Show us your Macro Rig

[davej1234]

Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Very new at macro shooting. Got my first dedicated lens 2 days ago...Sigma 150 f2.8 mounted on Canon 40D. My setup isn't the greatest. Lots of great ideas in this forum, so I'll get something to work.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jardinedave/3207282110/sizes/l/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jardinedave/3206435483/sizes/l/in/photostream/

edit:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3207282110_b3488e0a26_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3434/3206435483_ec07d99bb7_b.jpg

ps: Tried to embed photos in this message. They were 1024x763. The URL started with and ended with . Got X-ed out boxes instead of images. Did I do something wrong?

edit: see if this works....thx troypiggo
edit: alright....it works.

[troypiggo]

Use the URL in the text box titled "2. Grab the photo's URL:" at the bottom of the flickr page for the size image you want to post.

[davej1234]

thx troypiggo...I'll give it a try.

[Lotto]

Recently added the 100mm macro to my lens line up, and modified couple of lighting gears I use for portraits.

For indoors/back yard type of situation, I like to use off camera flash to have more control over the lighting angles. Here I have a ST-E2 triggers a 430EX in a beauty dish diffuser.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/3207799595_1baef86cca.jpg

I add a mini ball head to a regular camera flipping flash bracket, so I can point the flash down directly over the lens, or swing it each side and lighting from 45 degree angle. In these setup shots, off shoe cord to the 580EX in another bowl diffuser. With the 580EX in master mode, I can control the off camera 430 too.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3208688318_e7fcda1814.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/3201363691_8842d91e36.jpg

I don't know how practical is to use that flash bracket out in the field, as I just started experimenting macros.

[SwiftFootTim]

I don't know how practical is to use that flash bracket out in the field, as I just started experimenting macros.

Hey, it looks impressive! I like your idea of the brackets and stuff for staged shots though. You have a lot of control over the lighting of your shots that way, and way more elegantly than my attempts.

[Snow001]

sure. sorry for the broken link. I moved my pics
link:
http://www.lumiquest.com/lq925.htm

pic

http://TCProimages.smugmug.com/photos/241560924_y3Euz-X3.jpg



Hey Crypto how is this set-up working for you? I finally was able to get my macro lens and I like the simplicity of your rig.

Thanks

[ssracer]

My DIY macro tube.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3218508001_4982dbe52f_b.jpg

In action. First with the 50mm f/1.8 then the 18-55mm IS kit lens:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3220897531_6e2fb471e8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3463/3220889651_efd42403e1_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3508/3220898305_5f77c0910e_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/3221742416_ed61b8e466_b.jpg

[brecklundin]

that is very slick!! nice kludge... :D

[number six]

My DIY macro tube.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3218508001_4982dbe52f_b.jpg


I know what it is! And I know where you got it (generally speaking). :cool:

Anybody else recognize it?

[ssracer]

lol...it's no secret, here is my thread on it:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=634557

[rndman]

Does that delta bracket hold the weight good. I have seen many people complain about it. I some how see the flexibility of this bracket a plus compared to others.
I plan to use it with 30D and 430Ex. Please let me know your opinion about this bracket. I am going back and forth based on the mixed reviews.

Planning on getting some Kenko tubes.

http://www.10374.com/pics/macrocam.jpg

[aiea1]

Does that delta bracket hold the weight good. I have seen many people complain about it. I some how see the flexibility of this bracket a plus compared to others.
I plan to use it with 30D and 430Ex. Please let me know your opinion about this bracket. I am going back and forth based on the mixed reviews.

I sold mine on Ebay for 10 bucks.... imho the 580 is too heavy
I got a ringlite :)

[rndman]

I sold mine on Ebay for 10 bucks.... imho the 580 is too heavy
I got a ringlite :)

Good for you. Which one did you get?

You said 580 is too heavy for Delta. Will it hold 430ex?

[aiea1]

Good for you. Which one did you get?

You said 580 is too heavy for Delta. Will it hold 430ex?

I have the Canon Ringlite MR14 EX,

I don't know about using the 430 with the Bracket,

[AzzKicker]

Man some of you guys need to put more support on your lenses that have extension tubes up the wazzzzo.

[rndman]

Which is that flash bracket you are using? I will also appreciate a link where it is available.

Here's mine

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh59/Iseethroughglass/MacroRig005.jpg

http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh59/Iseethroughglass/MacroRig006.jpg

[newb2pro_1day_or_so]

Rndman

Here is the link for the flash bracket for Canon cameras above the Rebel series
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476278-REG/Dot_Line_RS_0420_C3_RPS_Digital_Flash_Bracket.html

Here is the link for Canon Rebel Series
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/476277-REG/Dot_Line_RS_0420_EOS_RPS_Digital_Flash_Bracket.htm l

This matters because there is a thumb shutter release on the bracket which I think is VERY useful. I'm sad about this because I bought mine for my XT and then purchased the Canon 50D. I can't use the shutter button because the pluggin is different between my camera models.

[ssracer]

Wow...that is a pretty sweet flash bracket...adding that to my I WANT list now...

[motleypixel]

Alright, here's mine:

Canon 30D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX, and this DIY Ring-Flash (http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Lighting%20and%20Gear/DIY%20Ring%20Flash/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2917877769_1bd2765a0f_o.jpg

-Roy

[dbdors]

Nice ring and nice tutorial. Thanks for putting that togeather.

Alright, here's mine:

Canon 30D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX, and this DIY Ring-Flash (http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Lighting%20and%20Gear/DIY%20Ring%20Flash/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2917877769_1bd2765a0f_o.jpg

-Roy

[dbdors]

Alright, here's mine:

Canon 30D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX, and this DIY Ring-Flash (http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Lighting%20and%20Gear/DIY%20Ring%20Flash/)

-Roy
Roy, for reference, did you consider an aluminum bar as opposed to the galvanized steel? And if yes, why did you go with the steel?

