My favorite diffuser for the OM-1 and M.Zuiko 60mm macro: AK diffuser

[@wawanbalik]

Merci beacoup. I've been thinking about this diffuser for a while but haven't bought it yet because I mostly shoot birds and wildlife very rarely Macro. This is best review that I've seen about this diffuser, and very helpful. Merci!

[@EmilieT]

Thank you!

[@roachroacharito9113]

Great video & welcomed information for me. I had just ordered AK's OM-1 'mini-diffy' for my 60mm & 350TT. I'm looking forward to your other videos, those posted now, and those to come.😊

[@Tom-Tenerife]

Better V350-O for focus stacking

[@BugBobsWildWorld]

Thank you, Emilie. Nicely presented. The AK Diffuser is such a pleasure to use.

[@jasontaylor1920]

Great video. I love mine. I am also shooting on an Olympus mirrorless but I use the led light, I find it very helpful when shooting in liw light situations.

[@finnwang1538]

As always, great video! Very instructive and enthusiastic. Just love your presentations. I am sure that you inspire many to take up photography and make us amateurs getting better at what we do. Thanks again 🤗📷🇳🇴

[@EmilieT]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I truly appreciate your kind words.

[@slagclan1]

Great video! I ordered one last week and can't wait for it to arrive. This video is helpful! Thank you!

[@EmilieT]

Congrats on your new diffuser! Let me know if you have any questions. I know Zamir is also available and he was always there to answer my questions too when I ordered mine.

[@klackon1]

Thanks for the video: The type of diffuser shown is great...except it is very bulky and cumbersome when trying to photograph insects hiding in the undergrowth, hedges or under leaves. I prefer to use my STF-8 in such circumstances. I normally have both OM1's with me, one fitted with my 60mm f2.8 macro (soon to replaced with the new OMS 90mm f3.5 macro - just watched your video on that lens) and STF-8, and the other with my 40 - 150mm f4 + 16mm extension tube and either my FL900R or FL700WR + Neewer soft diffuser. Works for me. I am considering an AK or Cygnus tech diffuser for use in my garden, though, as I will be working in a controlled environment. Therefore, this video was of great vaue to me.

[@JimmyCjewelry]

Loved it ! Thank you very much! Merci !

[@EmilieT]

De rien :)

[@jonathanashton4758]

I suppose I should also mention the STF-8 which I use with the 60mm macro - this is a little bit of magic, it works with straight shots and bracketing too. Exposure is always very good indeed. I can recommend it. The only drawback to date is that I have not found it possible to use with the 40-150 - even when I bought adapter rings.

[@G.CurtFiedler]

but you can't sync any faster that 1/100s with the OM1 with the STF-8 - not sure about other strobe options on the OM-1.

[@cjk1943]

Good show

[@EmilieT]

Thank you Calvin. Hope all is well.

[@MattMarcio]

I use the Pope Shield Diffuser For me it's a lot less complicated than the AK especially the megnetic one 🙂

[@GoingAwesomePlaces]

Thanks for doing this review especially after our chat on IG: ) Would also love to learn more about the Olympus/OM flash that you're using! Diffuser-wise, I'm debating between Cygnus-Tech and AK but being in Canada, it might make more sense to get the AK one. Thanks again for sharing!

[@jonathanashton4758]

I use a Godox V860 II and a diffuser that came with it at no extra charge - rather like a trumpet covering the flash head. This works well with the 40-150mm with MC14 and it also works with the 60mm macro or even the 300mmf4. I love the 60mm macro but I find that it is very limiting because I need to be so close to the subject. The zoom and MC14 is so flexible - Ok not true macro but it gets pretty close.

[@EmilieT]

For certain subjects you really need the 40-150 or 300mm and not be in true macro. I would say that 50%of my shoots with the 60mm are 1 to 1.

[@marklaurendet1861]

I am thinking about getting one of these myself. The only thing holding me back presently ia how much it sticks out the front, so no good with spiders on webs or in think bushes where if you touch the web or bush your subject will run away. But it looks good for subjects that are in isolation. I notice on the site they have a mini one for Mu-43 but not sure how to order that one versus the larger model. Maybe you have to use the Godox TT350o like in their example. No general inquiry form just the template that I have seen so far.

[@EmilieT]

You have to pay attention to your angle in certain circumstances. I would contact Zamir using the form or you can try reaching out via his Instagram account.

