8 Macro Photography Diffusers Compared 

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Very useful. Liked the comparison approach and the fact that you also covered the transfer of light through the diffusers. Thanks for taking the time to compare.

Man. You have done an amazing job for many years. I folowing you for a long time and every video that you produce are stunning. You are very objective and bring comparisons. Tks for a lot of information that you bring to us. ❤

Excellent review Michael, Happy to see the AK diffuser in your hands. I have reduced the size of all the diffusers about a year ago including the one you are using;the size is much smaller. With the AK diffusers you can work at night thanks to an already included LED, it also brings a light bouncer which allows the reduction of shadows if you wish. It is a durable and lightweight diffuser.

Micael, thanks for making this video. Just completed my first macro season as a photographer, and I was very pleased with the Dorr angler diffuser. But for next spring, I want better diffusion. Now I have options and data to back up my choice. I really appreciate all of your guidance and advice--I wouldn't be half as good without your help.

Very helpful to see the variations of image characteristics and light transmission of the different choices! Thank you!

Excellent comparison, very helpful. Thanks!

That's exactly what I needed at this time ! Looking for new ways of diffusion. Great video !

Thank you for this review!

Great comparison, Micael ! Thank you

Thanx for a comparison! Pretty happy with my Dörr: it's very compact to carry around, fast to get it ready for shooting and not very intrusive. But I want to try two of them, V shaped on a lens, less light on center (as there will be a double layer) and more diffused light from sides.

Very detailed video 🎉Love it

Perfect video for rose chafer fotography

Thanks for sharing your results. I may consider adding a roof to my pope shield diffuser

Thanks for this test :)

The popesheild was my first bought diffuser, magnetic adapter is a must like you mentioned, but the roof is a pita, and carrying that system around is also painful, while the roof folds up nicely, the diffuser itself was hard to store in my camera bag, I always have a DORR style in my bag for the quickness, but so far my favourite is the Cygnustech, quick set-up and pull down, stores in my laptop sleeve, and I do like the result I get from it, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one.

Tack för att du tog dig tid för att visa din erfarenhet så utförligt. Har själv experimenterat med medioker resultat. Fred i Örgryte

Amazing video, once again. I can't wait my popeshield any longer 😬, now I know it was a very very good choice ! The AK diffuser gives an incredible softness to the antenna 😱

What an excellent test and analysis!

I liked G the most for how I work, Great video as always Micael.

For household diffuser material I can recommend the kitchen paper towel. The sheet has usable size (usually about 20-25cm square, I'm on the lookout for wider type) and this material gives a smooth gradation, also flexible and soft. (Not stiff and prone to wrinkles like printer/tracing/baking paper) I still wouldn't put it just in front of a bare flash, double diffusion or a hood helps a lot. Some kind of protection and holding structure is needed of course, that's part of the fun to make and customize. :) Cheap mini softboxes are cool for modding It's also possible to buy pro studio diffuser materials as sheets. I don't have experience with them yet but it's probably worth the investment for custom builds. I do use foams (can be bought in large rolls as floor underlay) but as A4 sized sheets of multiple thin layers + double diffusion. It still gives a shiny look (works well for less shiny subjects) because this material just lets through direct light too easily in the middle. So the result is contrasty but it can strain the dynamic range too much. It's no wonder that the pringles set performed poorly, the whole point of lighting a shiny object is to give it something relatively large to reflect. From the POV of the insect, that pringles tube is not much bigger than the flash itself. And packing foam usually lets too much light through in the middle, creating a hotspot in the specular reflection. This combo is just hopeless for metallic beetles. Another important effect of diffusers is on the performance of the lens. Harsh lighting can exaggerate chromatic aberration (especially out of focus areas) and flaring for example. With nice soft diffusion the details can look much cleaner, highlights/shadows are easier to control and the dynamic range of the sensor will not be pushed to its limits.