Finally, on your site, were most of the macro shot taken with the ring?

[motleypixel]

Roy, for reference, did you consider an aluminum bar as opposed to the galvanized steel? And if yes, why did you go with the steel?

Finally, on your site, were most of the macro shot taken with the ring?

I couldn't find thick enough and wide enough AL for the bracket, the stuff HD and Lowes had was just too frail. Also, the cold galvanized steel lent it self to better tapping for the captive thumb screw for the camera.

The link I provided with my rig post goes directly to the Ring-Flash gallery where 100% of the shots were taken with the Ring-Flash.

Thanks,
Roy

[dima1109]

I'm sure this has already been addressed, but what kind of magnification would one get with a Sigma 105mm Macro and a full set of Kenko tubes?

[LordV]

I'm sure this has already been addressed, but what kind of magnification would one get with a Sigma 105mm Macro and a full set of Kenko tubes?

2:1 nearly exactly at min focus distance.
Brian V.

[El_Coyote]

There has been a few posts about Live view and people mentioning that the mirror has to go down and up again before the camera takes the picture.

I really hope that people arent using autofocus for their macro work, because the only reason that the mirror has to go down in Live View is if the camera has to autofocus,

I'm using a MP-E 65 on my 40D and the MP-E doesnt have any focusing. In the camera i go for "silent shooting" when i'm using live view, that way the mirror stays up the whole time and since all focusing is handled by moving the entire camera, autofocus is irelevant.
With a macro lens that has manual focus, just set the focus on the lens manually and go silent shoting, this way you wont need autofocus either.

[scot079]

the stuff HD and Lowes had was just too frail. Also, the cold galvanized steel lent it self to better tapping for the captive thumb screw for the camera.

Roy that's an awesome ringlight and bracket...results are stunning.

I've never had to bend steel for precision...and from your bracket it looks like you know what you're doing. Mind giving us some tips on bending? Thanks!

Edit: I heard you say in the video that you used your vice...gotcha thanks!

[rndman]

I have both 100-400 and 100mm macro. I tried to use the tripod ring of 100-400 on to 100mm, but it is too big for that.

Are you sure that 100-400 ring will fir 100mm macro?

MPCman
No the tripod mount is actually mounted to the 100mm Macro lens.

The MP-E 65mm and Canon's 180mm Macro L lens comes with the tripod mount B (in Black) which fits the 100mm lens, although to purchase this mount (Mount ring B(B)) separately is $149.95 from B&H
The tripod mount ring on the 100-400 is also a mount B (W) but is white in color this will fit the 100mm macro lens no problem or adapters needed.

[davej1234]

Canon 40D_Sigma 150mm_Kenko Tubes_430 EXII Flash_Lumiquest Diffuser_OC Cord_DIY Bracket_50mm c/w rings
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3376/3318268525_e3cf1cabca_b.jpg

[Crypto]

Alright, here's mine:

Canon 30D, Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon Speedlite 580EX, and this DIY Ring-Flash (http://www.motleypixel.com/reviews/index.htm?openfolder=Lighting%20and%20Gear/DIY%20Ring%20Flash/)



-Roy


Nice job. Thanks for sharing

[Tendy]

Heres how I get my macros without a flash. It does mean long exposures, which creates lots of hot pixels to clone out!
http://fc86.deviantart.com/fs44/f/2009/068/6/8/Macro_setup_3_5X_by_Stumm47.jpg

[Laramie]

Just finished my DIY flash bracket.

http://tylerlewisphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v5/p226340032-5.jpg

http://tylerlewisphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p360135970-5.jpg

http://tylerlewisphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v8/p505583132-5.jpg

http://tylerlewisphotography.zenfolio.com/img/v6/p464449184-5.jpg

[dima1109]

Here is mine. Sorry for a cellphone picture :o

Rebel XS w/grip, Sigma 105 macro w/28mm Minolta reversed (~ 2.4:1 mag), 430 EX II, Canon OC-E3, Delta flip bracket. Rubber bands on the lens and the flash are for attaching flashlights to help focus in the dark :)

[chrisa]

My latest setup, 30D, 60mm macro, Kenko tubes, 1.4X and sigma ring flash.
http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/camerasetup.jpg?t=1237913076

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n147/chrisa62401/Fly_IMG_2424.jpg?t=1237914268

[hms209]

Here's my rig ........ have added Macro slider and reverse ring for nifty 50 since photo ........... Markhttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3316391244_7c4de3f136_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3327551669_8c99c7c60e_o.jpg

This is paper clip with 180mm macro and reversed 50mm

mark

[Skonk]

I was looking for a better macro rig myself when I came accross this thread (well, this forum in general too) and having looked through all of the images I ended up getting a Delta Flip Flash Bracket (which cost me a fair bit since I couldn't find anyone selling them in the UK, so I had to import it from the US).

Setup is an EOS 40d, Sigma 105mm Macro, Speedlite 580EX MKII, Lumiquest Mini Softbox and full set of Kenko tubes.

I have ordered an MP-E 65mm too :) which should arrive on Tuesday (and I cant wait to get my mits on it).

Rig:
http://www.skonk.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=805&g2_serialNumber=1

Test Shot:
http://www.skonk.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=801&g2_serialNumber=1

The erm.. actually I have no idea what it's called (bud thing that fell off a tree out back), was Yellow but I colour-shifted it because it made it more contrastry.

This is a full view of it anyway:
http://www.skonk.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=808&g2_serialNumber=1

I'm pretty happy with the setup but I still cant wait for the MP-E 65 to turn up :)


James.

[macro junkie]

Here's my rig ........ have added Macro slider and reverse ring for nifty 50 since photo ........... Markhttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3500/3316391244_7c4de3f136_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3566/3327551669_8c99c7c60e_o.jpg
This is paper clip with 180mm macro and reversed 50mm

mark
whats the deffuser your using?looks like a type of one i need..

[Skonk]

Whoa!

