Flash for macro photography

[Hoppingmad]

Sigma EM-140DG Macro Flash

Has anyone used one of the above and if so do you have any comments to make on its performance? Am wondering whether to buy one and not sure if it is worth it or not.

[Geoff F]

Can you give some more details of what you want to achieve.

I haven't used that flash and when in a similar situation I went for a standard Speedlite flash unit which works well for insect macro photos.

The 'macro flash' units seemed far to fragile for the way I work in the wild but they do have a place in some situations and can be particularly useful for studio work, etc.

You may find this discussion useful Macro Flash

[Hoppingmad]

Geoff

I plan to do butterflies, bumblebees, grasshoppers etc and thought that a flash might help in some situations.

Thanks for the link which I have had a look at. Obviously different things suit different people but may have a proper look at the Sigma EM-140 ring flash and see if I can find some reviews. I noticed that someone else on the link you provided was using it.

[Meta menardi]

I have started to use LED arrays and I think they have great potential. I am sure a search with one of the usual engines will turn some up. No heat better chance of composing what you want and a lower price attracted me. The constant light may cause problems.

[nightshade]

Strangely not many people on here favour ringflash as the lighting is too flat

[Geoff F]

I have started to use LED arrays and I think they have great potential

I have heard of some people using LED torches instead of flash but I found it usually needs two people, or auto camera controls which can be difficult for those quick insect shots.

[marvin]

hi

not used them but:

7dayshop.com - Online Store

i'm sure they are available from other reputable stores too.

tim

[jaybie]

I use the Sigma on a Nikon D5000 so can only comment on using it with iTTL. I find it useful on overcast days and when I want to get the shutter speed up. I find it powerful enough for most situations even though it only has a GN of 14 ISO100. The TTL BL modes works fine but I tend to use it a lot in manual as you can set each flash unit to different level. If I need a bit more power I can always use it to trigger my SB700. I still can't make up my mind if the modeling flash is useful or a gimmick, I don't really use it. My biggest dislike is the fact that the hot shoe attachment is a bit flimsy being plastic but as long as you don't drop it

Here are a couple of examples ...



All these are hand held using the Nikkor 105mm VR.

Any particular questions?

JohnB

[Meta menardi]

Originally Posted by marvin

hi

not used them but:

7dayshop.com - Online Store

i'm sure they are available from other reputable stores too.

tim

That's the one. Good for plants, not so good for quick shots, but the light output is more than adequate for me.