What are the differences between these two? Which one is for underwater macro photography?

LG-1 LED Light Guide

Model: V335480BW000UPC: 050332193864

OM SYSTEM

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" essential tool for improving lighting in macro photography"

 

FD-1 Flash Diffuser

Model: V335470BW000UPC: 050332193857

https://explore.omsystem.com/us/en/fd-1-flash-diffuser

" designed to soften the lighting in close-up photography"

This is what ChatGPT says:

they are quite different accessories for the TG-series cameras such as the TG-7.

FD-1 Flash Diffuser LG-1 LED Light Guide

Light source Built-in flash Built-in LED

Light Short, powerful flash Continuous light

Macro stills Better Good, but less powerful

Video Not useful as continuous light Excellent

Underwater Yes Not useful underwater

Working distance About 2–30 cm About 1–10 cm

Light control Two flash levels No separate control

Best for Underwater/macro photography Macro/video and very close subjects

OM System specifically describes the FD-1 as a flash diffuser that gives softer, more even illumination and lists it as compatible with the TG-7, TG-6, TG-5 and TG-4.

For your underwater photography

I’d choose the FD-1 without hesitation.

The important advantage is that it uses the TG’s flash, rather than the relatively weak LED. That gives you enough light for faster shutter speeds and lower ISO, which is particularly useful for underwater macro where you want to freeze subject movement. OM System also specifically confirms that the FD-1 can be used underwater.

The LG-1 is really more of a macro/video light guide. It takes the camera’s LED and distributes it around the lens. It’s particularly useful when you need to see the lighting continuously while composing video.

So, if you’re using a TG-7 for underwater stills, get the FD-1.

So LG-1 is for video, FD-1 for photo?

Can these two be swapped underwater?

(I am cautious with AI, as it confidently tells stuff that sometime ends up in disaster.)

I very much suspect neither of these is rated for UW use, it doesn't mention a thing about using them UW. The first one has LEDs the second features light pipes to take the flash light to the ring around the lens. I would also guess that the strobe light is quite weak after being piped in and spread around the ring on the second model. They state the first model can compromise the waterproof seals

A lot of people dive with TG-7s around my dive sites and many of them now have the Weefine or Kraken ring lights. They have a model with a 3000 lumen burst triggered by your strobe. Working with that could prove tricky on the TG-7 as the camera doesn't know what the ring light is going to do, but should be manageable. The link below shows one model, the others are listed on the side bar.

https://underwater.com.au/shop/kraken-ring-light-3000-v2-new-version-sale.html?srsltid=AfmBOopsV7rWxEW0QCi4Dqop191F2xrX9GQxMxLnpuUMIBHD-_zhgStD

I've seen some shots produced with these lights and they look pretty nice as long as you are in quite close. I'm not sure exactly which model they are using.

A lot of snorkelers using the Weefine ring light, it's a pretty handy thing.

I guess this makes the question much simpler. And AI skipped this detail.

59 minutes ago, Grantmac said:

A lot of snorkelers using the Weefine ring light, it's a pretty handy thing.

Thank you!



https://www.inon.jp/customer/discontinued/strobe/strobe/s2000/top.html
Is this the absolute smallest (by volume) underwater strobe that can be used with the TG-7 without housing (with a generic fiber optic base glued to the body)? Or there are smaller options?

28 minutes ago, Deemoo said:

Thank you!



https://www.inon.jp/customer/discontinued/strobe/strobe/s2000/top.html
Is this the absolute smallest (by volume) underwater strobe that can be used with the TG-7 without housing (with a generic fiber optic base glued to the body)? Or there are smaller options?

It's close to the smallest, the backscatter MF-3 is slightly smaller in diameter but longer. The MF-3 is popular for snooting, it is less powerful with a narrower beam than the S220. INON has a reputation for being reliable, the Backscatter strobes less so, but the newer models seem much improved. S&S YS-01 is similar size, reliability - I've seen a few complaints on the forum. The AOI UCS Q1 is also similar size. You could happily upgrade to a RX series or even m43 with the INON. The others perhaps, certainly you could continue with the MF-3 for snooting up to full frame but not for wide angle.

Greetings from OM Digital Solutions.

We are contacting you to follow up on our phone conversation regarding the TG-7 underwater accessories.

FD-1 (Flash Diffuser):

Can be mounted, removed, and used underwater without any limitations.

It is the ideal accessory for underwater macro lighting, effectively directing the built-in flash light.

CLA-T01 (Adaptor Ring):

Can be changed underwater without restrictions.

It is suitable for attaching underwater filters or converter lenses (such as the FCON-T01 and FCON-T02 fisheye lenses).

LG-1 (LED Light Guide):

Not suitable for underwater use.

Water fills the optical channel of the accessory, altering refraction and preventing the correct diffusion of the LED light.

LB-T01 (Lens Barrier):

Not recommended for use underwater.

Water and small air bubbles become trapped in the rotating blade mechanism and in front of the lens's front element, impairing image quality and causing fog or spots in photographs.