I've seen double posts, and a couple of tripple posts..... But thats the first quadruple post i've seen :)

[macro junkie]

mods..delate that please..god knows why its done that

[_aravena]

You know you can delete it right?

[scot079]

Here's my newest contraption, also have the MT-24EX but I like the light from this better!

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/jpeg_reencodedcopy.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/0403091531acopy.jpg

Examples:
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/IMG_7857copy.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/IMG_7862copy.jpg

[Luvntravln]

This is a wonderful thread, but it takes too long to load because of the size of so many images. May I suggest that someone in charge split the thread and start a new one?

[macro junkie]

You know you can delete it right?
done:)

[macro junkie]

This is a wonderful thread, but it takes too long to load because of the size of so many images. May I suggest that someone in charge split the thread and start a new one?
may i suggest you getting a faster connection..:p step out of the dark ages..where all on min of 2mg broadband now. :D still on dial up? :lol::p

[macro junkie]

Here's my newest contraption, also have the MT-24EX but I like the light from this better!

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/jpeg_reencodedcopy.jpg
http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/0403091531acopy.jpg

Examples:

im using lumiquest softbox..good isnt it..i find sometimes i have to change the colour temp tho in raw..drop it down to 5200k..only sometimes tho

[brecklundin]

This is a wonderful thread, but it takes too long to load because of the size of so many images. May I suggest that someone in charge split the thread and start a new one?

Along the lines of what Macro Junkie was saying. Something to consider is that this IS a photography forum, so that means a lot of pictures. Also the topic of the thread is "SHOW US your....rig" thus, again, a lot of pictures. Next, splitting the tread will have no effect what-so-ever on load times. Each page is totally independent from the other pages. Some pages may have less pictures and more discussions and will load faster, others have more pictures and will load a bit slower. And last a lot of the pictures are hosted by the poster on their own site to help save bandwidth for the board. Load time for those pics will vary depending on the host used and the routing to your ISP then ultimately to your individual connection.

Throw in the added overhead of any AV and other security/protective software you have running as well as the age and configuration of your computer and it all goes into determining how fast your computer can connect, download and process the images for display.

I guess my point is, if you are having problems viewing just one page of the thread, it is not the board and nothing done on that end will improve things for you.

You will find the similar load times for other threads around the site, especially in the Lens Archives threads.

Not anyone's fault, but it is what it is... ;)

BTW, if you see some people who post a reply to one comment and that reply includes the original pictures, don't worry about it because your browser will only download those images once if the original post is on that same page. Even if every post on the page contains the pictures in the original post 37 times they will still only be downloaded once. Sometimes that can confuse folks who are not aware of how these things function. :D

[brecklundin]

im using lumiquest softbox..good isnt it..i find sometimes i have to change the colour temp tho in raw..drop it down to 5200k..only sometimes tho

Boy, everyone really seems to swear by, not at, those Lumiquest softboxes. I just get cranky when I add up the cost of all of them knowing if I had the time I could make my own for a couple bucks. Now they have this spiffy gel holder for the Rosco swatchbook sampler gels (http://lumiquest.com/products/fxtra.htm).

Thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=6686730&postcount=375

So there goes another $25...sigh...I am getting the sense resistance is futile.

I am still gonna build my own DIY ring flash no matter what...dang it! :p

[troypiggo]

Of course you could make your own. When you buy something like that, you're paying for the materials and someone else's time to make it for you ;)

[_aravena]

Now that's cool...

[brecklundin]

Of course you could make your own. When you buy something like that, you're paying for the materials and someone else's time to make it for you ;)

<scarcasm>
paying for someone else's time? reallY?? wow, I never got that part... </scarcasm>

hahahaha...I could not resisit...but see I am a DIY person and have saved myself $10000's over the years because of that. In fact I have been able to essentially retire comfortably by my mid-40s as a result. Yet, as with stuff like this, I see that value of letting someone else build it, still there is the part of me that recoils at the fact they are made by people being paid slave wages in some 3rd world country. THAT is where I have my biggest problem. The only saving grace is to know that if I buy from a vendor inside the US I KNOW that there are people here being employed as a result. It is only corporate greed at the top that has moved jobs off-shore...but that is a whole political topic not best served here on POTN. ;)

[brecklundin]

may i suggest you getting a faster connection..:p step out of the dark ages..where all on min of 2mg broadband now. :D still on dial up? :lol::p

so, ummmm, where can we get a "2mg" bit of broadband? Does it make you feel happier? Is it addictive? Is the first bit free then they charge you up the wazu for your daily fix? snickersnicker... :lol:

Me I just upgraded to the fastest DSL we have in this ditchwater town and that is 7.1/768 in December and I am LOVING it...plus it's $7/mo cheaper than my 3mb/768 was...I have such FIOS envy it's not funny and would upgrade to that in a microsecond if we could get it...our twon is supposed to be building our own at minimum FTTP fiber network the opriginal plan was FTTH but that was 5yrs ago now. We do however have a marginal muni Wifi for like $10/mo that if it works for you, is a bargain and gives around 3mb/1.5mb depending on how close you are to the node.

[macro junkie]

so, ummmm, where can we get a "2mg" bit of broadband? Does it make you feel happier? Is it addictive? Is the first bit free then they charge you up the wazu for your daily fix? snickersnicker... :lol:

Me I just upgraded to the fastest DSL we have in this ditchwater town and that is 7.1/768 in December and I am LOVING it...plus it's $7/mo cheaper than my 3mb/768 was...I have such FIOS envy it's not funny and would upgrade to that in a microsecond if we could get it...our twon is supposed to be building our own at minimum FTTP fiber network the opriginal plan was FTTH but that was 5yrs ago now. We do however have a marginal muni Wifi for like $10/mo that if it works for you, is a bargain and gives around 3mb/1.5mb depending on how close you are to the node.
i pay for 8mg but only get 2mg..hopefully one day they will sort it out..living in a village sucks

[troypiggo]

Our Australian Government today announced $43billion dollars they're going to spend upgrading broadband in Aus - 90% of homes at 100Mbit/s or something like that. Yeehaa.

