Making 580EXII drop-in filters with a cutting template

Hi, just to share how I made drop-in color correction filters for my 580EXII. These can be made easily and precisely with a laser-cut cutting template. A x-acto #11 blade is used to cut Rosco sheets around the template over a glass plate. Very easily and quickly done! The drop-in filters doesn't get in the way of any light modifier e.g. stofen, lambency, demb, etc and is a snug fit to the speedlight flash head without getting loose. Changing out the filter is just a few seconds and very convenient without the need for any velcro. Here are some photos of the filters and template, and how it fits the 580EXII.

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really cool idea! would love to see some photos showing their effects

Nice. How do they hold up with multiple flashes? Don't they get hot?

windpig wrote in post #10230749
Nice. How do they hold up with multiple flashes? Don't they get hot?

There is actually a gap of a few mm between the gel and the flash head, so they're not touching each other. I have tested with the flash power set to max and after multiple shots, there is no sign of melting. The Rosco gels are pretty robust.

mrmarks wrote in post #10231125
There is actually a gap of a few mm between the gel and the flash head, so they're not touching each other. I have tested with the flash power set to max and after multiple shots, there is no sign of melting. The Rosco gels are pretty robust.

Thanks
Now I just need to find a laser cutter. Have you thought of marketing the templates for 580 and 430?

HERE you can find the same technique but using a paper template (PDF link to template in article)

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Franko515
Thanks for the link.

good stuff, where did you buy the Rosco sheets?

dchen99 wrote in post #10232279
good stuff, where did you buy the Rosco sheets?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …9&N=4289244517+​4291255266

For small speedlights the smaller ones are find too

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Roscolux_Swatc​hbook.html

I'm confused, I'm not aware of any drop on filters for the 580ex2. What is that clear plastic bit with the 580ex II printed on it?

Franko515 wrote in post #10232413
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …9&N=4289244517+​4291255266

For small speedlights the smaller ones are find too

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Roscolux_Swatc​hbook.html

Thanks for the links!

DisrupTer911 wrote in post #10233742
I'm confused, I'm not aware of any drop on filters for the 580ex2. What is that clear plastic bit with the 580ex II printed on it?

That's the template he made. You can use a piece of paper as well.

Won't the gel melt onto the flash head if it is in direct contact with it like in the link Franko posted?

mrmarks.......With the template and the access to the laser-cutter, would you be interested in selling "ready-made" templates ?

I'll take 1.

CH