Difference between macro rig with 430EXII and MR14 EX?

swag72

swag72

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At the moment for macro I use my Canon 100/2.8, for the flash I use a 430 EXII velcroed to a lens hood. I have to say it has worked very well for me.

So now I am thinking of getting an MR14 EX for the macro work instead. Do you think I would motice a difference in terms of IQ in the final shot?

The rather Heath Robinson macro rig has worked out quite well with the 7D as I don't need any cables at all.

Is this a worthwhile purchase?
 
swag72 said:
At the moment for macro I use my Canon 100/2.8, for the flash I use a 430 EXII velcroed to a lens hood. I have to say it has worked very well for me.

So now I am thinking of getting an MR14 EX for the macro work instead. Do you think I would motice a difference in terms of IQ in the final shot?
The rather Heath Robinson macro rig has worked out quite well with the 7D as I don't need any cables at all.

Is this a worthwhile purchase?
Click to expand...

Yes, for sure. Much better position for the light, especially when really close. And twin tubes for some control and balance.

Plus much neater and easier, also works as a master E-TTL controller. I know you've got that with the 7D but it would be better to use the MR14 for that if you want to work in the 430EX as a remote extra light, maybe to fill in those dark backgrounds you sometimes get. That's a cool macro set up :thumbs:

And just about enough power to use as a fashion ring-light (pump up the ISO on the 5D2) though maybe a bit small? Bit of fun.

Go for it :)
 
Then again, maybe this... ;) :D This is what I'd do in your position. In fact it's what I do do - RayFlash ring-flash adapter http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/ringflash-range.html Haven't I mentioned this to you before ages ago?

Get a 580EXII, plus the RayFlash. Good for macro, and you can control the light with some custom cut sections of foil-backed card and velcro tabs on the flash (its less Heath Robinson than it sounds). Very good as a fashion ring-light. The 580EXII/Ray Flash combo will also act as a master to control the 430EX as remote unit.

But there's more. You now have a two-light E-TTL strobist kit for portraits and stuff. Three lights with the 7D's pop-up. You can do some really cool stuff with that, and it takes your photography in a new direction. Get a couple of brollies/softbox and stands from FITP for not much money and shoot your new neighbours.

Only thing I would say is that I use the original RingFlash Adapter, RayFlash wasn't available then. They are actually quite different. RingFlash Adapter is a bit bigger and I know gives even coverage for macro when used pretty close - fine at 1:1 with 100mm macro. You'd need to research how good the RayFlash is used up very close, though I'd guess it's fine. Apart from that caveat, I think the RayFlash has the edge - a little more efficient I believe, fraction lighter etc but I don't have any power problems with the original and neither would you with the ISO potential of your 5D2.

That's what I'd go for, mainly for the good ring-light and strobist portrait options. If you want to get serious about macro, around 1:1 or higher (I hardly ever go that close) the dedicated macro flash is the better choice.
 
Yes you have mentioned that before!!! My reasoning for the macro flash is that I have always been sorely tempted by an MP-E 65, who knows, maybe I'll move on the 100mm and get a monster MP-E instead. Not quite sure at the moment!!
 
swag72 said:
Yes you have mentioned that before!!! My reasoning for the macro flash is that I have always been sorely tempted by an MP-E 65, who knows, maybe I'll move on the 100mm and get a monster MP-E instead. Not quite sure at the moment!!
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I'd always advise folk to stump up the extra for an MT-24 over the MR-14 for its better creative possibilities. If you're thinking of a future MP-E then it really has to be the MT-24.

Bob
 
I thought you only had $500 and that was the last bean you had to spend on stuff, for ever and ever and ever? :thinking: Silly me!

Listen to Bob. I love it when he talks dirty, and that MP-E 65 is seriously smutty kit :D Maybe not the RayFlash with that then :lol:
 
MP-E65 frankly sucks with any kind of ringflash due to the incredibly short working distance (2 to 4 inches). If you have an inch or more of ring flash all around the lens it makes it pretty darned near impossible to get shots at any kind of decent angle, the MT24 fitting has a flat base allowing you to get in closer. Plus as the others have pointed out it does give more creative control BUT a lot of the guys with MP-E65's still use a single flash setup (Brian Valentine (LordV) springs to mind) and I find single flash allows easier access into confined spaces or awkward angles.
 
swag72 said:
..... That's because of the extending front?
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No, because of the minimal working distance and the added advantage of being able to point the focus assist LED's at the subject.

Bob
 
From what limited use I have had with my mp-e & mt-24ex settup.
I found my 100mm mac stays in the bag, more than i expected.
Great set-up

Now i just need a camera :'(
 
KDBee said:
Now i just need a camera :'(
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You need to buy Dizidav's 30D (advertised in the classifieds). It's my old macro/MP-E body and has an excellent Katz-Eyes split prism screen for manual focus.

Bob
 
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