Great comparison of those macro diffusers, thanks Micael. The only thing I would have loved to see is to have them shot from a tripod to give even better comparison. BTW: the pope shield diffuser with the roof gives about 1 stop more light but is of course more cumbersome to use.

Amazing video!

Great Video. Ty. I ordered the AK last week and it was $100 and $50 shipping and $26 import tax - Im so glad it came out so well in your review. Hopefully will have this weekend. :)

Hello micael, thank you for your comparison 🙏😊 I also have a folding diffuser from dörr. I think they are really good for the price. My new favourite, however, is the AK diffuser. You can take it with you on trips just like the dörr. The light diffusion is a dream and there is a holder for the Raynox as well as an integrated light 😍

Really interesting comparison. I actually use the "DORR". I think it is the more practical to bring in my backpack.

I picked C and G - I can see why you like D when you were going through it in more detail. Thank you for these videos, they're very useful.

Thanx for testing the different diffusers in combination with the Meike MK-320 flash. It would be nice to also see how the popeshield vs AK diffuser performs at 2X magnification. Regarding light transmission, its also possible to order a roof for the popeshield. I have also tested Godox MF-12 flash system with special design popeshild diffuser with good result. With this combination you have a closer light when the working distance decrease accordingly to higher magnification.

A very comprehensive review of different flash diffusers for macro photography! If size and price is not the problem, AK diffuser is the best choice. Moreover, you can add LED light for focusing. However, It is too bulky for using outdoors. Moreover, light comes out from AK diffuser is too soft and lack of metallic feels . I prefer to use Dorr diffuse in the field. It is more light weight and easy to use and carry around.

I wish there were timestamps...

great comparison video! i'd pick the AK shot... my DIY macro flash diffuser has kinda same concept design too... thanks for sharing brother Micael :)

Hi Michael. The Pope shield does also have “roof” you can bye and that will increase the brightness (/reduce the power you need). BR Tommy

you can get a roof for the pope shield too to increase strenght of the flash light. great comparison micael, thx for it

Thank you for the comparison video! It was very interesting. If you ever redo a diffuser comparison I have the following suggestions for improvement: 1.) Use the Pope Shield with and without roof. Obviously the roof improves brightness (by about a stop) but it would be more interesting to see the effects of a roof reflector on diffusion! 2.) Use a tripod to get exactly the same angles! 3.) Quantify the brightness (i.e., the average exposure) of the images taken (in manual mode without auto-ISO) or alternatively the auto-ISO values choosen by the camera. 4.) An easy way to observe the brightness level and distribution pattern _on the diffuser itself_ is to shoot a mirror image of the diffuser. This trick gave me great insights when comparing variants of home made DIY diffusers.

Interesting test. The printer paper reflects a lot of light, I guess. But I'm still impressed by how much darker it is in comparison to other "around the lens only" diffusers! That the AK diffuser gives such a bright image is not a surprise since it doesn't let much light spill. I also like the results very much, it's one of the best. But it's perhaps a bit more cumbersome to use and harder to switch between different cameras, right? The Pope shield diffuser, magnetic version, if that magnetic attachment can simply screw onto the lens, that's pretty nice. I'd still need versions for each macro lens unless it would work with step-up rings and / or other magnetic filter types. In that case, this would be an interesting upgrade from the Dörr type diffuser that I currently use!

I've just bought the Diffuser you took piccy C with, off UK Amazon Prime today, (24.1.2023) £5.99 posted for 2 with zipped case for them. Look forward to trying them out 😊

last 3 photos ftw

Hi Michael. I would like to mention that I have the Pope shield with a roof which increases the brightness. This is good because it allows you to use the flash on lower power and hence improves the recycling time

This is most welcome; there are not many direct comparisons like this, and none I've seen compare the exact same resulting shots in such a useful way as this. Bravo. I'm looking to try a diffuser at some point and the AK has been at the top of my list for a while. However, the Cygnustech also gets rave reviews from its userbase. I would love to see a direct comparison between those two if you can make it happen please?

