Macro Flash Help

milster

milster

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Gary
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I'm trying to get a better flash set up for the oncoming bug season. I have a Nissin di622 flash that Ive tried in a few different ways but not found anything I'm overly happy with yet. I did buy a c bracket last year but it wasn't up to much, I also have a coco like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Coco-Flash-Adapter-Canon-Cameras/dp/B001PNEB5G which I tried last year but wasn't particularly happy with that either.
I've seen quite a few diy set ups on here a lot using brackets but I don't know what one's to try. I'll be using mainly in conjuction with Tamron 90mm, full set of tubes, Raynox 150 and 250 and variations of. I have thought of the Nikon r1c1 set up but then I came to my senses and realised that well out of budget for now.

Cheers for any help

Gary
 
I recently bought a 70D. It is my first dSLR after using bridge cameras and micro four thirds for the past 7 years, in the past three years a Panasonic FZ200 bridge and G3 MFT, mainly for close-ups/macros. I bought the 100L macro, MPE-65 and MT24EX, but I have sent the MPE-65 and MT24EX back - they aren't suitable for what I want to do - discussed in this thread if you are interested.

In the coming season I'll be using the 100L on the 70D up to 1:1. Beyond that I'll be using my Panasonic G3 with achromats - Raynox 150 and 250. I have previously used the Canon 500D as well but I imagine I won't be needing that now I have the 100L. I don't often go beyond the 13mm or so scene width that I can get to with the 250 on the G3, but if I do want to go further (e.g. for fruit flies or springtails) I'll use the 150 and 250 stacked (down to 8.5mm scene width on the G3), and beyond that the Raynox MSN-202 (down to 4.5mm scene width on the G3).

I have been using a Metz 58-AF2 with my Panasonic cameras and am buying another Canon fit version for use with the 70D. I've been rejigging my diffusion arrangements. This post illustrates the setup with my Panasonic kit, and I've just made the bit that fits on to the flash unit that will let me use the Canon version with the same four parts shown in one of the photos in the post.

Happy to provide more info if that would be of any interest.
 
I like the dual flexi brackets like this one but your options for dual flash are limited if you're still using a D3100. I had reasonable results from an SB-400 on a modified C bracket like this:
close-up-kit1.jpg


A used SB-400, a cheap off-camera cord and a flexi bracket would give plenty of options for positioning the flash and won't break the bank. You could use the second arm on the bracket to hold a reflector....

If you really want to go the dual-flash route I have a clone SU-800 and two SB-R200s plus a dual flexi bracket that could appear in the sales section at a much more reasonable cost than an R1C1.
 
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Cheers guys, I'll check that stuff out later when I have a bit more time. I'm on the d7100 now (should really update info) as well so I have a commander mode. I do have an off camera cord as well but my flash doesn't seem to function too well off camera (possibly user error) so I'm also thinking an official nikon flash might be the route to go as well.
 
I'll second Les for the Marumi ring flash, specially if you're on a budget. It's a good flash that will give you a nice full light and will still let you get close to the subject. However, they are not the best made flashes, I had one that broke when I grabbed one end and lightly pulled the other end out of my bag and another that just stopped working properly.

I eventually bought a Sigma EM-140 DG twin flash, it looks very similar to a normal ring flash but has two flash tubes that can operate individually or together and has a modelling light to set up the shot if its dark. It's expensive, around £300, but it's superbly well made and a fantastic bit of kit, easy to use if you want but it can be set manually for flash power on either tube to allow some great lighting effects.
 
Cheers guys, ive looked at that before les but wtote it off because of the one star review, might have anoyher look at it. Not overly sure about a ring flash though as ive read they're notoriously hard to diffuse.
 
i used a led ring light and a off camera flash when i was using a bunch of gear :)
 
Is high speed sync a consideration for macro? Im in two minds over a couple of flashes, one with and one without. Cheers
 
milster said:
Is high speed sync a consideration for macro? Im in two minds over a couple of flashes, one with and one without. Cheers
Click to expand...

When capturing macros on bright, sunny days I sometimes use fill flash to soften the very harsh shadows you can get on such days. If it is very bright you may not be able to get the shutter speed down to the sync speed (even if you are using very small apertures, like I typically do for macros/closeups). HSS will let you you use fill flash in any ambient lighting, but I found it quite bothersome to get it to give out the right amount of light (because it doesn't work like ordinary flash). It was several years ago and my memory about it is a bit hazy, but I think that was with a Canon 430exii and a Canon bridge camera (SX10is).
 
mattd85 said:
Doubt you will ever use it, I rarely go above 1/160, I just adjust aperture and ISO.
Click to expand...
Applications differ Matt, I frequently shoot at 1/1000 or faster to eliminate the ambient light's affect on the background.

Bob
 
Ok guys, thanks. I think I'll go for HSS, can't harm to have it I suppose, now I just need to decide whether I should go for the Nikon YN 568ex (haven't found much on D7100 compatibility) or stump up the extra for the Nikon SB700...
 
My flexi bracket turned up today but it's just not man enough for the job (the flash keeps flopping), any other suggestions please
 
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