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CygnusTech Diffuser: www.cygnustech...
I've had the CygnusTech diffuser for my macro photography for about six months, this is my long-term review.
Buy my new AI-powered Macro Presets V3: stewartwood.co...
//MY GEAR\\
For an up-to-date gear list click here: stewartwood.co...
MY MFT GEAR FOR INSECT MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY AND FOCUS STACKING:
📷 Olympus OM-D E-M1 mkII - (MPB): prf.hn/l/5548VvB (Amazon UK): amzn.to/49EimPb (Amazon US): amzn.to/3T40kjF
🔎 Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 macro lens - (MPB): prf.hn/l/gxLwGOj (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3G5dqoN (Amazon US): amzn.to/47i1QTr
🔎 Raynox DCR-250 Clip-on lens - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3ugOB6F (Amazon US): amzn.to/47iqMKw
💥 Godox V350O - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3ST6keC (Amazon US): amzn.to/3R4R4KD
⚪️ Cygnustech Diffuser - [e-mail]
MY FULL FRAME GEAR FOR MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY:
📷 Canon EOS R - (MPB): prf.hn/l/0eoN34b (Amazon UK): amzn.to/46m3t1d (Amazon US): amzn.to/3R5gZBZ
🔎 Laowa EF 100mm f/2.8 2x Ultra Macro APO - www.venuslens....
💥 Godox MF-12 Twin Macro Flash - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/49IoQN2 (Amazon US): amzn.to/3sD9AAm
⚪️ Homemade diffuser
SOFTWARE I USE FOR EDITING MY MACRO IMAGES:
Adobe Lightroom: www.adobe.com
Adobe Photoshop: www.adobe.com
Helicon Focus: store.payprogl...
Topaz Denoise: www.topazlabs....
HOW I MAKE MY VIDEOS
📷 Canon EOS R - (MPB): prf.hn/l/0eoN34b (Amazon UK): amzn.to/46m3t1d (Amazon US): amzn.to/3R5gZBZ
🔭 Canon RF 24mm f1.8 Macro IS STM Lens - (MPB): prf.hn/l/aWdjOyX (Amazon UK): amzn.to/49Awl8N (Amazon US): amzn.to/40K7CL5
📷 iPhone 12 Pro (overhead & fieldwork) (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3SLKJET (Amazon US): amzn.to/3QFKJE1
🎤 Rode VideoMic NTG (studio work) (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3unwMTK (Amazon US): amzn.to/3QIe3K6 Zoom F2 field recorder - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/3sAPXcb (Amazon US): amzn.to/3QDBh3U
💡Weeylite Ninja 400 II - bit.ly/47zCrUY
💻 Apple MacBook M1 Max - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/49F20Ww (Amazon US): amzn.to/3QFKJE1
🖥️ LG 39.7" Curved UltraWide 5K2K Nano IPS Display Monitor - (Amazon UK): amzn.to/47iA2ye (Amazon US): amzn.to/47jTbj9
🎶 Epidemic Sound - www.epidemicso...
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//SUPPORT THE CHANNEL\\
🌐 My Website: www.stewartwoo...
🎬 KZbin Membership - linkshortner.n...
My Lightroom Presets and background textures: www.stewartwoo...
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Have an idea or want to collab on a video, you can tell me all about it using this form: forms.gle/BrWD...
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For business relations please contact me at www.stewartwoo...
Follow me on Instagram @stewartwoodart for extra behind-the-scenes content and if you found value in this video, please take a moment to Thumbs-Up, Subscribe, turn on Notifications, and most importantly Tell a Friend about the channel.
[Social Media & Additional Connections]
🌐 My Website: www.stewartwoo...
🎬 KZbin - / stewartwoodart
🔖 Twitter - / stewartwoodart
👀 Instagram - / stewartwoodart
📖 Facebook - / stewartwoodart
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
DISCLAIMER: Some of these links may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with these links, I may receive a small commission. All of this goes to support the creation of the content you see here.
#photography #macro #stewartwood

[@taair6270]

I made my own. similar to this design works brilliantly! and saved a lot of money in the process

[@Cristofer9680]

How to make it?

