Finally got the 40D/MP-E 65mm/MT-24EX going...

[motleypixel]

...just one more thing left to do...CLEAN THE SENSOR...holy cow, I had to manually clone out about 50 dust specs on each frame

I diffused the MT-24EX just as Dalantech did here:  http://nocroppingzone.blogspot.com/2009/11/mt-24ex-diffuser-how-to.html  only difference is that I didn't use the Sto-Fen diffusers as a mounting device for the puffers, I just used the hotshoe mounts that came with the puffers and 3M double sticky tape along with thin strips of duct tape.  Also the enclosing material is flexible drawer lining lined with foil (glued) to reflect more light towards the puffers. 

New Setup:


Incredibly this Tiger Swallowtail emerged from its chrysalis today, March 20, 2011, the first day of spring!

We noticed the chrysalis last fall about the same time we were raising Black Swallowtails. This chrysalis was on our fence. I decided to test out my new macro gear and diffused MT-24EX on the chrysalis and I notice it had changed in color/detail.  After taking a few test shots and leaving for about an hour, I came back and found the butterfly had emerged.

The chrysalis just about an hour before it emerged.  Boy, if I get better at this, then I may be able to time-lapse one of these emerge


Using the MP-E with the Telemore95-II reversed on the end (allows for infinity focus).  Kenny was nice enough to include it with the sale of the MP-E 65mm lens:


Here's what that setup took, wich a wireless triggered flash:


About 2X magnification:


1X magnification:

[DigitalScape]

Great details captured in the 1X and 2X images.  I guess I need to get my butt moving to make a Puffer mod for my MT-24EX.  I have the Sto-Fen diffusers already, but I am a bit reluctant to destroy them to make the Puffer attachments.  I think I'll go the duct tape and/or Velcro approach.

[KenJ8246]

Where'd you find the material to wrap the lites in, Roy?  The material Dalantech uses is kinda pricey!  And not very big, to boot.  May have to rig my R1 up again just for grins. 

[motleypixel]

Thanks John...I'll try to show close-up shots of how I mounted...I'm with you on the pricey use of the sto-fens to mount the already pricey puffers.  Also, wish I had recalled (bought them months before even having the MT-24EX) where I bought the knock-off puffers...got two shipped for $8 from Singapore.

Kenny, do you mean the actual diffusers (they are knock-off Gary Fong Puffers), the flexible and durable brown material is drawer lining which is cut to shape and hot-glued to the rim-edge of the puffers...I used 3M spray adhesive to glue foil to the inside to reflect the light off that material and back to the puffers.

[DigitalScape]

Roy, were the knock-offs similar to this: http://www.focalprice.com/DI358W/Popup_Flash_Diffuser_for_Sony_White.html

[motleypixel]

Roy, were the knock-offs similar to this: http://www.focalprice.com/DI358W/Popup_Flash_Diffuser_for_Sony_White.html

Exactly!