Cygnustech Macro Photography Diffuser Review

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! My instagram, macro lens guide, free inspiration newsletter, patreon, etc: micaelwidell.com

[@thebridge555]

Brendan that owns cygnustech is an awesome macro photographer himself. I brought this diffuser last year, as it was recommended to me by another macro guy. It's fantastic, completely improves my images. Brendan always replied quickly and gave me loads of extra advice about my camera and macro in general. The one thing I would say as a negative, is that it takes a while to set up and I find it a bit fiddly to do in the field. I get over this, it adds to the excitement of hunting and shooting some bugs.

[@127TROOP]

Excellent review, only just getting into macro after 5 years as a pro, lost my mojo, retired and now interested in the world of bugs. Your reviews are super helpful and using them in real world situations are very helpful….thanks Micael!

[@dianneandres3770]

Micael, you must have an incredibly steady hand. Your images are so beautifully sharp.

[@ericb138]

You can do this too Dianne. Look into focus stacking.

[@sim2g]

Thank you for this great review. I also appreciate to see your actual technique, it is the best way to learn. Have a great day! 🎉

[@snaphappyian]

My favorite diffuser and I recommend this one to the people I take out on my bug hunting adventures.

[@Jumpingspiderlife]

We have 2 of these now! I really like mine and find it looks so much more professional when I am doing macro photography

[@kevinmossmx]

Mike, I love your videos, your consistency and everything that you do for us, thanks a lot bro! Great video as always

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you 😊

[@yaupie]

Looking forward to your comparison of Cygnustch, AK and Popeshield diffusers.

[@MBroam]

That flashlight to help at night is brilliant. I am forever struggling to hold a small flashlight against my lens to get enough light to make sure I am focused properly when doing night macros.

[@ypaulbrown]

2:00 great way to shoot macro by presetting focus and moving camera in......I spent many years shooting at 1:1 doing animation and that was the only way to shoot in my opinion.......you are either in focus or not in focus, and your eye will tell you when it is correct.....Bravo, Paul

[@diedurchfalloseverdauung709]

I go still with the AK because it's completely closed, have a light and a holder for my raynox. I don't build it up every time I go out. I just hang the complete AK diffuser on my backpack so it is ready to use in 20sec 😁👍

[@Those_Weirdos]

He does have a website now. And this video inspired me to go there and buy one.

[@leonardstanton3591]

Thanks for another great video! Regarding Olympus in camera focus stacking. I've basically given up on it and use bracketing only for at least three reasons. (1) In camera stacking does not start where you focus, but backs up two or three "spaces" and fires off the sequence. This can be good and bad, but you loose some control because you really don't know where it is going to start. You also loose some background info that you might want. This does not happen with bracketing only. It starts where you focus. (2) Spent an afternoon photographing a ruler from the end and found a difference in the resulting depth of field in the combined image when comparing the in camera stack with and an external stack with say Zerene Stacker, Photoshop, etc. (3) With external stacking you a get a .tif at least, not a .jpg. All of this is with the 60mm lens and an OM-D EM1 Mkll. May be different on an OM-1.

[@Bareego]

The only thing not mentioned that I would recommend is to get a camera body with an articulating screen, it makes it SO much easier to get into all kinds of angles that would otherwise be impossible to get.

[@ronaldbuitendijkfotografie]

Another item on the wishlist, great 😂

[@clausgiloi6036]

I ordered this and am eagerly awaiting to try it. Hard to see how it will be ever better than the AK, loving the results I'm getting with that.

[@kaitlinmarks-dubbs629]

Can you say how you ordered it? I've tried contacting via email and IG and haven't gotten any response.

[@GrahamMarkham]

Hi Micael, Great video, A local photographer to me Uk put me onto the Cygnustech defuser......Needless to add I ordered one.......

[@nimuil]

4:17 Will that step up ring block the light from the flash when subject is very close to the lens? For 2:1 macro lensfrom Laowa, this distance is very short. Popeshield diffusers have this problem. it’s ok on a 1:1 lens but problematic on 2:1. it blocks the light and cast shadows on the subject. this is ridiculous.

