AK Macro Photography Diffuser Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
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The diffuser still seems to extend more than is necessary for macro work. If the bug was on a wall or a really fat tree, you wouldn't be able to extend it around the tree. Do you think it could be shortened some for the type of photography you take without loosing any fill?
How do you focus so quick every time with a manual lens?
I chose the AK diffuser since I liked the brightness of the photos you get while using it seemed to pop more. I just got it last week and I've been able to use it with impressive results. It works with my Canon 600EX-RT flash so I didn't have to purchase another dedicated for macro. I'm using a Canon 100 f2.8 Macro & a Raynox DCR-250 on a Canon R5. The AK Diffuser seems well made, easy to snap together. I only had to purchase the Battery for the light extra, they make recommendations on what to purchase.
My AK Diffuser is arriving today, I can't wait to test it out...
Till now I used the cheap "Dörr" Diffuser with works alright but is not very stable, get's in the way often and because it flapping about, it scares the insects away pretty fast.
Thanks for the review.
I also ordered it last week. I can not wait to finally photograph with it 😁
I have the same diffuser for my Nikon D850 but between you and me I still prefer the simple diffuser you use on the camera lens. Simplicity is divinity.
I do 80% of my macro at night which is where a focussing light comes in. I use a similar diffuser and wouldn’t be without it.
I just received mine, for the same flash and the 85mm Laowa lens. It’s so tiny! I already have one for the Nikon z 105mm, and that diffuser is a monster. I wonder how much the small ones are really customised though, considering mine was shipped only a day after ordering. I think for smaller set ups his new ‘mini’ diffuser just fits! You really ought to use the light though - so much help, and a small usb battery stuck to the diffuser weighs nothing. Also, looking at how it fits to the flash, I think I can used a modified Speedlight for fluerescent UV photography, with the necessary 62mm filters taped to the front of the flash (after removing the plastic gubbins).
Interesting. I just ordered a Laowa 85mm. Might get a new AK for it :) what flash do you use ?
@@MicaelWidell I am using the same Meike flash as you ;-)
I'd actually been considering this one over the pope shield because there is no "option" for a roof. The design itself has a roof built into it period. I'd already seen amazing results on their IG page. Also, I loved the fact that the little "plate" you put under it to give the subject light from below as well can be clipped onto the roof when not in use to be out of the way & at the same time be available for when you do wanna use it. Another huge plus is the built in focus light, which is absolute genius and something I always wondered why nobody did, as I many times do take pictures in low light situations (including at pitch black night lol). I don't care if it's $100+ since it's custom made to your specific setup and very high quality, unlike the pope shield where you gotta hack and saw and make your own solution to mount it if it doesn't fit right from the factory (which seems to be pretty common). That and the fact that the roof is not separate. Dunno, AK Diffuser just seems better in all aspects all around, and you can easily just take it off and leave it on a desk or whatever if you're not gonna be doing flash macro-photography, but can quickly snap it on if you do. The focus LED thing is great as well since it's separate from your speedlite and won't detract from its intensity or recycle time, and a small powerbank will be light enough yet energy dense enough to make it run for a very long time. Was thinking of first buying my 2x Laowa lens of choice and then getting the AK Diffuser for it, and if I still wanna keep my 105mm Sigma art 1:1 macro after that, I'll get the pope shield for it if the AK diffuser doesn't work on that setup. Excellent images btw, I think the diffusion here looks even better than the pope shield. You have more coverage that's more even while at the same time looking softer, as some of the images you took with the pope shield last time looked like the highlights were right on the edge of blowing out certain areas.
The Pope has no option for a “roof”? Funny, since I have one. 😜
@@dontgetmadgetwise4271 You need to re-read what I said because you misunderstood. I said there is no "option" for a roof referring to the AK diffuser because (as I said in the sentence right after) the design of the AK diffuser itself IS already a built in roof, whereas with the pope shield, it's a separate attachment that's optional (but I would definitely want to use because of the huge amount of light that would get lost otherwise).
Another amazing review, and so happy to see the product of my friend Zamir. I use this diffuser after I started in macro and helped me a lot not only to understand light but to capture insects at low light ( really early in the AM - 4 AM in the Everglades )
I just remove it from the camera and I never take it apart for storage or anything as Nicola states in the comments, in my case there is no need, in cases I even use the Velcro to attached into the backpack. Awesome review ! Thanks !
Our whole macro group have been using the same shape diffuser for years. We just do DIY ourselves. Do not know making such thing can make so much money.