[Skonk]

I'm on Virginmedia cable here in the UK and I just upgraded to 50MBit :)

I was previously on 20MBit

[number six]

Next, splitting the tread will have no effect what-so-ever on load times. Each page is totally independent from the other pages. Some pages may have less pictures and more discussions and will load faster, others have more pictures and will load a bit slower.

A result of this is that if you've modified the default page size (15 posts per page, IIRC) you may have inadvertently increased the load time.

When I first set up my POTN account I selected 50 posts/page, resulting in much slower loading than the default.

-js

[Junior Ace]

Cowboylife, why bother posting pics of your setup if you are going to protect it so no one can view it? Just curious?

[brecklundin]

A result of this is that if you've modified the default page size (15 posts per page, IIRC) you may have inadvertently increased the load time.

When I first set up my POTN account I selected 50 posts/page, resulting in much slower loading than the default.

-js

ummmm...huh? I was just explaining that no matter how you split it up the person with the speed issue may not see any improvement as on page may have several MB ok images and the next 50k. But yes, as a rule if you reduce the number of posts/pg it has the potential to help speeed things up. But that is not an absolute for each and every page.

[brecklundin]

i pay for 8mg but only get 2mg..hopefully one day they will sort it out..living in a village sucks

oops...I think ya missed the joke?? mg=milligrams...mb=megabytes...as in I am forced to take xx-mg of xanax every day because my *&%^^%$!! broadband connection is only yy mb/sec. Or did I miss your joke in response to my joke about your joke? :p

[Tendy]

Cowboylife, why bother posting pics of your setup if you are going to protect it so no one can view it? Just curious?

Yea I was wondering about that!

[brecklundin]

Yea I was wondering about that!

Cowboylife, why bother posting pics of your setup if you are going to protect it so no one can view it? Just curious?

looks as if he moved to a different host, from Zenfolio to SmugMug:
http://www.tylerlewisphotography.com/gallery/7857150_Exy6h#509317797_CsoPQ

Mystery solved? The "protected Images" thing is pointed to Zenfolio but the shots are over at SM now.

I know I have a ton of shots here that no longer show up because I setup a test site on SM to see what I can do with it...As I come across the missing shots I'll restore any links to something that is not too embarassing. ;)

[laxative]

Here's mine. Bad pictures but at least you see something. :)

http://mickocastren.1g.fi/kuvat/Makrokuvat/makroromppeet04202009.jpg/_small.jpg

[Skonk]

I posted my rig a while back (HERE (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=7613548&postcount=485)) but I have since upgraded to this:

http://www.skonk.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1014&g2_serialNumber=1

Mounted to my 1000D at the moment but I would usually be using it with my 40D (I used the 40D to take the shot).

Also trying my hand at some table-top-studio/product photo type stuff with this, any good?

James.

[troypiggo]

Great rig shot! I thought it was a Canon promo shot at first. Handled the blacks and whites well.

[scot079]

Wow that is nice, did you make a thread a thread explaining how to get this nice light? If not I could use a lesson!

[Skonk]

Thanks guys :)

I bought myself a Calumet Genesis 200 2-light kit last week, to have a bit of a venture into studio lighting (I'd never used studio strobes before).

But the kit comes with umbrellas which dont work so well on reflective stuff; but I found out that the photography department here at the college where I work had an old Softbox which they didnt use and it was just hung from a wall gathering dust.

It's a dodgy velcro fitting thing, since they never used it I borrowed it yesterday thinking maybe I could DIY a fixing for it onto the Genesis 200.

I ended up just using some string to hold it on :) bit wobbly though.

I also snagged a nice sheet of A1 sized shiney card to use as a backdrop, and a little offcut of foamcore to use as a bounce.

Looked something like this:
http://www.skonk.net/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1017&g2_serialNumber=1

[Alex Wild]

I frequently shoot insects that are lab animals for various research groups, and rather than lug around a white box everywhere I go I'll often build one on location, as it's a rare lab that doesn't have a box, some tape, and some white paper lying around. I describe the box and give some samples here:

White box for macro photography (http://scienceblogs.com/photosynthesis/2009/04/photo_technique_the_white_box.php).

[jcw122]

Great rig shot! I thought it was a Canon promo shot at first. Handled the blacks and whites well.

That's what I thought too! lol

[blackseal]

Hi evrybody, I have a Handmade Twin Flash
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3494653516_3a09856fde_o.jpg

[Mike-DT6]

That looks very nicely made.

Mike

:-)

[Skonk]

Lol thats great :)

James.

[blackseal]

And this is product :
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3494072779_32d73c822a_o.jpg

[FloR]

^Great!! Could you tell us how you made it?

[DreDaze]

Hi evrybody, I have a Handmade Twin Flash
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3494653516_3a09856fde_o.jpg

looks nicely done...any chance you've got a DIY link, or can give a few pointers...i've got some free time this week, and this looks like something cool to try and make

[brecklundin]

looks nicely done...any chance you've got a DIY link, or can give a few pointers...i've got some free time this week, and this looks like something cool to try and make

Brings a to mind a question I have had for a while...is there any difference in the light if one were to use round tubes vs. square/rectangular/triangular tubes? I know there is a difference with using a silvered inside vs. black or white but always wondered how shape might affect the type of light it produces.

[brecklundin]

Hi evrybody, I have a Handmade Twin Flash


BTW, that is the cleanest DIY flash rig I have found ANYWHERE. It looks to be modular? If not I bet a mod of the design would allow at least some extension of the tubes. Heck a metal version would be so multi-position it's not funny. You could, for example vary the distance/angle/position of the light source from subject independently if needed to add dimension or adjust shadows.

But that is sweet as they come!! And +1 on any plans or what not you could post online for us...maybe a PayPal "donation" button because for that design. Tossing a few bucks your way would work for me.

