Thanks for the suggestions. I don't own a focus rail system. This is my MM-11. I'm not sure how the flash works with the mirror on the 50D, so I could have something configured wrong. The reason I use the 50D is because there isn't shutter vibration but like I said, maybe the flash changes something, dunno. Robert has help a LOT off line too. I have a dome but haven't tried styrofoam cups yet, just about everything else. The image below is another 100% crop using a dome, flashes and the lens has black shroud around the end (like a dew shield on a telescope). I have the stock Godex diffuser installed (that came with the flashes) on each of the flashes too. The image looked flat so I ran dehaze on it in PS. Naturally I could of missed focus too. This is just a single image, not stacked.mawyatt wrote:James,
May be repeating things from others, so sorry if so.
I've found that light source diffusion is required for chip images. A small (30cm) light tent works well as does white styrofoam cups (varying size based on subject).
I haven't tried the Godox plastic dome yet (it's in my cart on eBay), however the cups and tents mentioned have worked well. I use many strobes (Adorama Studio AC 300) to help distribute the light and control the gradient.
Also should mention to make sure you've allowed the focus rail movement, mirror flip (if not using MUP) and shutter vibrations to die off before the flash fires. A long shutter exposure (1~2 seconds) and rear curtain flash trigger can help reduce the curtain vibrations.
Best,
https://squattingdog.smugmug.com/Semico ... -dn2JHqj/A
-JW: