AK Mini Macro Diffuser Review (+ Cygnustech Comparison)

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks for watching! Please also visit my... 🐞 favorite gear: micaelwidell.com/#gear 🐛 lens guide: lensguide.micaelwidell.com 🪳 newsletter: micaelwidell.com 🐜 instagram: instagram.com/mwroll 🪲 twitter: twitter.com/micaelwidell I wish You a wonderful day! See you in the next video.

[@Tom-Tenerife]

AK diffuser is quite the best with the new 90 macro, but not the mini. Clearly OM System OM1 is the best. A have also a Fujifilm XT5 but for macro photos is a lot worst

[@19Photographer76]

So Micael, do you every capture the lower reflector in the shot?

[@TheAnandOfBugs_]

That's so nice that it is so custom made, including the holder for the Raynox. Great stuff, AK. I'm normally price conscious as $100 is steep for a diffuser - but because of the care they've taken for this - I am thinking of ordering one to Canada. Edit: Okay, never mind - the inability to fold flat is a deal breaker for someone who travels with one bag. Back to $10 diffusers it is. Thanks, Micael - for being thorough.

[@gr33kb0i]

if that’s your concern check out the cygnustech, he compares it towards the end. Much more portable.

[@lenmaltese309]

There is a new design for the AK Diffuser. all parts now are flat. I own two, a mini and a larger one, and all pieces are flat. Excellent video!

[@JMwqer]

How do the images taken with the mini and large one compare to each other? I have the older large version, but the mini sized is tempting due to shorter hood length.

[@lenmaltese309]

@@JMwqer To be honest, haven't really did a comparison between the two. I mainly use the the mini with the Laowa 85mm and 60mm and it really distributes the light well.

[@JMwqer]

Thanks!@@lenmaltese309

[@stephenbarlow2493]

Nice comparison, showing the importance of the under diffuser and reflector, which I first started using about 2007, perhaps earlier. Originally, I was just using a piece of folded copier paper held under the lens. In fact, you can make an amazingly effective diffuser with 2 pieces of A4 copier paper and an elastic band, with a hotshoe mounted flash. All you do for the main diffuser, is fold a piece of white A4 paper in half. Wrap it around the flash head so it creates a U shaped bounce card, and put the elastic band around the flash head to hold it in place. Then use a bit of folded over white paper you hold under the lens. Cut an indent, like the one on the AK diffuser, so it doesn't foul the subject. Try it, you will be amazed by the light you can get with it. It must be the simplest and cheapest, macro diffuser possible, and it folds flat. Back in the day, I would just carry a number of folded over pieces of white A4 paper, and some elastic bands, plus an ordinary flash. As I've said before, I was the first person ever to put a curved concave diffuser over the end of the lens for a flash diffuser. The first just used a white vending machine/water cooler cup, with the underneath cut away. Look on John Hallmen's Flickr page. Look under the album Gear, and find "Modular Macro Diffuser", and look at the write up. You will see, he credits me as the inventor of this type of diffuser. Click on the link to my name, go to Albums, and you will see a photo of my first cup diffuser, posted in 2009. I'd been using it for more than a year before I showed anyone what it looked like. On my Albums, go to Macro Flash Diffusion for diagrams from 2010, showing how all flash diffusion works in the macro region. These diagrams were actually for articles I wrote in 2010 explaining how all macro flash diffusion works. Unfortunately, the website they were on is no longer online. Nearly all the modern diffusers you see, are derived from these principles. I only mention this, because if you understand how macro light modifiers work, you can make any number of designs from this. I am grateful the AK, Cygnustech and similar diffusers are commercially available now, as they allow people to get reliable macro diffusioin. Which wasn't the case prior to 2010, because if you look at macro photos before then, they all had horrible specular hotspots.

[@mikefriel6906]

Just received the latest version of the AK-Mini - it's been redesigned to be completely flat now - maybe they watched this video! And it came really quickly.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yeah I heard they designed a new generation now. That sounds great!

[@omnombrains]

Thanks for the update! The not being flat part was a deal breaker but now I have to consider the AK Edit: just letting everyone know that I have had my diffuser for a while now and it's great. The service is fantastic too!

