 6 months ago on your recommendation, I knew it could take a while to receive but I have just found out that they have closed their website and are listed as closed permanently on google. I've tried contacting them via email but no response. I suppose I'm out my money but I'm sadder I can't get this diffuser now. Maybe don't recommend this in the future just so you know.
So, I just looked this unit up on B&H. It sells for $250. US, is currently not available yet and it appears that the transmitter (the part plugged into the hot shoe) is NOT included and must be purchased separately. Is this the case? Even though I don’t know the price of the transmitter, the Yongnuo YN24EX IS ready to go right out of the box and sells for $182.00 on B&H. While I like the fact that the Godox is wireless, that is a substantial price difference IMHO.
Hopefully you are all recovering well. I'm happy to hear that you're thinking of the welfare of the critters and look forward to your future videos. Just an additional question... do your pet spiders also hibernate?
my pet spiders don't hibernate.
link doesnt work for the crafty bell diffuser
Is macro the only use for this
It's the only thing ive used it for.
Problem: Light Loss for continous mode, noted 😁
The link for the diffuser is broken
is crafty bells out of business?
Afraid so :(
Why have you still got the original diffusers on ? They don’t actually work as diffusers. As in they don’t help create a softer light. Soft light = the larger the light source the softer the light. The closer the light source the softer the light. The plastic diffusers don’t do either. They only reduce the light output. You can get the same effect by simply turning it down on the flash and also save battery life. All you need is the diffuser at the end of the lens which provides that larger softer light.
Simple, I just never took them off after testing lmao
No more macro Monday?
No insects - (he says in the vid) - it's bloody cold up our way! :)
@@PaulIddoninPreston thousands of other things to photograph. Things with tiny patterns.
@@Ericbjohnston5150 Yes, but the point of his MMC was to do something challenging. I can take a photo of a pattern in moments - insects in the style of Stewart's MMC is totally different.
@@PaulIddoninPreston true
Should be interesting...
So you basically re-created a popeshield diffuser.