[@MicaelWidell]

I don't think it will block significantly

[@ypaulbrown]

great information Sir....cheers from the US, Florida, Paul

[@tomm7910]

Micael, I am curious too see if you have heard about the beetle diffuser pro? If so, what are your thoughts on it? The variable angle/different sizes/raynox mount give a lot of options but I am not sure how practical all of them are in reality.

[@charliedrury6224]

I love your video's very useful and easy to understand. For the diffuser where can we buy it, I can't to find a distrributor in Canada. thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

Watch the whole video to get the answer

[@VietAnhNguyen-jp1tg]

Great image quality. However, seems a bit too bulky for me. I just use the Olympus em1II, Olympus 60mm macro, Raynox CM-3500 24x (24 diopter closeup lens), Olympus FL300R flash with a carved piece of sponge in curve shape. It is incredible. From infinity to 4x (8x FF equivalent), the whole kit weight about 900gram

[@dw.imaging]

That’s awesome ❤. A kind suggestion regarding “8x FF equivalent”. It’s actually about 1/2 of 4. So about “2x on FF”….. What is roughly doubled though is the Focal Length. 😊

[@VietAnhNguyen-jp1tg]

@@dw.imaging thanks for the suggestion. Whatever it is, i know that at the highest magnification, the width of the captured image was about 4.5mm. and that's awesome 😎. Once again. Cheers ☺️

[@douglasstemke2444]

Likewise, seems too bulky. I switch between bird and macro so I really like the fold up macro system Michael introduced.

[@DavidBrown-if8vn]

I'm wanting this one Michael!

[@EdwardKilner]

That is a very desirable diffuser. Thanks for featuring it, and demonstrating it. Please follow up with that night light attachment. And, does that item come with a headband as well? There were some nice photo examples. Don’t recall seeing many really colourful bugs here near Toronto, but that may be because I haven’t looked enough. Keep up the fine work, it is appreciated.

[@MicaelWidell]

The night light only comes with a band for attaching on your flash :) I am sure you have just as colourful bugs in Toronto, you just have to look closely!

[@wejda7352]

I have like This diffuser it has good result and hand made so correctly

[@carlosdonaldogutierrezsand8596]

do I need the 3 size of flash diffuser (S/M/L) or i just need to buy the large size for whatever size of my lens? Thanks for your answere love your channel

[@MicaelWidell]

Please ask the diffuser manufacturer this. They will make a diffuser that fits your gear.

[@kennyk4134]

Check out the beetle diffuser pro with the adjustable front .

[@palamilano80]

thank you for your videos! witch flash are you using? my cheap flash is very slow to recharge and i need to wait between 2 shot

[@MicaelWidell]

I always write what gear I use in the video description. Go have a look :)

[@palamilano80]

@@MicaelWidell thank you

[@lucapisciotta2682]

congratulations for the channel, which flash do you recommend for canon mpe 65?

[@MicaelWidell]

Not sure, because I do not own that lens.

[@speedeurXJR]

Thanks for your test Micael. I think its a must have with a simple dorr. But I think it will not be works with the little mikei 320.

[@wolfamri]

Another great Video, Micael. May I ask, do you have any issues with the V350 and focus stacking? Mine gives me half dark frames, as if I used a too fast shutter speed, which I didn‘t. The V860III on the other hand is pretty slow. I‘m starting to think my OM-1 has an issue Godox flashes.

[@MicaelWidell]

Hmm that’s weird. Never happened for me on my Olympus. On my Sony camera it can happen when I use a flash that is not designed for Sony. If I were you I would try adjusting the shutter settings to see if that helps. Maybe also check that the flash is really properly in the hot shoe and that all connections are clean.

[@wolfamri]

Thanks, Micael. I really appreciate your answer. I tried all that, but will double-check 👍.

[@ZakReal]

What camera Lens Flash use for micro animal please help me thanks

[@MicaelWidell]

Please see my homepage for gear suggestions: micaelwidell.com/#gear

[@VladimirMikota]

Excellent diffuser. I would like to buy it, but I can't find it in the Czech Republic. Would you advise where to buy it? Thank you

[@MicaelWidell]

As I said in the video, you will have to contact @cygnustech via an Instagram message if you want to order it.