[@yetidodger6650]

hi Mike how long did delivery to UK take?

[@OtonTattoo]

Thanks Micael for it! I'm from Brazil, and here the taxes of import is very expensive, and after this i will make my own difuser (again). Thank u

[@devinpopper2043]

I really enjoy your content Micael! I would love to learn more about your settings used for focus bracketing such as differential at various f stops. Thanks for all the educational content!

[@MicaelWidell]

Good video idea, will probably make it! In general I find that step size 3 works well for me at all f-stops and magnifications I use. But I see many macro photographers even using step size 1.

[@devinpopper2043]

I look forward to it. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the great work!

[@mikesensier3656]

Nice comparison between diffusers. I did buy the Cygnustech and i love the portability of it...but i think the AK mini gives off a better overall light. I do like your comparison videos helps us choose and make the best choice. Thanks.

[@banditalley9592]

I think that's the best light I've seen for handheld macro!

[@klackon1]

Interesting video Micael, thank you.I use a Kev Russell KR90 diffuser with my OM1 + 90mm f3.5. I purchased the one he makes for the Meike 320P mini speedlite, due to it's very low profile. The added advantage, however, is that it works well with my 90mm + FL700WR and my 12 - 100mm f4 with 10mm and 16mm extension tubes in combination + Meike 320P. Obviously, it also works with my 90mm + MC20. My KR90 cost £63, including p&p, from Australia to the UK. I must say the AK mini + underside is impressive.

[@MDMiller60]

The AK I got does have flat upper roof. An operational con of the Cygnustech is that the the restraing strap goes right across the control window/buttons of the flash. That would hinder making changes. I do realize that once the flash is set, the only change and required change would be power output.

[@markbernhardt6281]

I think this is great. You can keep it put together at all times. I'm thinking about having a soft sided cooler to bring along with the flash and a few spare batteries in it. Then when I get the urge I can just go into he car and get the macro kit, all ready to go.

[@d.k.1394]

I love that green shiny bug. I photographed a live one on bali indonesia last year. I was sooo happy to find it😆

[@guillemarin8387]

AK & Widell are a great combo! 🎉🎉🎉

[@janvangastel6763]

Micael, I have done some experiments myself with two setups: without any diffuser, so only the bare flash, a Godox V350 and on the other side this same flash with the AK diffuser. I used my OM-1 camera with the 90 mm macro lens, with settings ISO400, Aperture 13 and 1/250 second shutter speed. What I noticed is, that the largest effect of the diffuser is the fact that it reduces the amount of light coming through to the subject substantially. I get about the same amount of light with the flash at 1/128 without the diffuser as at 1/16-0.7 with the AK diffuser. A difference of 2and 2/3 stops. The other effects I see is, that without a diffuser the reflections on the subject are smaller, but more concentrated and that with the diffuser the light is a litte more evenly spread over subject and close environment. I think, with the same settings, the reduction in reflections is more caused by less light when using a diffuser then by the diffusing itself and it then looks more a matter of taste if one uses this diffuser or not. I would appreciate your comment on this.

[@d.k.1394]

Love your photos

[@ArcanePath360]

It really does give a natural, subdued look, while perfectly lighting all sides and retaining so much detail. The colours look especially nice with their mild tones. I love the look of the photos. They have tonnes of atmosphere. I may make some mods to my flash setup to achieve this myself. I'm still having trouble with my DIY setup to get perfect lighting, with it being too directional. Never thought about having an under part. With a manual focus though, I'm not sure I can make it work

[@dougsmit1]