[@usernamemykel]

@@Cristofer9680 Patented.

[@bnielsen44]

He needs a website like a big boy. I got one from him last year. I like it a lot.

[@DeltaLimaActual-t2o]

He has one now. I ordered from it a week ago. Also no Elite version one version with all the Elite features. He offered advice on flash power and changed my order for me when I upgraded my flash. Great customer service.

[@LookCloser]

I've been on the Cygnustech bandwagon for a few years now and have never looked back. I have 3 diffusers including one for the OM 12-40. Certainly the best bit of kit to take your images to the next level.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome

[@CrashEd1664]

By far one of the best diffusers I’ve tried to date. And, one of the only ones to fold down completely flat, which means it fits into a backpack easily. Brendon is a really nice guy to deal with too. Thanks for another great review Stewart! 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for watching.

[@CrashEd1664]

@StewartWoodArt - The Olympus 90mm is awesome too - hope you get one on the channel at some point 👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

@CrashEd1664 let’s hope so

[@ronaldbuitendijkfotografie]

Got one last summer as well. Absolutely love it! Used a cheap diffuser before and the difference is remarkable

[@past.avazoo]

I just ordered mine - Brendan is lovely and very easy to deal with. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Great to know.

[@chriswright6381]

Yep been shooting macro for the last year as an add-on to my landscape photography and been shooting with Olympus for 10 years. Searched the internet for diffusers and luckily found out about Cygnustech - bought one for my 60mm macro lens and V350 Godox and love the setup! Just makes macro shoots so much easier. And the fact that the diffuser packs flat is one of the biggest advantages IMO as I travel a lot! 😉👍

[@StewartWoodArt]

I do like that it flat packs.

[@AlexanderSogliero]

This is great. Thank you for the in depth review. Just excellent. 👏

[@thealove1945]

Can't recommend Brendan's diffuser highly enough! I love mine to bits, it's my 'go to' bit of kit

[@StewartWoodArt]

I love mine.

[@sagetrillion]

My one of these arrived yesterday. I overlookd the bit about the LED. So found myself very blind on finding critters on my night walk that I could see by eye. Feel something like this should be in the manual he includes. But I was surpised about how easy the setup was otherwise. Cheers for the vid.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks for watching!

[@BrianAustin1949]

Hi Stuart I was in attendance of you talk at Burton Photographic society earlier in the year, great talk, I got a diffuser a few weeks ago. So I am practicing with it for summer 2024. GREAT VIDS BY THE WAY Regards Brian

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you Brian.

[@andrewwordsworth5364]

I went on a macro workshop with my trusty twin light flash, the leader got me to put my single flash on & he then added the weird looking diffuser. Looking at the back of my camera. I saw a massive improvement of lighting quality really soft and natural looking. Has soon has I looked at an image on screen, it gets even better. My twin flash is now been sold, and I am in the process of getting the diffuser to my set up

[@StewartWoodArt]

They are a great combo.

[@markinthemix6055]

I just subscribed and clicked the bell because this is the BEST explanation on this product l have found. I have seen so so many videos basically saying this is great just buy it and l feel very incomplete with what l need to order. Good job.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Jumpingspiderlife]

I love mine! Great info on your video 😊

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you mate

[@thebirdnerd_x]

The one and only diffuser I’ll use ❤❤

[@jeroenck]

Just love it. Started with a pope shield diffuser. This one is so much better. Worth every penny

[@PhillipMcCallum]

Love my Cygnus tech diffuser,had it about 18mths now

[@StewartWoodArt]

Awesome!

[@deborahriley3132]

Love the review Stewart. You’ve convinced me to choose the Cygnustech. Just a question, what size is the protective pouch. I need to get a new bag and just want to ensure that it will fit. Many thanks

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you, it's A4 size. Fits nicely into my laptop storage area in my bag.