[blackseal]

Thanks evrybody.
I very pleasure when all of you attion it. My English is not good, I can not explain how I made it but I have some test for you and try to make it.
#1
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/Macro/Re01.jpg

http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/Macro/Re03.jpg

#2
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/IMG_0250.jpg

#3 Distance from len Tamron90 to Obiect : 10cm
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/IMG_0285.jpg

#4 Distance from len Tamron90 to Obiect : 15cm
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/IMG_0290.jpg

#5 Distance from len Tamron90 to Obiect : 30cm
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/IMG_0307.jpg

#6 Distance from len Tamron90 to Obiect : 10cm
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg252/blackseal72/IMG_0317.jpg

[fotoworx]

Could you PLEASE tell us what you used to make the square sections of the flash. Is it plastic, metal, cardboard?

[DreDaze]

Thanks evrybody.
I very pleasure when all of you attion it. My English is not good, I can not explain how I made it but I have some test for you and try to make it.



can you try and explain it in your native language, and then have it translated thru this website

http://freetranslation.paralink.com/lowres.asp

[brecklundin]

the end pieces look to be simply a cardboard box cut on a diagonal. The tubes it losks like some very heavy construction paper or some type of modeling cardboard? Same for the part attached to the head. I would bet some cheap tranlucent cutting board sheets from Walmart would work as the diffuser panels. Throw in an odd bit of velcro (maybe just the soft fuzzy side). I could see a whole kit of attachements based on this...it really is a great design.

[macro junkie]

Hi evrybody, I have a Handmade Twin Flash

trouble with that is the light your get off it will be flat..your have almost 0 shadows..thats ok if thats what your after.looks like a great design tho:)did u make it?

[brecklundin]

sure would be nice if one added a way to use some color gels...and to address the issue of flatness/shadows, maybe a grid would work if placed on one side? And my thought if I built one would be to make the tubes able to slide a couple inches or so in order to create a difference in the angle...heck I could even see making the ends somehow flexible or even hinged...easy enough with some pop-rivets and a teflon/nylon bushing or two.

Looking closer at the last shot of it looks to me as if the material is a heavy poster board or even a very heavy cardstock bent with a straight edge and then either felt or flocked paper stuck to some of the outsides

[BJWOK]

nice rigs everyone!

as a newbie to macro photography, what could someone recommend for my situation.

5D with two 580EX II speedlites. I already have a off shoe cord that i use in nightclubs.
shortly I will be buying the 100mm f/2.8 macro, so that will be the lens i will use with this setup.

any thoughts?

[Mboyaci]

http://i721.photobucket.com/albums/ww217/mahmutboyaci/ben.jpg


Canon 40D + Canon 1.4TC + Full of Kenko extension tubes + sigma 150mm + 430 EXII + photoflex diffuser

The results
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=7965893#post7965893

[alex eos]

my macro...........;)

wow man that was realy advanced:)

[macro junkie]

nice rigs everyone!

as a newbie to macro photography, what could someone recommend for my situation.

5D with two 580EX II speedlites. I already have a off shoe cord that i use in nightclubs.
shortly I will be buying the 100mm f/2.8 macro, so that will be the lens i will use with this setup.

any thoughts?
u need a bracket and your only need 1 of the flashes really.no need for 2.

[Raikiri]

Soon to have a Tamron 90mm and real flash of some description.

http://i42.tinypic.com/33u99af.jpg

Sorry for the phone pic.

[alex eos]

my equipment is canon 30D home made flash soft box :) OC-E3 flash cord canon 100mm F/2.8 witch extansion tub and flip ring for canon 18-55 2x flash 1 sigma DG 530 super and canon speedlight 540EZ soon am going to bild flash holder for this 2 like MT-24EX picture coming soon.

[Warl0rd]

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/2834/img3212y.th.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/img3212y.jpg/) http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8718/img3214y.th.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/img3214y.jpg/) http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7464/img3216o.th.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/img3216o.jpg/)

450D + kenko automatic extension tubes + canon 100mm + hakuba flash bracket + 3rd party OC-E3 Off Camera Shoe Cord + Metz 48 AF-1 flash + cheap softbox

[Raikiri]

My set up has changed somewhat in the last week or so...

http://i43.tinypic.com/2ns0s2o.jpg

First shot with it:

http://i42.tinypic.com/23ia3x3.jpg

Not the best shot, lighting looks ok though considering it's not properly diffused atm.

[scot079]

I've started using the flash bracket from my gimbal head for macro. It's very sturdy.

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/608618075_ovAdT-O.png

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/608618034_DwMU9-O.png

The diffuser is a smaller version of this DIY "beauty dish" (http://davidtejada.blogspot.com/2008/04/beauty-dish-for-sb-800.html). I was using a Lumiquest softbox but since my working distance increased w/ the 180L, I needed something a little bigger. I would imagine the light is more soft, too. :-)

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/608618057_ScPvq-O.png

The diffuser has a pretty even spread...flash is on 1/128 power. Camera settings were f/8, 1/250, ISO 100.

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/608618010_jXjCt-O.png

Here's a quick shot I took before the paint was even dry! Unfortunately it's raining now but I'd love to take it for a real spin sometime today.

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/608623569_L6i9R-O.png

EDIT: one more sample from after the rain stopped:-)

http://www.timadkinsphoto.com/photos/608848798_vkyDa-O.png

[dsvilko]

Hope this thread is not limited to dSLR :)
Here is my old macro setup with the Canon A75, disassembled 50mm f/2.8 lens, homemade lens adapter and a built-in-flash-powered ringflash:

http://www.usefilm.com/CritiqueImages/2/1/8/1/5/21815/5584803-original.jpg
http://www.usefilm.com/CritiqueImages/2/1/8/1/3/21813/5584142-original.jpg

http://www.usefilm.com/CritiqueImages/2/1/8/1/2/21812/5583954-original.jpg

http://domjan.fizika.org/photography/1076138-large.jpg

[troypiggo]

Very ingenious and fantastic result!

