Macro shots which flash?

JonSadler · #1 (**permalink**) 23-05-2008, 03:11 PM

Hello all

I know this has been around before but having read the discussions I am still stuck with the decision. Do I go for a ring or standard flash for my macro photographs (kit is Canon 30D/400D and Sigma 150). I have seen the gallery pictures from both sides (as it were) and I am slightly favouring a ring unit (especially one where you can vary the power on either side), but can you get diffusers for those? And do you need a diffuser? If buying a standard flash do you need a means of sitting it next to the camera not on top?

I have not got the resource to stretch to a dual flash unit.

Any comments / advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

Jon

BruceP · #2 (**permalink**) 23-05-2008, 03:19 PM

I have no idea how good these are, but this could be a solution.

Buy the 580 flash and add one of these:
ExpoImaging > Products

pressld2 · #3 (**permalink**) 23-05-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceP

I have no idea how good these are, but this could be a solution.

Buy the 580 flash and add one of these:
ExpoImaging > Products

They are reviewed (along with several other flash add-ons) in the current edition of Practical Photography. I don't have the mag to hand but if I recall correctly this was the tester's choice but also the most expensive device reviewed.

Dave P.

Ollie · #4 (**permalink**) 23-05-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSadler

Hello all

I know this has been around before but having read the discussions I am still stuck with the decision. Do I go for a ring or standard flash for my macro photographs (kit is Canon 30D/400D and Sigma 150). I have seen the gallery pictures from both sides (as it were) and I am slightly favouring a ring unit (especially one where you can vary the power on either side), but can you get diffusers for those? And do you need a diffuser? If buying a standard flash do you need a means of sitting it next to the camera not on top?

I have not got the resource to stretch to a dual flash unit.

Any comments / advice would be most welcome.

Thanks

Jon

Hi Jon

I'm certainly no expert on flash in fact only just learning really but I have found that a standard flash unit with a diffuser works for me.

I am using the Sigma150mm with a Canon Speedlite 580 EX 11 flash unit and a Lambency diffuser.

I mount this above the camera on a Stroboframe 350 quick flip off camera bracket. The only reason I used this set up is because I also use my flash for bird photography and didn't want the added expense of a ring flash

The ring flash probably has more versatility in terms of adjusting the lighting angle etc but I have been completely satisfied with the shots from my set up.

Someone with more experience than me will probably be able to give further advice
Roger

genuinita · #5 (**permalink**) 29-05-2008, 01:14 AM

I've always found ringflashes to be convenient to use & essential when the subject is so close to the lens there is no other way of getting light to it

but they produce an unnatural looking light to me. There is very little shadow and the light is front on which robs depth from the picture.

The ring-type units where you can adjust right & left output only start to have an effect when the subject gets very near the lens (I'd say <4" with the mr-14ex I had) so that function isn't often useful.

A better solution may be a regular flashgun with a softbox attachment and an off-camera cord. You can hold the flash where you need it while you take the picture. This will give you a better quality of light with control over where its directed (but it is a bit more of a struggle - 3 arms may be needed!)

Tormentil · #6 (**permalink**) 29-05-2008, 08:46 AM

I bought a standard flash because it gives you options for use, other than purely macro. This seemed to me, more preferable when one has n't a great deal of cash to possess both a ring and a standard.

glsammy · #7 (**permalink**) 29-05-2008, 09:26 AM

I've got both types, a Sigma ring flash and a Sigma 530 DG Super flash unit. They both are good, with the standard flash obviously being more versatile.
Using my 150mm lens I now prefer the method used by Roger, but without the flash bracket. The Lambency diffuser works really well, giving good even light over a larger area if needed.
Most of my recent Sigma 150mm shots are with this set up.
This one for instance:

The diffuser has helped reduce flash reflections, which to me is the best thing it does. This shot is at 1:1, even though the diffuser seems to be pointing nowhere near the subject, the diffuser has done its business well.

I use my ring flash now with my MP-E65, which so far seems to work very well. I can't see an easy way to diffuse the light further with the ring flash, although you can adjust the flash amount each side.
So if you have a decent flash gun, simply buy a Lambency diffuser. They're cheap and work brilliantly. Not only for macro work, they will help you light an entire hall if you want to!

If you want a flash for use with the 150mm, get a standard flash. I can recommend the Sigma 530 DG Super together with the diffuser, with the added advantage you can use it with other lenses.

Just to give you an idea of the ring flash, here's a shot taken with that:

Last year I had what I thought were really good results with the Ring flash, so you won't really go far wrong with either method, but if you don't own any flash unit at all, the standard flash gun seems to me to be the obvious first choice simply for the added flexibility it offers.

nightshade · #8 (**permalink**) 29-05-2008, 11:38 AM

Standard Nikon flash, Stofen diffuser,Twin arm Manfrotto flash bracket
Not a macro flash but very flexible

JonSadler · #9 (**permalink**) 30-05-2008, 07:51 PM

Just caught up with this again. Thanks for all your comments. I am going for a standard flash plus diffuser. I don't have one and cannot justify that and a ring flash.

Your input is most appreciated. Thanks.

Jon

CloudedYellow · #10 (**permalink**) 31-05-2008, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSadler

Just caught up with this again. Thanks for all your comments. I am going for a standard flash plus diffuser. I don't have one and cannot justify that and a ring flash.

Jon

I have the Canon 580 and after loosing a diffuser in the field a while ago I have found that placing kitchen paper over the flash head works quite well!! I usually take several exposures with 1, 2 and 3 layers and see which gives the best results.

Richard

Jon · #11 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 01:23 PM

I use a Stofen diffuser on the canon 580 EX, before that I made a makeshift version with a small plastic milkbottle container. The Stofen is about £15. I have used a Fishtail and a Lambency - I like the soft light very much but my subjective opinion is that many insects are put off by a big white object approaching them. I get the impression that the Stofen is a little less intrusive.
Jon

Tormentil · #12 (**permalink**) 03-06-2008, 01:49 PM

I found a site that had some comparison shots of the Lambency & Stofen (can't remember where now). There appeared to be no difference between the two. I opted for the Stofen purely on size.

Having used a Lambency in the field (thanks to Graham letting borrow his flash & lambency a couple of times), I must say that I never noticed anything being "put off by the big white object", unless, of course, you count me as one.