Macro Kit

chrism_scotland

chrism_scotland

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Chris
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Just really wondering what macro kit people are using particularly around lighting?
I've picked up my first macro lens and I've been enjoying playing around with it with everyday objects but lighting is a bit of an issue inside! I always thought a ring flash was designed for macro work but are there other options?
 
Im using a ring flash, but the light is very direct and flat. I often use my other off camera flashes set as slaves to model the light a bit more.

Nikon do several macro kits which are more like little flashguns that sit on the end of the lens and can be angled, but not sure what Pentax offer.
 
TCR4x4 said:
Im using a ring flash, but the light is very direct and flat. I often use my other off camera flashes set as slaves to model the light a bit more.

Nikon do several macro kits which are more like little flashguns that sit on the end of the lens and can be angled, but not sure what Pentax offer.
Click to expand...

Thanks mate, I know there is a Pentax Ring Flash but it costs a fortune, I'd be looking at the cheaper Sigma for my K20 I think!
 
Try a lightbox to light items from underneath - you can start with a sheet of plain white perspex and a lamp and you can get some fun results.
 
50d with a 100mm f2.8 macro lens, often used with a full set of tubes.
430ex with a lastolite diffuser, either on an L bracket or handheld in my other hand.

:)

Sam
 
Currently using the onboard flash - or jessops flash gun...

Can recommend the csi type (angled on the end of the lens). Should be some available for each branded camera. But prolly pricy.


There was a home made one, someone (on here I think) used the fibre wire on one of those xmas things (the one like a hedgehog that changes colour). All they did was tape it up and tape it to the on board flash, followed along the lens and ended poking around the end of the lens.
 
For 1:1 shots you'll get away with a diffused flash - either make your own or something like a lambency diffuser, A ring flash can provide harsh ligth which is difficult to diffuse and can provide distracting reflections
 
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chrism_scotland said:
Hmm I might think about picking up a "normal" flashgun rather than a ringflash then, but probably still one of the Sigma's as the Pentax flashguns are pricey.
Click to expand...

Have a look for a Jessops 360AFD in Pentax fit they were about £80new £50ish used- Full TTL auto & full manual, I've got one i use as a remote manual flash with my Canon.
 
I often pick small flowers etc then photograph them indoors.

Just to show it needn't cost much all these were taken with my £6.00 set up - 1 flexible stem table lamp from Wilko's and a 9 watt energy saving bulb:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570942458/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570942404/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570942358/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570354177/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570942200/sizes/l/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/20926615@N05/5570354061/sizes/l/in/photostream/

All taken on a Canon 1Ds Mk II using Kenko extension tubes on either a 50mm f1.8 or 100mm f2.8 macro lens.

I set the custom WB on the camera to compensate for the energy bulb lighting.

.
 
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