[DAUMO]

wow... all that for macro..

[Ballen Photo]

Hope this thread is not limited to dSLR :)
NOPE! You're in. ;)
That's quite the set up you've come up with. Impressive, both the camera, "and" the results. :)
I wonder if this is how lensmate online got their start? :lol:
-Bruce

[dsvilko]

NOPE! You're in. ;)
That's quite the set up you've come up with. Impressive, both the camera, "and" the results. :)
I wonder if this is how lensmate online got their start? :lol:
-Bruce

Thank you all! Even with my sparkly new dSLR I still like my old macro setup. It certainly had it advantages. The whole setup - camera, macro lens and lighting weights a bit more than 4xAA batteries! High density CCD, apart from noise also gives you a nice DoF. It also has a very nice bokeh, much nicer than what I am getting with my dSLR setup. Even after a few hundred macro shots that I have taken with my dSLR, my best macros ware still taken with the A75.

[scot079]

Been wanting to build Roy's awesome DIY ring flash (http://www.motleypixel.com/forum/index.php/topic,80.0.html) for a while. Wife's out of town so no better time than the present. I strayed from the path a little in 2 areas. 3 if you count that mine doesn't look pretty like his! :-)

1. Instead of using a 5"-4" vent reducer to create the center hole for the lens, I used a 4" dia. x 6" length cylinder of aluminum venting to attach the ring to the 180L's lens hood. This gave me more surface area for the diffuser and made the whole ring easier/faster to mount on the lens. To attach the 4" dia. aluminum to the hood I used #8 screws, flat/lock washers and wing nuts.

2. Instead of the steel bar Roy uses I used my Wimberley F-9 flash bracket that mounts to a gimbal head (for birding) or the camera's L bracket. This is a lighter solution since it is made from aluminum, plus I didn't have any measurements to mess up.

So on to the pics:

Here you can see the ring w/ out the diffuser. Notice the lens hood and 4" aluminum are joined together w/ bolts and wing nuts.
http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/618250829_jeoFC-O.png

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/618250808_NUGHb-O.png

Here's a view w/ the diffuser installed w/ tywraps:
http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/618250886_qWjQQ-O.png

A shot of the Wimberley F-9 bracket attached to the camera's L bracket:
http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/618250856_qaQt8-O.png

And a shot of the flash firing, it's a little darker at the bottom but it's the best I could do:
http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/618250905_ie2cq-O.png

Samples:
http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/615357142_8RTEZ-O.png

http://timadkins.smugmug.com/photos/615356997_mf2VE-O.png

[labbai]

Here's mine. Taken with my Motorola phone, but you'll get the picture?? (sic!) :rolleyes:
386894

[Eat rice z33]

Wow great setups!

[mr_angryeyes]

ok mine's not so advanced. 40D, Nifty-fifty, Promaster tubes,and a papertowel diffused promaster 7500dx flash on ext.cord. I hand hold the flash for now gotta build a bracket.

[mr_angryeyes]

couple more results

[PhatheadWRX]

I've been going with a simple bounce and really like the results. It gives a nice little shadow under the insect.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2664/3896281413_32b57c30d3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/3896281413/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3564315554_ae1f5b672c_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/frenchbrown/3564315554/)

[systemlayers]

What material is that phathead? Foam Posterboard?
I just got a 580EX II and i think i'm going to build something similiar.
Thanks.

[PiRho]

What material is that phathead? Foam Posterboard?
I just got a 580EX II and i think i'm going to build something similiar.
Thanks.

it looks like the foamies I got at wal-mart for my ABBC and Flags.

[PhatheadWRX]

yep, its just thin white flexible foamboard. Goes by lots of random names like foamies. Should be able to find at any craft store or walmart, etc

[wickerprints]

I just love the ingenuity of these setups! :D

[systemlayers]

Thanks i'll post my results later :)

I just love the ingenuity of these setups! :D
second that! the diy with the macroers (or whats a proper term?) around here is pretty skilled.

[gjman]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/LCA%20Pin/IMG_3138.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/gjman/LCA%20Pin/IMG_0524.jpg

[GRD]

Well, I have covered this entire thread now, and really appreciate all the insight to all of this. Have looked at all the brackets that I could possibly look at I think now.

I like to keep things simple also, but yet have it work for what I need.

Considering numerous things with these brackets, I am looking to just get the Hakuba LH1.

Will I be able to get out front far enough on either side of the lens with this?

Will be using the 430EX II and also a diffuser which I am deciding on now.

First I will be using the Kenko tube set along with the 100mm macro.

Any input with this is much appreciated.

Thanks

[D.Jouff]

Lets start a best of the best thread.

So we are all travellers here, and your looking at this forum because you like photography....I know you have thousands of pictures BUT

Please post your one favourite picture taken from your travels?

[BOGDOGMAX]

Here is my ghetto rig - $25.00 craigslist FD mount 50mm f/1.4 reversed on a pvc tube. Works out to 2.5:1
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3119/2784909527_bb296e7404.jpg
I've played around all summer with different flash diffusers and settled on this one.
It's a home made fiber optic, on board flash diffuser (its not taped to the flash, the tape just reinforces the cardboard hood.
I have a 580EX but wanted something more portable.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2651/4036204372_491d4bf087.jpg

it works pretty well for under $40.00 complete.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2478/4036211646_3b25d4ae71.jpg

[troypiggo]

Here is my ghetto rig...

Holy $h!7, you aint kiddin'! Haha. Good results, though. If you have a 580, why not use a Lumiquest Softbox? Portable - they fold up flat and fit easily in all of my camera bags.

[newb2pro_1day_or_so]

well for as messy as that setup looks, I absolutely love the half crescent catch lights in the eyes. Very well done.