I found this to be one of your best videos even though I had no interest in the gear covered. The highlight was the recognition that gear addiction is a part of the hobby as many of us practice it. You freed me from guilt about not joining your Patreon when you jumped from the full frame ship and went to Micro 4/3, Thank you. You made me feel better about my side hobby of making my own diffusers (mostly from trash) showing the importance of both performance and 'flatness" which I will term 'stashability'. Thank you. You pointed out why I enjoy and hate KZbin professionals and their gear videos all at the same time. Thank you. You made me, an amateur who funds his photo obsessions from personal funds rather than KZbin view based income really wish there were more videos and channels by and for amateurs who are into this hobby as a hobby and not trying to feed the family with the endeavor. I guess I should start a KZbin channel of my own but, as you pointed out, no one would watch a video by someone who does not claim to be an all-knowing expert with gear based answers to every question. In music videos we are presented with 'reaction' videos where someone sits there and goes 'Oooh and Aaah' when some one sings (but avoids cringing when they sing out of key?). I fear my proposed amateur, un-monetized channel would be too filled with cringing. In the end, of the photo related videos I have watched, I find yours to be the most interesting because of their honesty. I won't be subscribing to Patreon for any of the dozen plus channels I watch regularly. That would be $10 x 12 x 12 = $1440 a year to feed families of people doing well enough they get free gear from makers. For that money, I could buy three Laowa lenses and a couple Meike flashes to fuel my gear addiction. After all, folks like me are supposed to believe that they need more gear and spend more time watching hours of KZbin rather than going out there with what we already have and chasing pretty bugs while the ticks and mosquitos chase us. This hobby of watching and buying is at least safer than actually taking photos, isn't it? Thanks for another interesting video. I hope people not retired on a fixed income will join your Patreon and buy their Laowa lenses using your discount code (even if you abandoned them for OM).

[@garthalley]

Hi Michael. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Will these work on a Sony a7r5 and Laowa 85mm 5.6?

[@MicaelWidell]

I’m sure that AK makes a diffuser for that combination. But it might not be this mini. Please ask AK yourself

[@Wellin220365]

Awesome video and thank you 👍👍👍 What lens are you using? Is this the MPE-65 diffuser from AK?

[@MicaelWidell]

Please see the video description to see the lens. The name of the diffuser is in the video title.

[@Hartical]

Hi Micael, Just watching your comparison and having used both deffusers I don't think its a level playing field. The AK is brighter because its completely enclosed. The Cygnustech loses maybe about 1 - 1 1/2 stops of light from the bottom and the rear. If the Cygnustech was completely enclosed maybe they would both emit the same amount of light. Respect, keep up the good work.

[@MarkSturtevantLectures]

Hello! I always enjoy your videos. My basic question is how you use a rapid burst with flash for focus bracketing? Is it a special feature of OM cameras that support focus bracketing that they can also tie to the flash? I imagine it must really wear down the flash batteries. Thank you!

[@rantonvideo]

You need to use a flash with lithium batteries: Godox V350 or Godox 860 III

[@wilteduk007]

Anyone know where to purchase the material this is made from? (black outside/white inside) as I'm sure I could make it for a fraction of the cost myself.

[@lesleytaylor8913]

Hi, great comparison video, thanks. I was just wondering what the size difference was between the 2? It seems to me that the AK is quite a bit bulkier, is that correct and does that impact when trying to get close up to a subject say in foliage? thanks

[@ericcourcier8827]

Hi Micael, Thank you for all your great videos ! Do you know if it's possible to buy AK Diffuser from Europe ?

[@MicaelWidell]

It's made in Florida as far as I know, so you have to order from their website and get it shipped from the US

[@ericcourcier8827]

@@MicaelWidell Thanks a lot for your quick answer. I've seen it for Florida but expected that it could be findable in Europe...

[@Tom-Tenerife]

I like the Pope Shield, but here in Italy I have AK Mini with V350O. The pope is more easy to use with a powerful flash because is magnetic

[@eight7sixjoe]

Nice vid Micael. How do you get the flash to fire so fast when doing stacking? Is this multi mode you are using on flash or manual mode?

[@MicaelWidell]

That's a feature that is unique to OM cameras. The flash is in M mode.

[@eight7sixjoe]

@@MicaelWidell thanks for your response. I'm interested in knowing more about this feature..I use a Fujifilm xt4 and I'm curious if there is something similar i can use. In summary, how to do handheld focus stack with flash where each image taken in the stack is lit with flash. I tried using burst mode and flash in manual mode at 1/128 but even with the lowest power it didn't recycle fast enough. I tried multi on the flash but not all frames were lit. Please help as i know you've used Fujifilm xt3 previously

[@suits1346]

Thanks for the video. Which diffuser do you recommend for a Nikon D780 with a Nikkor 105mm Macro lens.

