Flash for Macro photography

[Parmcat]

I was going to post this in the flash thread, but this is specific to the macro guys.

I am in the market for a flash, and want to know what you recommend as the better flash for macro. Most of my work is macro (right now anyway), and I really can't afford the top of the line speedlite right now.

My real question is, do I really need a top flash that has a large and long output for macro, or can I get by with an older flash, that does not have the reach, but would do well for macro work.

I read all the stickys in the flash thread, but I want to know if people use alternatives to the speedlites, and are happy with the macro results?

I also don't think a ring flash is what I want either.

I know this was a ramble, but I am just looking for opinions on flashes.

Parm

[Omri Alon]

Get the cheaper Sigma. That's what I have.

[canonloader]

Before I got my new 550ex, I used my brothers old Ricoh, of all things, with a piece of plastic milk jug over the flash for a diffuser. It worked fine, although my pics aren't good enough to post here yet, the flash did the job anyway. ;)

I wouldn't worry about it, if it fires, it'll work. Use the camera options to dial it in.

[Reptile Bob]

I was just about to post my own thread when I saw yours ;) Hope you don't mind if I ask my version of the question to the pros out there:

I just got some extension tubes for my 70-200 2.8 and nifty fifty and am ready to try some macro. :D Now it comes to which flash I should get. Does a ring flash get better results then a normal flash on a bracket? I'm looking at getting the Delta Flip Flash Bracket (not sure of the 18" or the 7") but would a ring type do better with eliminating distracting shadows?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=101857&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=101857&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)

[AirBrontosaurus]

I use an old Sigma EF-430 Super (cost me $40) and it works awesome! For macro, I shoot 100% manual, so all I needed was one that would let my dial-in the output manually. I never let the camera meter the flash, because the camera isn't set up to handle that much light aimed directly at the subject that is a few incehs away. For me, it's much easier to do it manually.

However, I have a 300D, which only has E-TTL (not E-TTL II). We'll see if my new 20D (which has E-TTL II) meters correctly.

[Parmcat]

I use an old Sigma EF-430 Super (cost me $40) and it works awesome! For macro, I shoot 100% manual, so all I needed was one that would let my dial-in the output manually. I never let the camera meter the flash, because the camera isn't set up to handle that much light aimed directly at the subject that is a few incehs away. For me, it's much easier to do it manually.

However, I have a 300D, which only has E-TTL (not E-TTL II). We'll see if my new 20D (which has E-TTL II) meters correctly.


Hello Air, and Omri,

I just want to be sure that these flashes will work with the Rebel XT. (yours Air, and the Sigma 500st Omri has)

Also, as I mentioned I know nothing yet about flashes. I also only shoot in manual. Is setting the flash to do the same easy to learn.

The last question I have about these 2 flashes, is weather ot not you can use them off the camera with a cable?

I am very excited, as thes eseem to be just what I am looking for in my price range :lol: :lol: :lol:

Parm

[AirBrontosaurus]

You can definitely use them with an off-shoe cable (I know I do ;)).

I have no idea if mine will work on an XT. I can tell you by tomorrow evening.

I'm pretty sure the Sigma EF-500DG ST doesn't have manual control (like 1/16,1/8,etc), so I believe you have to dial in compensation on the camera (Omri, correct me if I'm wrong).

The Sigma EF-500 Super is basically a 580EX for half the price. If you can afford it, buy one of those.

[Omri Alon]

You can definitely use them with an off-shoe cable (I know I do ;)).

I have no idea if mine will work on an XT. I can tell you by tomorrow evening.

I'm pretty sure the Sigma EF-500DG ST doesn't have manual control (like 1/16,1/8,etc), so I believe you have to dial in compensation on the camera (Omri, correct me if I'm wrong).

The Sigma EF-500 Super is basically a 580EX for half the price. If you can afford it, buy one of those.

Mine (Sigma 500ST), has MH (full power) and ML (1/16th). It does fit any Canon DSLR.

[Mike Reynolds]

good advice