Aw man, I got the MK Diffuser a while back and it was $130 and it looks nearly identical to this. It has been great though so I can't complain. I only wished it was a bit smaller. I have recently been looking at CygnusTechs. I would definitely watch more diffuser reviews. Thanks!
Same here...
I believe there is a new smaller version available. It might be intended for micro 4/3 cameras. Not sure.
I wanted a Cygnus Tech, but couldn't justify the $200
@@taylorhickman84 I'm pretty sure it was 200 AUD and not US ;)
Always in the right time .. Thanks for the nice Vid.
It is a nice diffuser, but for me it is bulky and it is not easy to put in your backpack, assembling and disassembling takes too much time.
Yes it does look a bit bulky and slow to assemble. If it was smaller and easier to assemble it would be great for my a7c and 85mm laowa macro lens. This lens is a bit small for most diffusers.
Most diffusers with a roof take time to assemble.
I have the Cygnustech Diffuser and I try to leave it on. If I travel I woulr rather take a small flash and the pope shield. But if I go on a macro walk I will get better diffusion with the Cygnustech (or AK)
Yeah really nice interesting to see how much of a difference the bottom reflector made. I've been using the cygnustech for a while which is very similar but only 2 parts so quick simple to set up and fits in a messanger bag easily hope we get a review of that as well
I also use the Cygnustech and it's very quick to assemble and desassemble, and stores perfectly in the laptop pocket of my camera bag.
Hey thank you for the video this is super rad 🎉
A few years ago, I invested in a Nikon 105mm 2.8 macro lens. I believe it is capable of 1:1. You mentioned 2x was what you were achieving. So, could you explain how you achieve this and how you know what the actual magnification was on a given picture? So far, I’ve not worried about it, so long as I like the result. Oh, is 2x written 2:1 or 1:2 ?
I did this by taking a picture of a rule. I checked the horizontal size of my sensor and compared that size with the photo of the ruler. 2.2cm wide sensor capturing a 1.1cm photo of the ruler filling the photo from side to side means 2x magnification. A bit crude, but I think it serves as a reference.
Laowa makes a series of macro lenses that go all the way to 2x instead of the 1x that standard macro lenses achieve
I use a Laowa lens. they go all the way to 2x
How is this with extension tubes ?
Should work just as well with tubes
Great work as always, Micael! The images looked well diffused with beautiful light on your subjects. You have beautiful stink bugs in your area. The ones here in Tennessee are basically all brown with slightly red eyes. I wonder if you have or will ever try a "Crafty Bells" diffuser. They are based in Australia. They have an entire reflector system that is cheaper than this AK system you tried here. I just use the bonnet diffuser part of their system because it's less cumbersome. But their full system seems less cumbersome than this AK system. Thanks for another interesting video! Oh, Next month my jar will be 2 years old. I wonder how things are going in your jar.
I will try to review more diffusers. I find it interesting and enjoyable. Will see if I can get my hands on the crafty bells one.
My jar is all filled with green algae after our hot summer - hard to see what’s going on inside 😂
Jump scared by the fallen camera ahah
Think it's too expensive. Well made. Great images.
Hi! Good video as always!
The diffuser seems to be really good quality and really make the work easier... but it's a little bit pricy ... 100 dollars it's too much for me! But the construction worth it!
Woa! Now your photos are really good! Shucks am I gonna have to get a diffuser now? How long does it take to get used to using one?
It takes no getting used to. Just put it on and you will get nicer photos 😄
best Diffuser. i have one DIY just used Polyfoam 5mm for diff...how about AK Diff, do know what material they used? ; a white part (diffuser)? thankyou sir
Great video, Micael. Have you used this diffuser with the Laowa 25mm and if so, how was the experience?
Never used it with that lens
@@MicaelWidell Thank you for the quick response. Which hood-style diffuser have you used with the Laowa 25mm? Or better yet, in your opinion which diffuser would you recommend?
Thanks for another great video. Will this diffuser work well with Laowa 90mm ?
Yes it will work great
Thank you for another great video.
I'm still very much in the learning phase. Can you explain for me the benefits of the black shroud? Is it just to contain the light so a less powerful flash is required? Does that allow for less harsh light on the insect?
It bounces light that would otherwise escape so that more of the light from the flash is directed at the subject. This in turn enable you to use a lower strength on the flash which preserves battery life and makes it recycle faster between shots.
@@MicaelWidell Thank you.
Would you disassemble the diffuser flat to transport it to the field, or would you just keep it assembled?
Hmm I would probably take it apart to make it flat in the backpack. Only takes a minute to assemble when you have done it a few times. But I can also imagine hanging it on the outside of my bag if I’m lazy or traveling a shorter distance.
