Macro Flash - Ring Flash or Flash Bracket

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barrym

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Barry
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I'm using a Canon 40D with a Canon 100mm f2.8 USM Macro lens.
I need to get a flash to progress in macro. I haven't got any Flash Unit at the moment.
What do I do?
Get something like the Canon 430EX or 580EX and a bracket.....(that seems to open up another can of worms, when you mention Macro Flash Brackets!)
Or, by a ring flash, ie.Sigma EM140.
I've read that the ring flash produces flat results?
Any advice gratefully recieved.
Regards,

Barry
Worcester
 
I've been having some nice results with a 100mm macro, a standard flash and one of these to redirect the light to the subject. You can get the foam in Hobbycraft for about 90p a sheet (it's in the kids' crafts section)
 
I've used a ringflash and it is very easy to get well-exposed shots but with flat lighting. With better ringflashes you can vary the exposure from one side to the other which helps. Ringflashes are good when you need to get the light into inaccessible places, or move quickly while chasing insects etc. The very expensive Canon macro twin flash has the convenience of the ringflash with more scope to add shadows and depth to your shots (but beware of harsh light - many use stofen diffusers on the heads).

I would say get a 580EXII, off camera cord, really right stuff bracket and a small ball head and a possibly a lambency style diffuser.

The 580EXII is excellent and very flexible - you'll use it for all sorts of photography.

Putting on a bracket with a ball head allows you to fire it in from the side giving a more natural light for macro. The lambency diffuser gives a softer light if required.

I used to use the bracket attached to a tripod mount on the lens which allowed me to quickly be able to change the angle/height/direction of the flash.

HTH

Phil
 
Phil, I like the sound of the 580EX, very much so.
Can you direct me to a suitable Macro Flash Bracket (Really Right Stuff) & Ball head?
I've done some research on Macro Flash Brackets.....it's doing my head in....not alot in the UK?
Thanks for the advice.

Barry.
 
I'll try and remember when I'm back in UK - I can check with my friend on the model - I sold him the bits when I lost interest in macro.

If you don't hear from me in 3 days, please drop me a pm, or use the contact form on my website.

Phil.
 
Tons of stuff in this sticky from the macro section http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=132158

Ring flash is your only choice really when you're very close - there's just no room to get any other kind of light in there and around the subject. You can easily modify the light from ringflashes by putting bits of card over the tube to block the light, stuck on with BluTack or velcro.
 
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