I was in need of a flash bounce diffuser that’s able to disburse more light, and in addition, can cover greater area than my small Omni-Bounce Flash Diffuser. While doing some shopping online, I’ve stumble across a few sites which featured DIY (Do-It-Yourself) diffusers, made from inexpensive, everyday material. In an effort to save a few bucks, I decided to fabricate my own flash diffuser. I’m pretty pleased with its performance and the results– it’s highly portable, lightweight and durable.
Here’s the diffuser attached to my Canon 430ex Speedlite Flash.
On the right is the schematic directions for the DIY diffuser.
Click here to download the schematic as an Acrobat file.
Here are the tools and materials:
- straightedge metal ruler for measuring and cutting.
- small cutting mat (Not required, but will certainly help protect the cutting surface).
- pen or pencil for marking the lines.
- bone folder, use to score paper or plastic before folding.
- box cutter
- hole puncher
- self-adhesive Velcro
- a sheet of 0.5mm thick soft plastic (I purchased mine from Pearl Paint for $1.17) Here’s the website to the plastic manufacturer, www.midwestproducts.com, if you have trouble finding it in your area.
As shown from left to right: Where to apply the Velcro onto the flash unit; How the diffuser is attached to the flash; The flash/diffuser in action. This particular bounce diffuser directs most of the light forward and utilizes the ceiling for bounced light.
