Macro flash

I have the EM 140 with the Sigma 105, great combo:thumbs::thumbs:
 
I have just sold my Suntax DRF14 ringflash (identical to the Marumi) as I have upgraded to the Canon. I had a Sigma EM140 but it was the Nikon version (moved from Nikon to Canon a few months ago) and didn't like it, but I have been informed that the Canon version has proportional modelling that the Nikon version did not so may be worth a look.

I had some good results with the Suntax and it is good value for what it is, but I wanted the option of proportional lighting offered by the Canon, at the time of my purchase I was unaware that the Canon version of the Em140 also had proportional modelling, but after having been tainted by my Nikon version, I personally would have gone with the Canon anyway.

Many Canon users are very happy with the Em140, you pay your money and take your choice.
 
I have the Sigma 105 and Sigma EM 140 DG RING FLASH MACRO. It is a great flash. As said above it has (on the Canon version) proportional modelling. I don't think the Marumi has.
 
Blimey! I was looking at the Nikon ring flash. Both those ring flashes are quite considerably cheaper! If that Marumi one is any good it would save me a fortune!

Anybody else got one?
 
thanks for that guys... seems like the sigma is best unless you can get the canon for a song
 
couldn't you put ND type stuff or other filters on one side of the marumi to simulate proportional lighting?
 
Richard you don't need a ring flash, if you haven't got an ordinary flash get a speedlite 430 and a flash bracket because you will be able to use it for other stuff too.
This Fruitfly about 4mm was taken today with a speedlite on a flash bracket.

2891506463_c645f65eef.jpg
 
Just received my Canon MR-14EX, all I can say the build quality is a cless apart from both the Suntax (Marumi) and the Sigma EM-140 (nikon version owned only though). My initial trials with it are very, very promising and I love the proportional lighting facility already. best of both worlds for me.

So for me in order of preference, Canon, Sigma, Marumi, but is also the most expensive to the least, so it's down to what you can afford really.

Canon 5D, Canon 100mm macro, Canon MR-14EX all three extension tubes:

Spidermr14ex.jpg
 
Richard you don't need a ring flash, if you haven't got an ordinary flash get a speedlite 430 and a flash bracket because you will be able to use it for other stuff too.
This Fruitfly about 4mm was taken today with a speedlite on a flash bracket.

2891506463_c645f65eef.jpg

Actually, an ***EX (420, 430, 550, 580) flash works just great for macro work if used with a bracket and a diffuser of some type.

I use a 550EX flash (I replaced my 420EX because of better manual capability) on an old Siegelite bracket and a small Lumiquest softbox. Of course, I connect the flash to the camera using a Canon off-camera cord.

The ***EX units, besides being able to be used for other type shooting provides a nice rounded light (rather than the flat one-dimensional lighting of a ring flash) to the imagery.

I bought the Siegelite bracket used for a pittance several years ago at an estate sale and I have had the Lumiquest softbox for years. I have seen copies on eBay sell very inexpensively or a photographer could fabricate one from some foam board and diffusing material.

I cannot figure out how to post an image on this reply - therefore I will place images on an original post with the title: images of macro flash setup
 
thanks for the advice guys

am also thinking of getting a Raynox DCR-250

Will this get me a lot closer with my 105?
 
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