[@rong9801]

I have a similar diffuser with the TT350 flash and the depth of the diffuser is definitely a problem when the subject is not out in the open. I have missed shots when my subject retreated into the brush. Having said that I have to say that this style of diffuser is the best that I have ever used. The light is definitely useful at night.

[@mossgatherer_]

This is so helpful, thank you, especially about how I can put the Raynox in this. What I can't figure out is can I use this with extension tubes? The website makes me hesitate because it seems like it has to match the lens and camera setup precisely. Thank you!

[@EmilieT]

You can. I used it on the 90mm which is way longer and it still worked fine.

[@ponymoore6140]

Thank you ;)

[@ESF19791111]

GOOD VIDEO EXPLANATION :) I ENJOYED WATCHING :) I DID A THUMB-UP ABOUT THE VIDEO AND SUBSCRIBED TO THE CHANNEL :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@Tom-Tenerife]

I have both, AK and Cygnustech! The second is te best and easier to bring

[@EmilieT]

Cygnustech is incredible to pack for sure. I did get to try it but I do prefer the AK in terms of color rendering. Just personal choice. You can’t go wrong with any of those two diffusers!

[@davepastern]

Hi Emilie - good video. I haven't used a diffuser in years cos I'm lazy (just shooting direct onboard flash with my 60D). BAD I know. I haven't shot macro seriously for like 15 or so years. I used to use a home made diffuser using paper napkin towelling and a coca cola can (google lordv diffuser), which worked remarkably well imho. The only drawback was that aluminum can was razor sharp and a p.i.t.a to make. Not recommended! I see no recommendation on using a flash bracket to remove the flash from being centered these days and I am surprised at this. Off centre light makes it even better imho.

[@EmilieT]

Hi David, thank you for your message. With the diffuser, I have had zero issue with the light so no need to change the settings. Can for a diffuser sounds like a cool idea minus the sharpness. I have seen it done with a Pringle can too. Less dangerous :)

[@davepastern]

@@EmilieT the pringle can isn't as reflective from what I understand. I can't use links in YuoTube replies (KZbin automatically removes my comments), but my older macro photos on my Flickr account used the diffuser and look pretty good to my eyes. I looked at the Cygnustech diffuser, but he told me that he can't do a diffuser for my lens (Sigma 150mm), which I found both disappionting, and odd. I got good diffusion from the very same lens on a old 4mp 1D 20 years ago, so if home made can do it, I'd have expected a commercial product to be able to do so as well, but alas, I'm told no. Too much light drop off. I've looked at AK's website and stalled at the custom measurements, which is a p.i.t.a but a necessary evil. It seems most diffuser makers are making for Olympus and anything else is being ignored. I'm not going to switch systems just for some on and off opportunistic macro shooting. I still think off centered light results in a better lit subject, even when used diffused.

[@danram69]

amazing what are the poppers from , amazing design

[@EmilieT]

Extra diffusion

[@kimmaree5701]

Another great video Emily 😚 I may have missed it, but was wondering if you have done a video showing how to use the flash and best settings on flash plus flash settings in om1 🤔 Thanks 🥰

[@EmilieT]

Thank you Kim. I have not done a flash video yet. I very often use TTL and between a +0.3 and +1.3

[@kimmaree5701]

@@EmilieTthank you 😁

[@robcf16able]

Hope you can help me, I use the OM1 with the Olympus 60mm macro lens, which size AK defusser do I need the mini or the small, a reply would be great. Thanks

[@EmilieT]

I can't remember now. Let me check in a few hours when their website is back on. You usually give them the dimension and they make it for your gear. What flash do you have?

[@ziramas]

What color temperature used when using this diffuser ？ 5500k or 4800k？ Thanks

[@G.CurtFiedler]

Hmmm - but even live view doesn't help with focus if there isn't enough light. How about diffusing with the STF-8?

[@EmilieT]

You can add a battery and use the light that AK DIFFUSER provides you. Then no more issues. It is the easiest

[@romvac]

Hi Emilie, nice video. I use an ordinary diffuzer which I bought on Ali...somehow it works. After seeing your videos I have been thinking of buying a better diffuzer. Do you know about similar diffuzer which you use which is possible to buy in Europe? For AK I will have to oay extra taxis because of no EU product.