[@ratcliffe1992]

Hey Micael, I just ordered an interesting diffuser that I came across. It's called Beetle Diffuser Pro. Not so "travel" friendly I don't think but certainly looks to be an innovative approach to getting variable angle diffusion. One to have a look into though, surprised you don't look into creating your own one xD

[@ramen-3ats]

how is it? how much did you get it for?

[@ratcliffe1992]

loved mine, works a treat, I think I would order the smaller version but the normal one is certainly not too heavy.@@ramen-3ats

[@sergeys.4912]

Very interesting, thank you! I was just thinking how to make a diffuser myself. I think you can get even more light if you make the roof of the diffuser from a reflective material, such as aluminum foil, or aluminum tape. This weekend I experimented with crosspolarization in macro. And it's very interesting. Glossy beetles become matte, the glare almost completely disappears, but at the same time there is some kind of unnaturalness. Later I will try to upload the result to your discord. Tell me which chat I should put it in, if you're interested.

[@MicaelWidell]

I think the downside with using a more foil like material is that the light will be less even and you get worse diffusion.

[@George_Banks]

@@MicaelWidell why would this result in less light or diffusion? he's referring to making the roof/hood more reflective for better light preservation. Seems it would work but not really necessary. Maybe necessary for the Cygnustech which loses a lot of light.

[@kennethschroeder2789]

Wondering how to find out if this fits a Tamron 90mm macro lens on a Nikon D500 with a SB-800 Nikon Speedlight

[@MicaelWidell]

Ask AK and they will be able to custom make it for your equipment

[@clausgiloi6036]

I have both the AK and the Cygnustech for my A74, but I've only used the AK so far. It leaves very little to be desired.

[@WillYazdani]

If you dont want the cygnustech anymore I'll take it off your hands :)

[@clausgiloi6036]

@@WillYazdani Oh I do plan to use it... looks like it would be easier to pack, so maybe next trip.

[@lilianamonetti7451]

Hi Micael, do you use an AK diffuser for 60 mm an another for 90 mm? From the page I understood that AK diffusers are specific for each kind of lens... And also, how do you use the round side knob (or whatever is called) that the Zuiko 60 mm have to do 1:1 if you have the difusser on? Thanks for your video!!!

[@MicaelWidell]

Most diffusers are custom made for a specific lens, camera and flash combination. So I have several diffusers and use different ones for different lenses. I get lots of diffusers for free to review them so that is the reason I can have several of them. For focusing with the 60mm I tend to almost always use autofocus and then move the lens/camera in relation to the subject to fine tune the focus.

[@lilianamonetti7451]

@@MicaelWidell ok, I see... To me is a bit expensive to have more than one diffuser, but I will think about it. I understand the way you work with 60 mm. Thanks for your answer!!

[@EsamKabliPhotography]

Halo, Nice work as always, the new AK design can be fold completely flat👍

[@MicaelWidell]

Sounds great. I have one in my office which I haven't had time to unbox yet. Looking forward to trying it.

[@eclap78]

I went with the AK. The Cygnustech is no doubt a great diffuser and many pros use it. It has it's pros, like mentioned in the video. But the addition of the LED light and the fact that the AK is more "closed up" is a plus. I feel like the Cygnustech lets a lot of the light escape, due to material and lack of light bounce from the bottom of the diffuser. Neither are perfect, but they're both pretty fucking awesome.

[@MicaelWidell]

I agree that both are great and you can’t go wrong with either of them.

[@George_Banks]

Curious why you haven't reviewed the MK Diffuser by Marcus Kam? I'm pretty sure this is the original diffuser innovation for macro that was packaged together in a "real" design, and that AK and Cygnustech were inspired by it? In any case, after thinking through each of their design decisions from afar, it really does seem like the MK Diffuser keeps things simple and clean while achieving effective light retention, portability, and mobility. Really would like to see it reviewed against these other two in regard to light performance and diffusion to give a clearer view of the current options and how they stack up.

