First outing with the MR14 EX Macro ring - Not what I thought

swag72

swag72

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Sara
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Today I went out with the MR14 EX macro ring for the first time. I have to say I am initially surprised at a couple of things, but do wonder if it's down to user error.

Here is what I have found - Compared to using my Speedlite 430EXII on the front of the lens hood I have found I am getting a lot less light with the macro ring. Last year using the speedlite I was using it often at 1/4 power or less and high speed sync.

When I tried similar settings with the MR14, I wasn't getting enough light. So then I went to full manual and belted it up to full power - I was still finding the pics were coming out under exposed.

Have I missed something, or will the MR14 give me less light than the Speedlite did? Maybe I have got it set up wrong? :shrug:

Would really welcome some thoughts on this as I am rather underwhelmed with it at the moment.
 
What settings have you got the camera set to? I normally use my sigma ring flash in ETTL mode with the camera set to 1/125, f/18 or higher and ISO 200. I've got the flash exposure compensation set to underexpose by 1/3 of a stop otherwise it tends to blow the highlights.
 
Sara post up an image with the exif attached so we can take a look at your settings.
 
Yes, as before. Your macro ringflash is designed to give enough light for macro photography at typical macro ranges. Pop it on ETTL, set your flash adjustment to neutral and try again. Let's have a look at some of your photos please?
 
I'm certainly no expert ! :)

But as the 430 has a guide number of 43 and the ringflash has a GN14, wouldn't this be expected ?

Not sure if this would account for all of the difference you are seeing.
 
What distance are you using it at Sara?

It's a macro ring-flash. GN14 is more than three stops down on your 430EX - about 1/10th of the power.

You need to be really close, like 6in or less. That's when it will come into its own, you'll be right in the exposure zone and you'll get some modelling from the two tubes. If you're over about a foot or so, you might be better off with the 430, but that's not macro ;)
 
OK, I own up to a Numpty Alert :nuts: - Never look at your pics in bright sunlight on the LCD then come onto TP moaning about your MR14 not giving you enough light :bonk::bonk:

Thank to those who helped, but at times I am such a total twit!! Looked at the pics last night on the PC and they're exposed fine. :D

I am still interested in the settings to use though. Would you recommend ETTL or manual?
 
Another little thing that can catch you out is FEC. If you have FEC set on the MR-14 then any FEC you set on the camera body is ignored.

Bob
 
I would use E-TTL. When you're creeping up on bugs you need to get a decent exposure off right first time and E-TTL should always be reasonably close, if not perfect.

When you've got that first frame in the bag and the bug's still there, check the LCD and tweak the exposure if needs be on the compensation. As Bob says, +/- on the flash for flash exposure (moderates the power) and +/- on the camera for ambient levels (moderates the shutter speed on Av). Since the LCD image itself is hard to asses in bright sun, use the histogram and enable blinkies.

I like live view for macro but if you're having trouble seeing the LCD you might want to look at a shade or cover. This Hoodman is nice, and really cheap ;) http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017
 
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