500d with canon 100mm macro..flash?

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animalstorey

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Martyn
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Hi im completely new to digital photogarphy but wanted to be able to take great shots of some of my bugs. I have just purchased (today), a canon 500d with the 18-55mm lens and a second hand (great condition) canon 100mm macro usm lens. Im looking to add some type of flash unit but wanted to ask advise. Am i better sticking with a ring flash for the 100mm or look at get a twin flash ? I know the canon's are almost as much as the camera but is there any alternatives, sigma perhaps? Ive got a bit confused as some are just for 35mm filmslr's and not for digital.
thanks.
 
do you have a budget in mind? This will really affect your realistic choices. I use a speedlite 430II EX and attach it to the lens using a rather Heath Robinson affair. Works a treat.
 
Hi and welcome to TP - for the 100mm macro you can use a normal flash on the hot shoe like a 430ex, have a look at the macro rigs in the macro section for the Blue Perte diffusers / mounts, you can then use this for normal photography. If you have the cash a MT24-EX is the dogs.
 
sigma do a noce ring flash sigma em 140 , which ive ordered, but alas ive been scammed again on ebay and im currently doing a claim via paypal, so cant tell you how good it is, was voted best buy in a ring flash test a few months ago in a mag, or if you go to the macro picture section theres a "rig set up" thread with what people use, i may just go for a canon 430 ex setup myself now, as until paypal get my money back im on a tighter budget and need my flash asap :(
 
well i had set pricefor the camera, ut after finding the 500d kit 1 for just over £500 i ditched the 450d i was looking at! Id like to think my budget is around the £300 mark but im happy to stretch a bit further. £500 + is too much. Im happy to look for a second hand unit if required. I have looked at the mt-24ex, sigma em140dg and canon mr14ex however prices are so different all over the net! am i better waiting and saving?
cheers,
Animal.
 
animalstorey said:
well i had set pricefor the camera, ut after finding the 500d kit 1 for just over £500 i ditched the 450d i was looking at! Id like to think my budget is around the £300 mark but im happy to stretch a bit further. £500 + is too much. Im happy to look for a second hand unit if required. I have looked at the mt-24ex, sigma em140dg and canon mr14ex however prices are so different all over the net! am i better waiting and saving?
cheers,
Animal.
Click to expand...

I would advise that you only need the MT-24EX if using the MP-E65 otherwise any flash on an off shoe bracket will do. MR14EX may also be a contender due to the price.
 
Personally i keep away from a ring flash as its very difficult to diffuse and produces a harsh light with hot spots on shiny bugs etc have a look at the speedlight 430ex / 580ex, or there's a used MT24-EX in the sale's part of the forum, for prices contact Kerso via a PM - he is a respected seller of new kit on these forums.
 
Id love the twin unit but a little pricey for me even a second hand is a bit over budget at the moment. I think ill be looking at a 430 with diffuser for now and play around with placement and if im shoot indoors using a mini studio (tent) with two 50 watt lights i should have enough light....shouldnt i?

I have some great stick insects that i want to get up close to. (good thing is they like to stand still!)

thanks for all your comments ...
Animal.
 
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