I'm happy with the good, old Dörr diffusor.

Nice vid. You should try a macro twin light with custom diffusion on each side. Shots don't look washed out and you can place the light where you want it. really brings out more natural light tones in insects.

Yes I also picked d not as harsh as the others

Great video as always.I use popshield with double layers and this is amazing diffuser, better than AK imo and much cheaper. It would be nice if you tride another great diffuser from Brendan ''Cygnus'' James.Regards Micael, great job.

Would be interesting to see Pope Shield with roof as well :)

Long delivery times for Pope Shield is an understatement. I ordered in July and it's almost 6 months yet my order is still not sent out. 🤔

Well. I've been using a diffuser similar to your Dörr paired with a small silver reflector over the flash head. I'm not happy with the results, the reflections are too harsh. I've used at least three homemade solutions too. I'm planning to make a DIY diffuser again, similar in shape to the AK, but I think my final choice will be the Popeshield. It has an optional roof available too.

The pope shield variants are also available with a roof.

I'd really like to try the Pope Shield, ordered the magnetic ones on 24th July aaaaaaand.... yes, I'm still waiting for them, it's been almost 4 months... Maybe, one day...a man can dream. Love your comparison, as usually I really like your videos!

One advantage of the AK diffuser, that would not show up in this comparison, is that if you were using it outside, it would block direct sunlight.

Best diffusion test I have seen so far, especially as it is for bugs. When I purchased the Pope Shield kit to make it easier to fit I purchased a cheap polariser the same size and knocked the glass out and fitted the plastic thread of the Pope Shield permanently into the polariser frame now easier to put on and orientate. But I found the pope shield too large to get close to spiders and webs etc so ended up not using it. If the AK diffuser does not stick out the front as much I may try one of those. Can you comment if if AF Diffuser gets in the way as much as the Pope Shield ?

Super video and comparison, but I really miss the Pope Shield Roof - the difference is very interesting with and without

I picked pope shield with both.

I tried the same diffuser for differnt lens or focal lens, the result are diffrent 😁

The problem with the Pringles one is the size. The bigger the light source, the softer the light and this one is barely bigger than the flash itself, so the difference is pretty small as well.

Great and helpful video as always! Which pope shield should I get for the 65mm laowa lens? Just want to make sure I don't buy the incorrect version of the diffuser. Thanks!

how good/bad will be usual square softbox?

I watch this on the 70-in 4K TV I like the AK more because the colors of the leaf seemed pretty deep not too washed out. Of course the eyes were awesome I thought the eyes looked soft but I'm guess I'm just used to the hard reflections...

You mentioned that the AK is the only one with a roof. The Pope Shield also has a roof that you may purchase

I have the MK Diffuser which is quite similar to the AK, and I also experience some color temperature change. If I use that diffuser, I always have to adjust the wb in the post processing. I also tried to "compensate" this phenomenon with setting the wb to a bit colder, but it is still quite meh, so I guess this is something I have to live with.

I loved d, g, h the first time I saw them. But printer paper is surprisingly good

I was literally just looking for a diffuser comparison. This is so helpful, thanks! I agree with your conclusions: the AK diffuser (D) stood out as my favorite at first, and the fact it has the best light transmission is good to know. But it seems way too big and unwieldy for many trips. I will probably continue to use my compact diffuser, which is very similar to the Dorr.

You also have the Radiant Diffuser. Much cheaper than the AK and Cygnustech, but very similar.

There are several diffusers basically just copying the same design under different names, all of them hoping to get the customer. Not sure which of them was the first, I believe MK Diffuser? Then there is AK Diffuser, Beetle Diffuser, Cygnustech, ... All of that is the same. I got the MK one, it also has a LED light for better focusing but they all do great. I like them over the Pope Shield as they don't reach over the lens. Pope Shield has great results, the result presented in the pic. G was probably my favorite, but I can't honestly imagine shooting something in a grass or on a tree and hitting it at the same time. Once you crash the shield into the grass, anything inder you want to photograph will run away immediately. Might be good for a studio though.