[@George_Banks]

So yeah, researching closer, I found a video where Brendan of Cygnustech basically says he "copied" Marcus Kam's diffuser. He was more so giving credit to Marcus in good nature. And to Brendan's credit, he added his own design opinions. As for AK Diffuser...yeah...total copy without credit to Marcus, but without MK Diffuser's compact simplicity and effectiveness. Again...curious how this has gone overlooked by you or why you're choosing to leave the "OG" out of the comparisons?

[@yaupie]

How do you compare using these on-camera flash & diffusers vs off-camera setup like what you used in the past (e.g. remote flash & globe diffuser) ?

[@MicaelWidell]

Hard to compare as they are for different kind of light effect. I still use off camera flash sometimes

[@caltari]

I have the same camera; lens and flash. What dimensions did you put on the Web Site so I don't screw it up when ordering? Thanks in advance.

[@MicaelWidell]

I had direct message contact with the founder of AK diffuser and told him what lens and flash I use. So I didn’t have to specify measurements.

[@janvangastel6763]

Micael, a question about batteries. When I use my Godox TT350 flash, not all the flashes come at the same spacing. At 1/32 setting - setting my OM-1 to ten photo's per stack - there are first 4-5 quick flashes, then about 2seconds rest, then 3 flashes, again about 2 seconds rest, then 2 flashes. So ten flashes will take 3-5 seconds. At the 1/8 setting of the flash strength it will even cost much more time to recharge. I use alkaline batteries. Do you have experience with other batteries, for instance Lithium-ions? And if so, can they do all flashes without pausing to recharge? I don't use TTL, but manual settings

[@MicaelWidell]

This is unfortunately normal with the tt350. That’s why I got the v350. See the video where I compare the two. Just search “Micael widell tt350 v350” here on KZbin. Only way to get around it is to lower strength to 1/32 or lower and have really good batteries

[@upload638]

@@MicaelWidell omg this is driving me crazy with my OM-1 and TT350. The delays with the flash make stacking useless for me. Rather than trying to upgrade to better batteries to salvage the TT350 performance, I need to bite the bullet and order an AK diffuser and a better flash that pairs well with it but I haven't decided which one. If the v350 can do what I need, maybe I'll just get that and keep my TT350 as a backup spare.

[@AZTEC_ARTS]

You do all MANUAL stacks ? How many pictures / shots per insect, in average ? What flash sync settinfg in the camera (1/250) ?

[@MicaelWidell]

With the OM-system I use these days, I can do automatic stacks. But manual stacks are of course possible with any camera and lens. Number of images depends on subject size, but in general anywhere between 2 to 30 photos are common for me. Shutter speed doesn't matter, 1/250 s is good.

[@pentagramyt417]

Hi Micael, I need you help, because I listen to only your advices in macro photography, seriously. I have a question, because I am usually a bird photographer, and didn't need a external flash, but I started to do some macro shots, and tried at the first day without a flash, then the other day with camera flash, but I would still go for external one, for my Sony a6400. What model of a flash would you recommend to me in that situation? If you wish, you can give me 2 models like, cheaper option and more expensive :) PS: I found Sony f-32m for 125$, but I don't know if it is worth it and good. Still would like to see your opinion and recomendation. Thank you!

[@amdama1]

Goedenmiddag waar staat de flitser op .(Stand ) M of TTl

[@r4yker442]

Hi, Would it really hurt the image quality if I were to go for E1 mk III instead of OM-1? OM-1 is double the price for me as of now. YT and photo forums right now are extremely biased towards the "new shoiny boi in the town".

[@MicaelWidell]

Check out Stewart Wood. He even uses the E1 mk2 and gets photos that are nicer than mine. So no need at all to get the latest gear.

[@r4yker442]

Thank you kind sir for your response! I love your channel for the quality of content and how your attitude and knowledge make this hobby "achievable for mortals" Also, you are one of the few that also recommend gear in lower price point (and not only "gear for retired dentists")

[@plasmativa6089]

Micael what is a good camera option for macro video? OM-1?

[@MicaelWidell]

I'm not doing a lot of video, but yeah the OM-1 seems good at that

[@tomasbordi362]

When you ordered the AK diffusers did you have to pay taxes and fees upon arrival to Sweden?

[@MicaelWidell]

Nope not so far, but could be because I received them as review units, aka gifts

[@janvangastel6763]

Micael, will it also fit on the 90 mm OM- system macro lens?

