Pop up diffuser

[ChrisTX]

Are there any DIY type diffusers for the pop up that aren't cumbersome, and could be done easily? I don't have any sort of fancy set up, but when I use my SB600 off camera, I have to control it with the pop up, and I want to soften the light coming from it. I've seen the little gizmos online, but does anyone have any ideas that are a little more discreet and utilitarian?

Thanks.

[mrsrice22]

I don't know about discrete, but I found a package of small tupperware at the dollar store some time back and just cut a hole in it so that it fits right over the on camera flash. I haven't used it, other than just test shots around the house, but i've seen other photogs with full sized tupperware on their cameras, lol!

[David Whatley]

If you can find one of the old film canistars that was clear, you might could cut that and it shoud work. Myself I would use scotch tape and a tissue

[rab3rd]

Why reinvent the wheel.

Puffer - Pop-Up Flash Diffuser - Flash Diffusers

[lsosa]

I cut the side of a plastic milk carton to fit the lens of the pop-up and scotch tape to the lens we works for me

[J Eddington]

Just remember that if your sb600 requires the flash to trigger it you may need full power to reach it. So a diffuser may not work.

[ualymerej]

do you need the pop up flash for fill? cause if not, you could just set it to not flash for the actual picture. You'll still see the pre-flash that triggers the SB-600 but it won't add to the exposure.

[bryanlindsey]

Might consider a cheap trigger/receiver like Cybersyncs to do off-camera flash properly...

I'll bet that you'll be glad you did.

[ChrisTX]

Thanks for all the responses.

Originally Posted by ualymerej

do you need the pop up flash for fill? cause if not, you could just set it to not flash for the actual picture. You'll still see the pre-flash that triggers the SB-600 but it won't add to the exposure.

The biggest time I've wanted off camera flash is when we go to areas where the light is really contrasty, like in a garden type setting where you have shady areas with light coming through the tree canopy. I've been playing with the pop up for fill, and the off camera to try and mitigate the darks and lights. Sometimes my pop up seems a little too harsh.

[ronocnikral]

what is the point of diffusing light? to just block some of the light coming through the same area? or to disperse the light over a larger area? or both?

i agree with bryan, get some triggers and do it properly. i was not impressed with the nikon system when i saw it....

[ualymerej]

he's asking for suggestions on a diy diffuser, meaning he's not looking to spend much, so I don't think suggesting radio triggers is necessary. Another suggestion is just to manually adjust the flash level if it's too harsh. not sure if you were only using TTL; sometimes TTL just isn't quite accurate.

[R0ger]

I made a basic one from an old milk jug. Cut from the side of the jug to get the crease.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by ualymerej

he's asking for suggestions on a diy diffuser, meaning he's not looking to spend much, so I don't think suggesting radio triggers is necessary.

interesting...i read the OP as someone willing to spend money, but not liking designs. and i think making the jump true OCF would benefit him greatly. what's wrong with trying to help someone solve their issue?