Thanks for this review. Question - are you able to operate the focus and aperture rings on the laowa lens easily with this diffuser mounted?
Yes no problem at all
@@MicaelWidell thanks
Wich camera sir.... super rrrrrrrrrrrr b micro photography... krishna from india... Hyderabad....iam also big fan yours photography
See video description
I'm thinking of getting this diffuser. I use both the Laowa 25 and Laowa 85. Would I need to purchase two diffusers to cover both?
Hmm you should ask them, I am unsure.
@@MicaelWidell
I will do so, thanks!
@@MicaelWidell
They answered with this "With my diffuser you can store the Raynox magnifying lens as I show in this image." The rest of the mail was just about the payment. I'm not sure if this part is also just a general mail, or if it's a direct answer.
Perhaps it's better to get two different Pope shields. The AK is quite big anyway, especially with the 85 setup.
Ridiculous that field was chopped down for no reason, I hope you complained to the council.
It’s weird when they at the same time invest big money in other efforts to preserve insects and other wildlife
I guess yo mean live view.
No I mean photo review
Looks like a missing piece from a BDSM costume.
I am looking at the cygnustech diffuser that is very similar to this one but only available via instgram. Not confident to try that way yet but i would like to try one of these two
I will review the cygnustech later. But cygnustech asked me to wait because they have a huge backlog of diffusers to make and cannot handle all the orders right now.
hey micael,
can you help me with finding a compatible flash for my fujifilm x-t4?
i cant find any information/ flash for it.
only the "original" one from fujifilm for 400 dollars.
do you maybe know one that fits?
Sorry I don't have any good recommendations. I love the meike mk320 flash, but had some issues with it on fujifilm cameras, so it is not a safe recommendation for you.
@@MicaelWidell
ah damn.
thanks anyways for your response!
just got one based on your videos. haven't tested it out though yet.
7:40 I jumped out of my seat man! 🤣🤣🤣
I just got the AK last week. I haven't had a chance to use except in the house with test shots of shiny objects. The diffusion is great and think it will work out well for me.
cheaper then the Cyngus
💥 Thanks for the nice review. 3:12 why don’t I see the front of the flash showing inside.? Just the lens.
And when I go to the AK site there are 2 cookies notifications overlapping each other blocking the button to accept them so I can’t get to their homepage. What a headache those cookie notifications are.
Amazing 🤩 wow excellent picture.
Excellent photographer.
Ak diffuser excellent 😊
The video is well done. I will plan on ordering one of these along with every other diffuser you have reviewed! The quality of these shots might make this THE one! The Crafty Bell has worked well. The POPE shield is ordered, but not yet delivered. What the heck, what is one more in the quest for the perfect diffuser!
Yeesh, photography is not for the poors 😅 I'll stick to my $14 cloth one from B&H for now lol. Looks like a cut up Foldio, kind of neat though.
Looks like real solid equipment!
Fint!
Ha en trevlig helg!
Which lens are you using with it? Looks very compact.
Check video description for all gear :)
Doh, … now I see that :-( By the way, I have an AK diffuser for the Nikon Z 100mm macro lens and a large Godox flash. The combination is a large and very heavy big boy! However, I just ordered a smaller one for the Laowa 80mm with the same flash you use. I am looking forward to a lighter package :-)
The diffuser looks good for macro photography. I wonder if it would be good even for portrait or event photography say with a 35 or 50mm lens. It looks like it would be better than a simple bounce card and more consistent than bouncing off the ceiling.
Yeah but still too small to give really nice results. Bouncing against walls and ceiling is probably better when possible.
I was going to ask in your recent videos using the Popeshield why you used ISO 200, but I think it is answered here as the AK, with it's reflectors requires less flash power.
Hopefully the next diffuser review will be the Crafty Bell as I think you will then have covered the top 3 commercial solutions.
Insects (especially flying ones) seem to be very much in decline this year in the UK. Have you experienced this?
Hope to review more diffusers including the crafty bells :) More insects than ever this summer in Sweden
@@MicaelWidell I guess the good news is that the reason we have fewer flying insects in the UK this year is that they have flown further northwards :)
Hi Michael,
thanks a lot for your video.
For studio macro, have you ever tried a studio flash with a white or translucent umbrella? If yes, what results did you get? Thanks.
Yes it works fine. You can also have something smaller like a white water can.
@@MicaelWidellMichael, thank you for your answer.
Maybe a smaller umbrella, for example 58cm?
Did you use the translucent or the reflected white?
Thanks.
Thanks!
thanks for the contribution! :)
I'm inspired to make something like that from cheap household stuff like white paper cardboard etc.