[laxative]

Oh my god bogdogmax. That sure is ghetto, but amazing results anyhow. Fiber optics don't really sound that ghetto though :rolleyes:

[Warl0rd]

Well, I have covered this entire thread now, and really appreciate all the insight to all of this. Have looked at all the brackets that I could possibly look at I think now.

I like to keep things simple also, but yet have it work for what I need.

Considering numerous things with these brackets, I am looking to just get the Hakuba LH1.

Will I be able to get out front far enough on either side of the lens with this?

Will be using the 430EX II and also a diffuser which I am deciding on now.

First I will be using the Kenko tube set along with the 100mm macro.

Any input with this is much appreciated.

ThanksTake a look here:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=8102992&postcount=537

[Green_Tea]

Here is my ghetto rig - $25.00 craigslist FD mount 50mm f/1.4 reversed on a pvc tube. Works out to 2.5:1


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: That looks absolutely ridiculous. But, I can't argue with the results, or the price for that matter. Well done.
-Trevor

[topcatproduction]

Finally I can post my first pic of my gear now I got my flash through! I made up the bracket from ally and tig welded "wings" onto the stainless 1/4unc bolts to make it easy to adjust, its the cheap and I think fantastic YN460 flash (£24), along with an old manual f2.8 28mm lens that cost £5, reversed onto £3 tubes- so happy with the budget!!!
http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/topcatproduction/DSC02231.jpg
This is my first pic of a dead fly (late at night when I put the rig together!) Need some practice with the flash and to make a diffuser yet I know...
http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/topcatproduction/IMG_3166.jpg
And this ladybird without the tubes on...
http://i419.photobucket.com/albums/pp272/topcatproduction/IMG_3169.jpg

I hope to get outside over the weekend to find some interesting subjects- even though its cold now and not as much about as a few weeks ago :rolleyes:

[Drowned]

XSi + 100mm macro (original) + Kenko tubes + 430ex II

(iphone photo :( )
http://www.snaptastik.com/uploads/macro-rig_2.jpg

Results:

http://www.snaptastik.com/uploads/ant_2.jpg

A couple of months ago I was drooling over this thread, and now I have a pretty nice rig myself :) :)

[katodog]

My macro setup, well part of it. I have a macro rail but hardly feel the need for it.


Sigma 180mm f/3.5 macro lens and eBay bracket and LED lights. The lights are a welcome alternative to hauling out the wireless triggers and flash units. A lot lighter too...


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/DSCF0414.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/DSCF0417.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/DSCF0421.jpg



Which can get me shots like this...


http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/IMG_0102a.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/IMG_0119a.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a399/katodog/Macro/IMG_0134a.jpg

[Drowned]

My macro setup, well part of it. I have a macro rail but hardly feel the need for it.

Have you posted this exact same pictures on this or another thread? I know i've seen them somewhere on this forum...

[katodog]

I think I posted it in the archive thread for the Sigma lens, you might have seen it there.

[LowSpark420]

Drowned: Do you find your light is off at all with that long lens and the flash still on the camera mount, or do you take the flash off to get it closer to the subject?

Your rig is almost identical to the one I will have once x-mas gets here...although still going back and forth on the Canon 100mm f/2.8 Macro or the Sigma 105mm Macro

[Supastudio]

5D Mark II, 100mm 2.8, Kenko Extension tube set, 580ex, $25 Flash shoe cord, $20 Flash Bracket that can be switched from Portrait to Landscape orientation or to change position of flash, and finally a $5 Pan and Tilt Platform Mount (the small ball head connecting the flash to the bracket).

I also have a ring tripod mount on the lens which I can place another flash if necessary, but it gets too top heavy. I'll end up using it to mount a piece of white paper as a reflector.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h147/supastudio/IMG_4736.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h147/supastudio/IMG_4734.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h147/supastudio/IMG_4733.jpg

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h147/supastudio/IMG_4729.jpg

[StormCoat]

Nice rig, Supastudio. What brand of flash bracket is that?

[robertnzana]

Just wondering that myself. Can you post the link to where I can purchase the ballhead and bracket?

[Keesbeest]

Nice rig, Supastudio. What brand of flash bracket is that?

I think this bracket is a Stroboframe Stroboflip VH 2000
http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=300-100

[Canon7DDSLR]

After great advices from u guys esp Brian V... i would like to share my new rig setup, reverse ring, 100mm macro + 50mm lens and my first super close shot with this setup, i think with this setup, i should get 4:1 magnification:

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/vipercyclone/DSCF1357.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/vipercyclone/P1300005.jpg

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/vipercyclone/P1300017.jpg


http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/vipercyclone/IMG_8672.jpg



the 10 cents coin with this setup, without any cropping done.

http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk236/vipercyclone/IMG_8663.jpg

[Rickinferno]

Very nice setup Canon7ddslr

[Canon7DDSLR]

Very nice setup Canon7ddslr

thank you! took me awhile to look for all the rig. Anyway just gotten my softbox lumiquest 107.

[Supastudio]

Nice rig, Supastudio. What brand of flash bracket is that?

It's similar to the stroboframe, Keesbeest mentioned, but mine is not $100 :) It's a Hong Kong knock off version that only cost about $20 :D

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2357

I got the Bracket, mini ball head, flash cord, and tripod mount all from the same website. Overall it cost me less than $75 for the Macro Rig.

[StormCoat]

Thanks for the link, Supastudio. One more question, though: does the bracket itself have a threaded hole for tripod mounting on the bottom? I like the looks of the bracket, but would probably want to be able to mount the entire rig on top of a monopod...

Looking at the product photos, it appears that it would be possible...

[Supastudio]

Thanks for the link, Supastudio. One more question, though: does the bracket itself have a threaded hole for tripod mounting on the bottom? I like the looks of the bracket, but would probably want to be able to mount the entire rig on top of a monopod...

Looking at the product photos, it appears that it would be possible...