[@ypaulbrown]

sharing your videos with all my 'Buggie' Photography friends......Paul

[@MicaelWidell]

Thank you for that :)

[@1bhowdy]

I tried to order the Cygnustech diffuser but was not able to get "how to make a payment" information after initial contact with Brandon. So I bought the Beetle Diffuser instead, which is awesome. Oh well no hard feelings, we all get busy at times.

[@Blum7206]

Jaka jest długość dyfuzora? Będzie dobry na obiektyw Nikon 105 mm?

[@MicaelWidell]

You have to ask Cygnustech. But I know he custom makes them so shouldn’t be a problem

[@fromia1]

How far could you crop with your Sony image, would it be able to match the magnification and resolution of the Olympus that has no crop?

[@5RustyBin]

Hi can I ask why your shutter speed is so slow on the first ant pics Micael? Using flash obviously freezes movement so just wondering about that thanks.

[@MicaelWidell]

Sometimes I want a bit more of the background to show, and with a slower shutter speed I can accomplish that - more green, less black.

[@SinaFarhat]

Fint! Ha en trevlig vecka!

[@klackon1]

Hi Micael. I looked at the Cygnustch, AK and the Kev Russell KR90 and chose the KR90, which is specifically designed for my OMS 90mm f3.5 macro and and Meike 320P mini speedlight. I have to say that I am really impressed with my KR90. It was watching your use of a diffuser that caused me to look for one in the first place, I had previously relied on a Meike soft diffuser, or the diffusers on my Olympus STF-8, so thanks a lot.

[@jared3622]

Im pretty happy with my laowa lens watching this, the diffuser is very cool tho

[@rogermullins7877]

Micael. What size its he step up ring Please?

[@ZakReal]

Hi, where buy a flash diffuser for macro How much price please

[@cours458]

wouldn't it get in the way of the "clutch" of the new m.zuiko 90mm inf-2x, (you need to pull it back to change the magnification it's on the front of the lens)

[@MicaelWidell]

Possibly. Hard for me to say as I haven't tried it.

[@ZeLoShady]

It doesn't. I went out to do macro recently and one of the guys in the group had that setup. It sits far enough forward (or back if you pull it farther onto the lens) to avoid that.

[@cours458]

@@ZeLoShady but are you able to read the magnification? I made an AK diffuser for it and I cannot, I can use the clutch but I can't read what is selected

[@johnnykempo]

What's the clicking sound when you take a photo? It doesn't seem to be the flash popping...

[@MicaelWidell]

Actually it is the flash popping. Because when stacking you have to use the electronic shutter, which is completely silent.

[@inteliov]

Did you notice any difference in light output with the AK diffuser? I’m trying to decide between the two and it looks to me like the AK is more “closed” and keeps more of the light inside…

[@MicaelWidell]

I will compare in detail later, but I haven't noticed any big difference. But yes I imagine that the AK is marginally better at conserving the light

[@giannizombie]

Outdoor and indoor micael 😂 👍

[@simpedros4766]

Impossible to get hold of cygnustech currently.

[@MorningNapalm]

Well, damn. Yesterday I ordered the Pope :D Well, it is still a good diffuser I guess.

[@MarcosVagni]

What's the white material?

[@johncuthbert4426]

Hi bud how much are the diffusers and how can we order one? kind regards JC

[@MicaelWidell]

Well if you watch this video you will get the answers to these two questions

[@weekendwanderer5514]

Does the price include shipping from Australia? As it stands, it’s already twice as costly as my flash.

[@MicaelWidell]

Not sure. I got my unit for free. You have to ask Cygnustech

[@martonkovacs484]

I paid around £100 for it and it included shipping from Australia.

[@weekendwanderer5514]

@@martonkovacs484 Good to know. Thanks!

[@หัวเหว่ย-ถ3ซ]

Wehre can I order this Diffusor for Sony kamara

[@MicaelWidell]

If you watch the video, I explain it there

[@ganngamtangjang5797]

Sir how to purchase this diffuser any website

[@MicaelWidell]

If you watch the video I tell you in there

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Om-1 better than Sony?

