Which macro flash?

Mmarques

Mmarques

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Marco
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Hi everyone,

I've always been into macro but never had a proper set up, I have recently purchased a raynox to use with my 50mm, 18-55 and 70-300. I will save up for a set of kenko extension tubes (don't trust other ones on amazon etc).
I have been told to get a macro flash, which one should I go for at a reasonably cheap price?

Thanks
Marco
 
I have a set of polaroid ext tubes, you could save some money on the price of the kenko ones and try them. They're solidly made and have the electrical contacts to allow normal lens control by the camera. By all means, if you want the kenko tubes go for it, just don't discount the cheaper tubes across the board as they're not all the same.
 
stu.artd said:
I have a set of polaroid ext tubes, you could save some money on the price of the kenko ones and try them. They're solidly made and have the electrical contacts to allow normal lens control by the camera. By all means, if you want the kenko tubes go for it, just don't discount the cheaper tubes across the board as they're not all the same.
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Hi stu, I did see those Polaroid ones and someone on here did recommend them, but I did see some bad reviews which did put me off, I'm easily put off when it comes to spending money( yes I'm a tight arse :p ) what flash do you use when doing macro?
Thanks
 
Hi Marco, I've got a Canon mr-14ex. I didn't mention it as I see you've got a Nikon. :)
There's nothing wrong with being careful with your money. I'm sure you'll be happy with the kenko ones.
 
stu.artd said:
Hi Marco, I've got a Canon mr-14ex. I didn't mention it as I see you've got a Nikon. :)
There's nothing wrong with being careful with your money. I'm sure you'll be happy with the kenko ones.
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To be fair If I didn't see the negative feedback on the Polaroid tubes I would have bought them, who knows I might still buy them (just don't want to buy them, then not work properly and then fork out more for another set).
 
After having a few of the cheaper ring flashes from ebay, which worked very well for a while, I went for a Sigma EM-140 DG dual flash. It's a great flash, very solidly built and feature packed. With it having the 2 flashes on the ring you can move the light to wherever you want, you can select either flash to fire on its own and set the light levels easily. It's around £300 but it's by far the best macro flash I've used and I've had 3 Marumi ringflash and another cheaper twin flash but that one went up in smoke after a few days.

I've also got a set of Kenko tubes and they are fantastic with my Canon 100 f2.8L macro and 5D3. I know you have Nikon but the tubes and the flash are in Nikon fit as well.
 
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Marumi ringflash is cheapest and gets good reviews. Also sold under other brand names. Not used one myself though.
 
modchild said:
After having a few of the cheaper ring flashes from ebay, which worked very well for a while, I went for a Sigma EM-140 DG dual flash. It's a great flash, very solidly built and feature packed. With it having the 2 flashes on the ring you can move the light to wherever you want, you can select either flash to fire on its own and set the light levels easily. It's around £300 but it's by far the best macro flash I've used and I've had 3 Marumi ringflash and another cheaper twin flash but that one went up in smoke after a few days.

I've also got a set of Kenko tubes and they are fantastic with my Canon 100 f2.8L macro and 5D3. I know you have Nikon but the tubes and the flash are in Nikon fit as well.
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A vote for the sigma,bought it 9 years ago to go with a D70 just bought a D5100 rang sigma to check compatibility, was told to give it a try as it will not damage the new camera.
If it doesn't work correctly send it to them and they will reprogram it (or some phrase like that) not bad for a nine year old product.

mike
 
Thanks for all the recommendations :) Ill have a look at the marumi ones, but before i get a ring flash i think ill get some tubes first as I really want to get up close and personal :)
 
terrysphotoz said:
Marco, I live about five miles from Banbury and bought a set of the Kenko tubes a couple of weeks ago. If you would like to call and see some before you purchase, give me a shout.
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Hi terry, thanks that would be great! :). Where abouts do you live?
 
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