[@EmilieT]

Hi Roman. Unfortunately I don't know of similar diffusers made in Europe but that doesn't mean they don't excited. I only know of Ak and also one excellent and very similar diffuser made in Australia. I am so sorry I can't help more. Maybe another viewer will have a better idea?

[@petermartinka9274]

Reportedly, there will be a new macro lens with 4x magnification. That will be great.

[@EmilieT]

I can’t wait to try it!

[@petermartinka9274]

@@EmilieT I can't wait for you to review it. It will definitely be an expensive lens, I think.

[@randomstuff53078]

I bought the godox MF12 macro lights for the Om-1 , do you know if the OM-1 is compatible with the xpro trigger

[@EmilieT]

I don't use the xpro trigger but it seems like they do make one for Panasonic and Olympus. I would call your local camera store and ask them just to make sure.

[@nicoxg]

Hello Emilie. Merci pour tes vidéos! I'm looking to invest in a diffuser and this one is definitely on my list... But as I believe they are tailor-made, I'm questioning whether I have the right flash to begin with! I currently own and use (although extremely sparingly) the Godox V1F. I'll be honest, I have no idea how to properly configure a flash, but I THINK it doesn't support Focus Stacking/Bracketing (or I haven't figured out how to do it, which is possible too). Any thoughts in this regard? Merci!

[@EmilieT]

Hello Nico. Merci pour ton commentaire :) Godox flash are great too. I never used one but know a lot of other photographer who use this brand. Chris McGinnis, who is a an other OM SYSTEM ambassador wrote a great articles on setting with flash. I highly recommend it so you use the right settings with your flash: learnandsupport.getolympus.com/learn-center/photography-tips/macro/my-om-1-custom-settings-for-field-macro

[@nicoxg]

@@EmilieT, merci beaucoup ! J'avais déjà lu l'article que tu as partagé, mais je vais chercher ses autres. In the meantime, I just remembered the "F" in the Godox V1F stands for "Fuji", the brand i used before. This may explain why I'm struggling to make it work properly (in addition to the fact that I'm a newbie). I'll have a think whether i need to grab a Godox V1O, or simply purchase an Olympus one. Thanks again for your time!

[@tdiv4]

I have a nikon 800 with a 105mm macro lens Can I use the 105mm lens with the diffuser?...or does it need to be 60mm for the diffuser..

[@EmilieT]

You need to contact AK directly. they costume make the diffuser for your lens and flash. They will be able to help you out.

[@debsunderman6567]

What Olympus flash are you using

[@EmilieT]

I use the FL 700 WR. Here is my affiliated link for it if you are interested: www.anrdoezrs.net/click-100457596-14101572?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.getolympus.com%2Fus%2Fen%2Ffl-700wr-flash.html%3F___store%3Dus_en&cjsku=V326180BW000-U410-AF01

[@popiemac4579]

The link isn’t working. Can you check it out? Thank you.

[@jamespayne4759]

What battery is best to use with this ?

[@EmilieT]

Any Power Bank 2.4A will work, it is recommended to pick the light weight one.

[@ปกรณ์วันธนาวิชัย]

Where buy sofebox Macro ?

[@EmilieT]

Link is under the video for it.

[@truliapro7112]

Can you carry this ? It seems non portable !

[@EmilieT]

Yes you can. It all breaks down.

[@dougsmit1]

The AK and all the commercial diffusers I have seen so far work fine for horizontal shots but are not so great for verticals unless you shoot horizontally and crop to vertical. Also the diffuser is so large that anything really close (1:1 reproduction or more) needs to fit inside the cone requiring great care not to hit nearby branches. I have not yet come up with an answer but maybe it is asking too much to use something like this when the subject is only 2-5cm from the front of the lens.

[@brendonwhite2382]

yeah no doubt it work buts a bit of a monstricity to have to cart around and think it would scare the bugs away pretty quick...ill stick to my home made foam diffuser

[@EmilieT]

Foam diffusers are great too. So far it has worked great and with the right approach has not scared the insects :)

[@caltari]

I know exactly what you mean, I bought the same diffuser for my Nikon D850 and I just don't enjoy it for field macro photography; I currently just use a Angler PSFD-100 Portable Speedlight Flash Diffuser I bought from B&H Photo and love the simplicity of the setup with my Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and M.Zuiko 60mm macro lens. Cheers!!!

[@winheiMR]

Ich habe noch niemanden mit so einer angstvollen Konstruktion gesehen?

[@josemhernandez8733]

Nice but too expensive!