I'm in the process of modifying one of my existing "speedlight" diffusers. The results that you get when using the Pope shield, look fantastic, but there is no way that I can get in between branches, flat on spider webs, etc, with a diffuser that extends that far past the lens. My DIY mod with allow me to angle the diffuser past the lens opening, or keep it even with the front of the lens, for those the shots that require me to shoot perpendicular.

Very nice review! One other thing to consider is the size of the diffuser, imagine using it out in nature where you dont always have the space to use a big diffuser. Hitting other branches for example will easly scare the insect away, same for blocking the sun. For shooting inside a studio i would prefer a big softbox or diffuster screens/sheets over the on camera diffusers.. I loved the results of the AK diffuser but the high price and the size of it makes me not even considering buying it. Anyway love your videos keep up the good work!

Thank you very much Micael for a great video. What do you think of getting a sony a7r iv for macro ? will I be able to take. advantage of the 61mpx ?

I liked 3,6,7,8. It might be good to repeat the experiment with low flash power and with high flash power. I could not choose a winner from those 4

"A" looks the best IMO. Said it right away before seeing what was what. The others look weird after seeing it, like they are flat with no specular highlights. It's more contrasty in this situation at least, and shows off a more natural look. Every situation is different though and sometimes you need to diffuse strong sunlight. However strong light does show details better with minute shadow detail.

please try and compare Magmod diffuser, I use it and its easy to attach easy to takeoff and it can't be destroyed.

D for dull, G is best IMO

B, F and G were my favs from the edits. C and H were also decent. I didn't like D, as it felt too diffuse. It seemed to remove pretty much all specular light. The G also does a lot. But not quite as strong. B is awful from the unedited. So much light loss. D is actually great from a light perspective. Could really stop down the aperture and/or speed up the shutter. I think F wins me over for the best overall, though. I may have to have a look at those Pope Shields.

Really cool compareson - i would like to know where I can order the 3rd option and the pop-difusor :) do you have any link ?

Hi Micael! Thanks for your videos!! I would like to buy a flash and a diffuser to improve my macro pictures and learn more, specially because in Galicia (NW of Spain) sometimes is difficult to find good light in autumn and winter... I was thinking in AK diffuser, although they are pretty expensive and they are specific for each lens. I have a Zuiko 60mm but I do not know if in the future I will have another one... How about Pope Shield? are they specific por each lens? What do you think about Godox V1? (expensive too...). Thanks in advance!

Great Video, thanks! Could you please help me find the diffuseres G or H? I found this one, but don't know if it contains the right one: “C” Magnetic Diffuser (67mm- 82mm) All Shields Set

Pope shield with plastic is best 🙂

I ordered a Pope shield in August. It is now three months and still not delivered.

I like A the most.

Thank you for that video - it confirms my experience. If you only need light from the front, Dörr is the easiest way to get good results, flash on the camera and Dörr on the lense looks pretty good if you combine it with natural light from another direction. It can also be combined with e.g. a C rail to flash from the side - but then you need an additional flash trigger or a cable. Popeshield with white plastic is the best variant and it truely makes a warmer light than the other two Popeshields which does not impact the quality at all. Popeshield is a little bit bulky and has to be mounted somewhere outside on the backpack otherwise it may break - I would not recommend to squeeze it and it is not very handy to screw it together on location beacause you easily may loose a screw or a nut 🙂. A little disadvantage of Popeshield is that you cannot get really close to the subject without touching and moving the plant(s) - so for really close distance with little space the Dörr is best. After testing a lot of options the best solution for me is the Dörr, a Walimex C-Rail (which is quite small - see www.walimex.at/produkt/walimex-c-blitzschiene/) and a simple flash. I can take them always in my backpack and it provides the best results at lowest effort. The Dörr diffuser has a little disadvantage: When it is windy it easily moves on the lens - it is only fixed by a rubber band which loosens up over time.

