Collapsible Telescopic Flash Diffuser

thingiverse

I aimed to maximize the soft light output from my trusty flash gun, but I needed a way to easily transport the light source with me without sacrificing portability. A brolly or softbox just wouldn't cut it, so I opted for a large diffuser that also leverages bounced light from nearby walls and ceilings. This clever telescopic diffuser folds down compactly into its protective case, ensuring safe transport in my camera bag. The diffuser snugly fits my Yongnuo 565EX flash, although I suspect it'll accommodate other models as well. To confirm, simply modify the design by slicing the adaptor part below the rim and creating a template of your flash face to match. My initial attempt involved using a tight fit to hold the pieces in place when extended, but this resulted in an inconsistent and frustratingly short lifespan – the diffuser kept collapsing unintentionally. Undeterred, I revised the design with a locking mechanism for each layer, sacrificing some speed for added reliability. Now, it takes a bit longer to unpack and get ready to go, so any suggestions for improvement would be greatly appreciated. Print Settings: Printer: Anet A8 Rafts: No Supports: Doesn't Matter Resolution: 0.2 Infill: 30% Notes: I skipped supports altogether, printing all parts except the base cap upside down. The protruding locking lugs didn't print as cleanly as I'd like, so a quick tidy-up was necessary – possibly due to my higher speed setting in Cura. Post-Printing: Assemble by sliding each smaller part into its counterpart like a Russian nesting doll. Then, twist them together for a secure fit. The base cap serves as a protective cover, keeping the diffuser safe during transit. How I Designed This: I scanned the flash gun face to create a template in 123D Design. From there, I sketched out a design, lofted it into a circle, and then built the rest of the diffuser using incrementing circles – a clever process that paid off in the end!