[@MicaelWidell]

You need to specify this when ordering otherwise it will not fit

[@simpedros4766]

You have to order the main ask diffuser for the 90mm. I’ve just ordered one and that’s what they said when I said I had the 90mm

[@janvangastel6763]

@@simpedros4766 Thank you.

[@markbernhardt6281]

Would this fit on a Fuji X-H2 with the Laowa 65?

[@MicaelWidell]

You will have to ask AK diffuser what models this fits on.

[@ziramas]

Thanks for the video.

[@printrun5]

What material is that diffuser made off?

[@MicaelWidell]

Flexible plastic of some sort

[@simpedros4766]

I think another thing to consider is it’s impossible to get hold of a Cygnustech whereas the ak people respond extremely quickly.

[@MicaelWidell]

Ok, didn’t know that!

[@daveburtchell2926]

Mine was shipped promptly. I love it!

[@davidf6326]

@@daveburtchell2926 Just to clarify - are you referring to the CygnusTech or the AK? I'm just choosing now and it's tricky. I like that the AK provides more light (thinking flash recycle times here - I still don't understand how people are doing 100 exposure stacks, because neither my Godox 350 or my Nikon SB-700 can shoot consistent exposures even at 1/8th power for more than say ten shots 🤨), but I prefer the structure of the Cygnustech. Sometimes it's not so great to have choices 😊

[@menderesustuner9930]

selam Türkiye'de ikamet ediyorum bu ürünü nasıl temin edebilirim selamlar

[@truchotpierre8070]

First :) thanks for the video

[@LLCinema22]

When I watch you doing focus bracketing I get disappointed as I have the Sony a74 and as you know we don't have that. If there will not be an update about it then I am sure I will switch to olympus

[@MicaelWidell]

I wouldn't hold my breath for Sony to make this

[@LLCinema22]

@@MicaelWidell thanks for the quick reply. Now I think I will buy the a6700 that has focus bracketing and use it just for macro as I have all my Sony lenses. What do you think 🤔

[@AllTernative90]

​@@LLCinema22 the 6700 has only 2 pictures per second bracketing. OM cameras are far superior

[@TheLordstrider]

too expensive for what you get, would be an ok purchase in the 20-30$ range tops.

[@MicaelWidell]

There are no options in the price range unfortunately. You have to either make it yourself or buy at this price.

[@MorningDriftwood]

2:23 looks more like a larva cannibalizing on a pupa. The larva is plump as is the pupa. A pupa shedding off its larval exoskeleton is more like the photo in 2:45 wherein the pupa is plump while the larval exoskeleton is just a sheath of skin.

[@MorningDriftwood]

you can see the larval skin of the pupa at the base of its body while the other larva is still completely another larva feeding on the underside of the former.

[@MicaelWidell]

Ah! That is probably the correct explanation. I thought it looked weird. Thank you for your insightful comments.

[@anthonycalvert7336]

The AK Diffusers now pack flat.

[@MicaelWidell]

Yep. I talk about this in my latest vidoe

[@ukaszbanaszkiewicz8328]

You know what Micael? the cool thing is that even though you use such popular kit nowadays, you don't take the same pictures all the time, you have your own vision of taking pictures. See, almost 100% of olympus instagramers only do portraits of insects. It's always the same, portraits, portraits and portraits. I browse these channels and no one stands out, which slowly becomes boring

[@MicaelWidell]

Thanks :) I agree there is a particular style that is very prominent among most macro photographers today.

[@SinaFarhat]

Fint!

[@domciancibelli]

Cost is absurd. Make your own for under $10.00.

[@dennisharris144]

Really well done, and factual based. However i am quite sure these were invented by a nun 😄. For me I would like to keep my ultralight macro rig light.

[@erikhansson22]

Hej! Riktigt bra video! Hur lång tid tog det för dom att skicka den till dig från Florida till Sverige? Tack på förhand!

[@MicaelWidell]

Några dagar typ. De skickar med FedEx eller liknande. Kanske 5 dagar.

[@erikhansson22]

@@MicaelWidell toppen, tack för svar!