Sigma 105 macro - what ringflash?

bloozeboy · #1 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 08:07 PM

Hi all, I will be buying a Sigma 105 macro lens in the next few weeks - my first foray into macro photography.

Has anyone used this lens with a ringflash? what make of ringflash? any suggestions/coments welcome.

Boddie · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 08:14 PM

I have this lens and have the MR14 ring flash. I have yet to get out and capture insects as have only had the flash for a couple of months but the test shots I have taken have showed the flash up to be a great purchase

bloozeboy · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 08:29 PM

OOOPS!! forgot to say, my camera is a Nikon D70, MR 14 is for Canon isn't it? Thanks anyway.

davewalker · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 09:52 PM

Hi, and welcome to Wab. I like the effects you get with a ring flash, but they are very expensive, and also very bulky to use. I would suggest you get used to your new lens first,you might be really surprised at the camera flash.Then go to a nikon dealer(there are others) and try a Ring flash on your camera to see if you feel comfortable.Note, with battery packs they are also heavy,

hope this helps

davew

eeyore · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2007, 10:26 PM

you might also find that a off camera cord (arround 40 notes in jessops)and a normal flash gun is a workable solution , or even a reflector to maximise available daylight

bloozeboy · #6 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 03:36 PM

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I will consider them all and let you know how I get on.

nightshade · #7 (**permalink**) 10-02-2007, 05:13 PM

This is an ace set up http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fo...o-bracket.html
There is another rig on the site somewhere My Macro Rig on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
ther is a lot of fun and satisfaction in making your own there is even a thread here for making a ringflash!

Jon · #8 (**permalink**) 12-02-2007, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloozeboy

Hi all, I will be buying a Sigma 105 macro lens in the next few weeks - my first foray into macro photography.

Has anyone used this lens with a ringflash? what make of ringflash? any suggestions/coments welcome.

Before you go to that expense I would suggest you consider an omnibounce, this is a simple diffuser that looks like the bottom of a plastic milk bottle. I use one and I am very pleased with the results. £15 or thereabouts, Jon

themightyzog · #9 (**permalink**) 15-02-2007, 01:59 PM

I've had a Sigma 105 for some time as my passion is macro shots (I also have a D70!). I've looked at a lot of pictures taken with ring flash and come to the conclusion that it kills light/shadow - and that is what makes a picture special.

I dont know what macro subject you are after - I try to use high ISO in preference to flash and then NeatImage the photo - but when I do I use a standard off camera flash with a long cord.

Hope that helps a little

mports · #10 (**permalink**) 15-02-2007, 07:14 PM

Both of Robert Thompson's book's, Close-up on Insects (ISBN 1-86108-238-X) and Close-up & Macro (ISBN 0-7153-1903-5) both extensively cover the subject of macro flash photography. Robert's latest book Close-up & Macro is more up-to-date covering digital, however both are really worth reading.

Go with a 'off the camera' flash gun, rather than a ringflash, as ringflashes tend to provide shadowless lighting making pictures look flat and low in texture and detail .

Nikon flashguns are generally excellent, however Metz maywell offer you a slightly cheaper alternative and have an excellent website, Metz - always first class. -

Warehouse Express sell a nice flash bracket the Kirk FB-8 for just under £50, you'll find it under tripods if you wish to take a look, is well made and offers near perfect adjustment when using a single flash gun, a Stofen diffuser is also an essential purchase.

Mark