Hello Micael, thanks very much for that comparison. Veeeeery interesting! Can you tell me where you got the dead bugs from?

sorry to ask this here but has anyone had any luck with popeshield i ordered a month ago and the emails bounce back and cannot get in touch with them ?

what about the white acrylic globe that you use for off camera flash?

On the blind test, I really liked D. let's see which one that is. Edit: huh, the most expensive one. I guess you do get what you pay for for once.

Hello Micael, the diffusers from AK and Pope are all great at diffusing light for macro photography but unfortunately to me at least, they all have one common hindrance in that they all have a very profound protruding diffusing edge from the lens, so minimum working distance of the macro lens cannot be fully exploited to get maximum magnification because the protruding edge of the diffuser will first hit any nearby branch or a leaf which may spook the insect away before you can get close to the insect. This problem is most evidence when you're trying to photograph insects purging on a vertical tree trunk as example. You see, I prefer photographing insects in their natural habitat so these diffusers are not always favoring my shooting conditions. These macro diffusers often works best if there are not too many obstacles like little twigs and branches to get in your way to the insects. In my country we actually have insect handlers(humans) to remove insects out from their natural habitat and purge insects on a stick so that it is easy for macro photographers to photograph insects but where is the fun in that right. It's not challenging as well for a macro photographer. Nevertheless thanks for taking time to reviewing various kinds of diffusers. My favorite diffuser is "F" by Pope which only uses foam. Packing foam allows the most like through them by minus the harsh specular highlights on a shiny insect body or on a spiders eyes. Foam is very effective if you're shooting in a tropical forest where it is densely thick and hard for natural light to penetrate through. If you add a hood around the foam it will performed very well because all the light from the flash will be forced to penetrate only through the foam. Thank you and I love your macro videos, tips and tricks. Cheers

I would prefer to see the review with the camera on a tripod so the only variable that changes is the diffuser. Unfortunately some seem to have been taken From slightly different distances and angles which will impact the results.

You like the 85 over the 90mm?

I made something like pringles diffuser with long cylinder. It's never nice 😂. Will choose AK probably

Hi, i mind that all the diffusers are too long. I need to get as close as possible to the object. Example when an insect sits on a wall, or have 30mm macro lens. The end should be flush with the end of the lens. You understend me? Thank you so much for your videos.

Hello, I am new to macro/flash photography and I have one question. In underwater photography a lot of people shoot macro using snoots. However, I don’t see this happening in land macro photography. Is there a reason why? I just purchased a cheap godox flash and it says it is compatible with snoots. Why people aren’t shooting like that?

Hej Micael, bra test! Undrar över Pope shield, och deras varianter. Du kallar dem "foam", "white plastic" och "double layers". På Pope shields hemsida heter de "basic", "opal composite" och "composite pro". Vet du vilken som är vilken s.a.s.? 🙂

Is there any good diffuser that can be bought in Europe ( or is it import from USA or Australia that is the best options? ( except Popeshield ) ) Would like to buy cygnustech or ak diffuser, but the import and shipping is to much :(

Has anyone ever tried using 2 DORR diffusers at the same time? I'm thinking maybe they get closer to the Pope Shield quality when stacked on top of eachother, while still being easy to carry around in the bag.

What lens you use sir ?

if you used a dead bug, why didnt you use a tripod to get exactly the same composition on all of the diffusors?

This video was a lot more interesting than I had expected

D is too flat and lacks the metallic feel of the bug for my taste. I like the last three most.

This insect is dead or frozen for slowing down his movement?

👏🤗🌞👍

A and E

Вам бы в патологоанатомы, покойничков фоткать.

PopeShield cheated me. I never got what I ordered, and I am currently trying to get a refund. They (he?) are a pain in the arse.