Yes it does have a thread hole for a tripod. Its also located more forward than the camera body making it better balanced on a monopod or tripod. One thing about the bracket: it gets to be a little shaky when placing so much weight on it. It gets worse when tilting the flash forward and above, but I'm not worried at all about having it fall. It's just a little scary when it bounces around a lot :)

[MarineManiac]

thanks supastudio for wasting an hour of my life on this site! theres so much stuff

[minh2pac]

ok here is mine, custom braket and i use the ball head from my dolica tripod.

[Supastudio]

thanks supastudio for wasting an hour of my life on this site! theres so much stuff

Yeah, there is definitely plenty of crap you need to go through to find the decent products. They recently acquired ring flashes similar to the orbis but only 30 bucks :D

[systemlayers]

Just fooling around with putting a macro on my point and shoot...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4379837723_f6dbefe878.jpg
need to redo/rethink the flash the sx200 has a really dumb popup flash.

[damnlamb]

It's similar to the stroboframe, Keesbeest mentioned, but mine is not $100 :) It's a Hong Kong knock off version that only cost about $20 :D

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2357

I got the Bracket, mini ball head, flash cord, and tripod mount all from the same website. Overall it cost me less than $75 for the Macro Rig.

Thanks for this, everything finally arrived (6 weeks later) and I am thrilled!

[Supastudio]

Thanks for this, everything finally arrived (6 weeks later) and I am thrilled!

6 weeks? You probably ordered before Chinese New Year and had to wait for the company to get back to work :)

[engrmariano]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/4449937146_c167db71db.jpg

sample
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4411158028_2fdde99919.jpg

[skygod44]

Oh! Just spotted this excellent thread...
Here are my first two snoots.
Top pic was the original version, and the bottom picture is the all-new "L-series" snoot, complete with a red-ring that proves it's top quality!
;)

[DreDaze]

^^did you put reflective tape on the inside?...does the flash just come out at the end?...any example shots...looks like something i could create

[harcosparky]

Just starting out and this is what I have.
Canon 7D
Tamron SP AF 180mm Macro
Canon 550 EX
Stroboframe Bracket
Off Camera Cable
Second small tripod with ball mount to hold flash

What's *new* above it the 7D - the rest was previously attached to a 40D and use for photographing jewelry, watches, coins, and similar items for online sales catalogs and ebay auctions.

After seeing some of the insect posts, you could say I have been bitten by the macro bug. I created a post asking about increasing the usefulness of this rig for macro.

Sorry for the pic quality - it's a cell phone image! :p



http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u85/climageposter/camerasetup.jpg

[skygod44]

^^did you put reflective tape on the inside?...does the flash just come out at the end?...any example shots...looks like something i could create
I've changed it again!
Yes, Skygod Industries R&D in making the mark III version is quicker than Canon can come up with a 5DMkIII :lol:

But seriously, I'll post another pic in a day or three of my Mark III as the overhang required a clip-on light restrictor...while stopping me from getting close to subjects that were on a completely flat surface.
But to answer your questions, yes, there's reflective tape inside and here are a couple of example shots:

[Dave Jr]

The soup bowl is sweet.

[orionmystery]

Think i've never shown my macro rig here yet.

http://orionmystery.blogspot.com/2009/03/my-macro-rig-then-and-now.html

[j_vphoto]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrislandguy/4517008652/

[j_vphoto]

2 - Stofen Diffusers(not in picture) Works out perfect at 5X Cause
diffusers are right at tip of Lens

Canon 5D Body
Also Use 40D
Battery Grip (BG e2n, BG-e4)
Grips Keeps Flash at Lens Height
MPE-65 Lens 1-5X
Canon ST-E2
Olympus ME-1 Eye Piece
Manfrotto Macro Flash Bracket
2 - Crane Locking Shoes on Bracket
2 - 430 EX II
2 - Stofen Diffusers(not in picture)

[alexturton]

My first rig. canon 7d. straight jessops bracket. Jessops ballhead. Canon 580ex ii. canon 100mm macro. DIY ringlite from tin foil tray + macro lens hood. Hopefully get the kenko extension tubes soon + maybe either 50mm reverse or canon 250d/500d close up lens. Any opinion on which is better? reversed 50mm or 2 element close up filter?

[Two-O]

Sweet, got my insurance replacement compact camera today so can take some of my new rig!

[St.dunstan]

This is my jewelry photography setup. Photo shot with an A630. Novatron heads in Chimera soft boxes, a D70 mounted on a Benbo tripod. I use the on camera flash to slave the main flash. I have 60 and 105 macro lenses.

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tMFmBR5gNrw/S-G1117uQTI/AAAAAAAAAKA/WaChrUTk8kk/s800/IMG_0079.JPG

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_tMFmBR5gNrw/S-AN0PUt8sI/AAAAAAAAAFY/uAGW4PF4Rvo/s1024/double%20niobium%20bracelet%20with%20black%20jade. jpg

[ronald lanham]

My 1:1 Hand Held Macro Rig...

. 5DMkII
. 100L
. 580EXII
. Styrofoam diffuser
. Kaiser adjustable flash shoe
. Paramount custom sync cable
. Olympus hand strap

How I Shoot Wild Flowers and Larger Insects...

. Manual/Manual
. Live view...no mirror slap
. 3 frame continous burst
. 1/200s flash sync
. f8,f11,f16...1/16,1/8,1/4 approx.flash power w/14mm wide panel
. ISO100

I do not sacrifice shutter speed, aperture or ISO to prevent black backgrounds or black holes, but rather; use a 4x5 print behind the subject to reflect light back to the sensor. I have an assortment of prints to match a particular scene.

Nice forum to share info...thanks for the opportunity!

Ron

[Wallpap3r]

20D
Flash extender/diffuser made out of duct tape and photo paper,
Two sets of $7 ebay extension tubes lined with felt to eliminate haze
Reversed Olympus OM 50mm 1.8 with felt stuck in the housing to eliminate haze

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1323/4603511964_3d1c020686_b.jpg