flash recommendation please

[gess]

Hi folks

I would love to be able (eventually) to produce some good macro shots. Have a sony a200 camera. I have just bought a new macro lens but so far have not bought any sort of off camera flash (I still haven't got to complete grips with the camera!....slow learner ).
Would appreciate any advise you can give

regards

Gess

[Ollie]

Hi Gess, I'm not familiar with your camera but I would expect the same principles apply no matter what the make.

You could get a ring flash that would do the job. This fits on the end of a macro lens rather than on an off camera bracket as far as I'm aware anyway, but I have no real experience of ring flashes. but I'm pretty sure you can alter the intensity and angle of the flash with a ring flash

Another option is to take the route I did and get a more general purpose flash unit that can be used with an off camera bracket and use a diffuser with it.

Don't know if there are any other options but I am very happy with my macro flash set up. Sure others will be able to advise you further.
Roger

[gess]

Thanks Roger...

It's helpful just to know the options people are happy with..... will have to save a few pennies now whichever route, but can't afford lots at the moment (christmas comin' and all that!). Will probably have to go for the most reasonably priced option though.

regards

Gess

[JB9302]

A200 has the capability built in to wirelessly control a Sony flash off camera , models 36/42 from memory .
Worth looking around for a s/h one as Sony are pricey .

Julian

[Hobjob]

I agree with Ollie

Use a diffuser - Lambency diffuser - see ebay - is great and works well for Ollie I know
Much cheaper than the ring flashes

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

I agree with Ollie

Use a diffuser - Lambency diffuser - see ebay - is great and works well for Ollie I know
Much cheaper than the ring flashes

The Lambency diffuser does work very well with a macro lens. It's my preferred set up. So does my ring flash! I save that now for use with my MP-e65.
I'd say the diffuser is a much better option with a standard macro lens and flash gun.

[gess]

Thankyou everyone I'll look them up

Gess

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by glsammy

The Lambency diffuser does work very well with a macro lens. It's my preferred set up.

That's interesting! I've got a Lambency Diffuser, but not used it. I've certainly not considered it for macro work. Must give it a try!

Jim

[Hobjob]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

That's interesting! I've got a Lambency Diffuser, but not used it. I've certainly not considered it for macro work. Must give it a try!

Its great for family/wedding/social photos - no flash
shadows. And if being a poser is your thing, then it
looks really flashy as it is so big

But because it spreads the light around a fair bit you
may need to increase the exposure.

Hae a play

[Ian Gray]

hi Gess,
I've got the sony a700 and the main thing that lets it down is accessories. You can get just about everything that you need but at the moment they are vastly overpriced compared to other manufactures. I got lucky and found an old minolta centron ring flash on ebay for a 100 notes, works a treat but can be difficult to keep colours in check, with practise I think I'm getting better. Might be worth keeping an eye on the auction sites while your saving your pennies.

Ian