Homemade Canon VL-10Li diffuser

[Brian Pratt]

Although only 10 watts the VL-10i video light is very bright and can dazzle your subject, I built a homemade diffuser for mine that clicks on and off very easily and costs pennies to make.
Referencing the photo's below .. (1) Using a piece of white transluscent plastic (I used a container that held slug pellets for gardeners, this was quite thick - maybe 3mm) and I cut it to shape as shown, I made a second one slightly larger that (when fitted) flexed to create a tight fit and was bowed when in position (see 2). (3) To locate the diffusers small pieces of sticky-backed felt were positioned as shown.

The results:
(4) No diffuser (very dazzling).
(5) One diffuser (better).
(6) Two diffuser (least dazzling and a more even spread of light).

Be aware that the VL-10i's halogen bulb gets very hot so be careful which materials you use - mine is fine though I only use it for 5-6 minutes at a time.

[Brian Pratt]

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