[@BrianAustin1949]

I ordered 2 this morning, works great

[@StewartWoodArt]

Good stuff

[@markseymour2121]

Thanks for the video Stewart, and for all the comments below, i have contacted Brendan to get one ordered.

[@andrealeggett7887]

Thank you Stewart. I’ve contacted Brendan and hope to get one of his fab diffusers soon 😊

[@StewartWoodArt]

Did you contact him by email?

[@andrealeggett7887]

@@StewartWoodArt Yes I noted what you said about emailing him direct.

[@StewartWoodArt]

@andrealeggett7887 awesome, you won’t regret it.

[@happymystic9800]

Very interesting and insightful video. ❤ … have you ever tried to shoot plants and other subjects with this diffuser? Thank you, cheers …

[@GrahamMarkham]

Superb diffuser, custom made for my R5/Canon 100 2.8 lens........

[@StewartWoodArt]

Great 👍

[@mazaribeiro]

I have the exact setup and can tell you, this diffuser is just the best!

[@StewartWoodArt]

It is!

[@s.j.stuart]

Just paid Brendan for one for my Sony f/2.8 90mm G OSS. Excited for it, really am. If it's good, I'll grab another for my 105mm setup.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Nice.

[@klaustomasini]

Hi Stewart, until now I do not have a CygnusTech diffusor, because my motivation to build a diffusion concept for the OM System OM-1 with 60mm & 90mm macro lenses is very high. I will buy one next year for sure. 😊

[@StewartWoodArt]

I’m always tinkering around with diffusers, but when it comes to my serious macro work I love the CygnusTech diffuser.

[@klaustomasini]

@@StewartWoodArt Fully agreed! CygnusTech is perfect what I saw and heard from colleagues too. My concept is little more sophisticated and proof of concept will be finalized Q1 2024.

[@StewartWoodArt]

@klaustomasini keep me updated.

[@marksimmons8162]

Stewart. I'm after some advice. I'm a macro photographer but hardly ever shoot insects (odd I know), I mainly shoot flowers. Do you think a flash and diffuser would improve my outdoor flower macro shots or would it be overkill?

[@pegberlin]

I'm pretty sure it will improve that as well when you shoot in low light situations. When you want to get the details of flowers like the pistils it's essential to have great light.

[@mrwates]

Brilliant & well explained :)

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thanks mate.

[@carolbell4550]

Hi Steward. I have never used a diffuser, and am really wanting one. My camera is old ... A canon 60D, and my speedlite a 430Ex which does not fit on my cannon 7D Mark 2. I have a Sigma 105mm. I live in South Africa on the boarder of Kruger, where I spent a lot of my time. However with age I am now getting into my macro photography. Am hoping I might be able to get a diffuser.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Contact Brendan and see what he can do for you.

[@catherinegrimes2308]

I have just ordered one and got a discount using your code.

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you for the support.

[@Nenad364]

Hi Stewart, thx, great video. Let me ask you something. Could we use this diffusor also on a Godox V1 flash?

[@StewartWoodArt]

The diffuser is custom-built to fit your hardware so yes.

[@RoyMacro]

Can I use the Cygnustech with a NiSi 58mm close up lens kit attached to Olympus 60mm macro lens ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

Yes you can.

[@RoyMacro]

@@StewartWoodArt Thanks Stewart.

[@deborahhammond8576]

Got one as soon as I bought the Godox flash, having researched first. Not used it yet just because I have never used flash and I think I’m just scared to. I have the OM1 and 60m macro lens. I’ve done focus stacking in camera over the summer on flowers but the next step is bracketing insects using flash. I hope you have other videos to take me through that?

[@MyMultiforce]

I have the CygnusTech Diffuser and the AK Diffuser in my opinion the AK is better.

[@StewartWoodArt]

I'll put that to the test if I ever get the AK diffuser.

[@BuildingCenter]

I have an AK diffuser. What are the key differences that make you prefer the AK?

[@sje1964]

Why do you prefer the AK diffuser over the Cugnus tech.

[@grodz437]

Hey, Stewart! You should try the Beetle diffuser!

[@MrChuckhastings]

I just purchased the AK diffuser, before watching this video. It seems similar and less expensive but I haven't used it yet. I'd be interested in your thoughts on this diffuser if you have ever used it,

[@StewartWoodArt]

I've never used the AK diffuser, maybe one day they'll send me one for review lol

[@pegberlin]

I heard it's a little heavier though

[@MrChuckhastings]

Thanks for your response @@pegberlin

[@andreasbelz2110]

Hi Stewart, I have it new on my 60mm macro. But only the half of the picture has light. What make I wrong?

[@StewartWoodArt]

What shutter speed are you using?

[@andreasbelz2110]

1/250

[@StewartWoodArt]

@andreasbelz2110 try 1/200, see if that helps.

[@kennyk4134]

When your taking stacking shots can you use TTL on the flash .

[@StewartWoodArt]

You can but it's very slow and you will get inconsistent results.

[@kennyk4134]

@StewartWoodArt have you seen the Chinese macro diffusers on e bay .their similar to the cygnustech diffuser. If you've seen them, do you think they would work well.

[@Teeb2023]

Any complaints about the price are misleading anyway, if you're in the UK. I just ordered one, and the exchange rate means that $200 AUD price drops to around £89. The (express) shipping brings this to £120, but that was my choice. The standard shipping is around £15.

[@ruudjw]

got one about 2 years ago. Using it on my D850 icm 105mm and a raynox 250. I have put it thru hell, and it is still in one piece. But I do have issues with the extra light. Batteries run out in very short time, so I am looking for an alternative option.

[@StewartWoodArt]

What batteries are you using? I have 2500mAh batteries and they last for hours.

[@ruudjw]

@@StewartWoodArt I usually use Duracell batteries. Don't know the power. They are not rechargeable.

[@davosteve]

​@@ruudjw That's the problem

[@ruudjw]

@@davosteve Or perhaps go for a godox v1 flash ;-)

[@mike.photography]

Grazie!

[@StewartWoodArt]

Thank you

[@IDANDDV121]

I have a Canon EOS R10 camera, what good lenses do they have?

[@StewartWoodArt]

That would be a hard question to answer without knowing your needs and what you photograph.

[@TUBEHEAD1953]

What's a rainox?

[@StewartWoodArt]

it's a clip-on lens to increase magnification.

[@tropicblu1]

How does this compare to the AK diffuser?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I haven’t use the AK diffuser yet.

[@ACannaos]

Hi Stewart, the Led light Is USB rechargeable ?

[@StewartWoodArt]

It takes AA batteries.

[@pierrevellay134]

Hy Can we use with a godox V1? Thanks

[@stentorhc7056]

Why do you use a 60mm lens instead of a 90mm?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I don't have the 90mm lens.

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

Did you delete my comment or did I fail to hit send?

[@StewartWoodArt]

I can’t see it and none are being held so… maybe you didn’t hit send lol

[@thesammyjenkinsexperience4996]

@@StewartWoodArt I thought I had left a reply to your remarks about pricing, giving a devil's advocate position with regard to the concerns some people have with it, but I do often get distracted in the middle of leaving comments so I thought I would check. Thanks for clearing that up, mate.

[@printrun5]

I do not agree with the statement that you buy a camera for 3000, lens for 1500 etc, so the diffuser’s price of 200 is perfectly fine. its NOT. Lens is full of super accurate lenses with coatings / electronics. Camera the same. But the diffuser is just a cut out of 2-3 parts from a CHEAP VINYL or similar plastic! You cant compare a camera / lenses to a diffuser!

[@StewartWoodArt]

The diffuser is one of the most important parts of the setup, don’t cheap out on it.

[@ChristopherH.-st8yq]

I had exact same tought. Even if the diffuser is very important its just.. plastic, very bad way to talk of the price

[@printrun5]

@@StewartWoodArt it doesnt matter how important you make a diffuser in your setup. still super cheap vinyl. you cant change that.