[@MicaelWidell]

Haven’t made up my mind yet

[@adambota1834]

hi, where can i buy such a diffuser?

[@MicaelWidell]

Watch the video

[@theflavourist1985]

Micael, I'm sorry, but i don't get the pricepoint with those kind of diffusors... I don't want to be harsh or so, but looking at those diffusors, i don't see the pricepoint...what makes these prices?

[@MicaelWidell]

I believe the reason is that they are hand made according to your camera/flash/lens measurements. If you think it is too expensive you can try making one yourself. I rather pay $100 to be honest 😄

[@theflavourist1985]

@@MicaelWidell absolutely, micael and I did not noticed that it's handmade and measured to my stuff. I just saw the materials and the way it's mounted and thought, just for that, people could do a DIY version of exactly that for around 20 bucks..... But of course it makes sense now, since it's handmade and measured..

[@baileysbugblog6478]

I found the Poleshield, while amazing for diffusion. Did bump into things (I stack a lot). How does this perhaps compare?

[@MicaelWidell]

This one does not bump into things as much as the pope shield

[@HUNrobar]

You can actually make a functionally similar hood for like 2$ and customize to your liking.. what is harder to find is a similar front diffuser material, flexible yet durable and neutral white. But the usual home remedies can work okay

[@andreatonioni]

Better popshield or cygnustech in the field? Have you ever tried MK3?

[@MicaelWidell]

Between these I prefer the Cygnustech because it is less in the way and conserves light better. Did not try MK3

[@andreatonioni]

@@MicaelWidell many thanks! I'm now follow a new one diffuser that perhaps I will order that it seems quite complete and well made. Knowing you're a fun of diffusers, if you will have the possibilities to try it please let me know :) the name is beetle macro diffuser . I think I will go for two option, the first one: a mini DIY for Olympus made from a smart Indian photographer (Jalil), and I recently found this new brand beetle diffuser ..if you're interested and you will not find on KZbin details , please let me know and I will share them :)

[@GianfrancoAlemanno]

is it my eyes? or Cygnustech gives a yellowish dominant in light?

[@javieralvarez3280]

Stacked images always?

[@MicaelWidell]

I try to stack but do not always succeed. In this video most photos are not a stack

[@javieralvarez3280]

@@MicaelWidell OK thanks. It seems that several flashes are fired at the same time, I thought it was a series of photos for one

[@UpacersArt]

It's cheaper and more creative to make it as your own.

[@charlesmoeller-vu9nq]

Very interesting very pricey

[@MorningDriftwood]

If you look closely, Indoor Micael looks a lot like Outdoors Micael.

[@Manupassero]

he's a photo stacking! :)))

[@ypaulbrown]

this is hilarious, I am getting ads for roach killing chemicals while watching the video.......How Dare They send me those adds.....haha....Paul

[@MicaelWidell]

haha 😂

[@morex7893]

Hello Micael, I think that the ants almost got a glossy kind of look with this diffuser.

[@MarcosVagni]

Plastic?

[@MicaelWidell]

Yes semi-transparent white thin plastic

[@irillRep]

😄🐜🕷🪲🐞👍

[@woolfries1979]

Great video, highly recommend this been using for three years now here in Scotland, and taken on many macro tours beyond. Incredibly portable and the image results are fantastic diffusion wise. Weemadbeasties

[@peternilmot9144]

Great video. But cygnustech is unresponsive to communication. I've tried multiple times to contact him. No good.

[@MicaelWidell]

That sucks :(

[@medicineman4040]

I made contact first try, told him my gear, one week later diffusor in hand. Easy.

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

He just got back to me. He said messages were heading to his junk folder.

[@R0ckreactor]

100+ dollars for a piece of plastic? No way. This costs like 5-10 dollars max to make. Overpriced for no reason

[@MicaelWidell]

I don’t know about you but my time is worth money. No way I would rather make this myself than pay an expert to do it.

[@ArcanePath360]

Ants are anything but cute. Especially with what they are doing to my lawn 🤬😡😩

[@tehpanda64]

seems very nice, if only it was easier to purchase🥲