Would these lights be ok?

[plloydie]

i'm fairly new to photography and enjoy all aspects of it. This week end due to the nice weather I've noticed quiet a few insects about and would like to use my gear to take some macro shots.
Viewing other peoples set ups i see some lighting from the sides and was wondering would these LED lights be ok to use along with my SB600 flashgun

http://www.stanleytools.co.uk/product/147110/12172

My local DIY store are selling these off for less than half price, thoughts please.

 

[flossie]

only answer to that would be you'd have to try them out.

LED's are basically very "spikey" in their spectrum (even so-called white ones), and there is very little consistency from one to another. You'll probably find that particular unit has a high colour temperature (i.e. blue-ish). This all means they are unlikely to match your SB600 without some filters, but you might get lucky could be close enough or be complimentary. Again, you'll have to try...

Another consideration is that LED's are HIGHLY directional. If you want to light a flower at the other end of the garden, great. If you want a soft light on someone's face, no no no (although there are a few, very expensive, pro products that now come close). So be prepared to add some diffusion unless doing macro work.

 

[plloydie]

Thanks i was thinking of using them to light the side of a soft light box/cube so the light would not be directly on the subject, what alternatives have i got, i've spent a fortune on camera,lens etc and my other half now whats a little black dress to go with all the others she has so I'm on a tight budget