Deciding between two flashes ???

[photographer unknown]

I am trying to decide between these two macro flashes: MT-24x Twin light or the MR -14EX.

I will be using it in conjunction with my 30D and both the 100 Macro 2.8 and the MP-65 macro lens.

Anyone have both or used both.

Other opinions?

Thanks,
Mel

[AirBrontosaurus]

I have used neither, but offer a third option:

Sigma EM-140. It's as powerful as the MR-14, but half (!) the cost. The only discernible quality we've been able to come up with is the annoying Sigma FP quirk (not really important), and build quality (the Canon is made better, but the Sigma is no slouch).

However, if you can afford the MT-24x, definitely go for it. It's in its own league.

[macro junkie]

sigma one was crap for me...i had it for 2 years and didnt like using it..i see others love the flash tho but i didnt.i love my mt-24ex..95% of my shots are perfect exposure with out using fec


your need to defuse the mt-24ex but thats easily done..the mr-14ex has a good defuse plastic on it iv heard but the mt-24ex is more powerful..delantech will be by soon..he has both.;)

[photographer unknown]

Thanks Chris and Macro Junkie,

I appreciate the input. I had not researched the sigma's because I have had bad luck with them in the past but 1/2 the Canon price is attractive.

My budget is closer to the MR-14 but if I did my part to help the economy ;:) I could put the extra cost of the MT-24 on plastic but I am wondering if it would truly be worth it.

okay delantech...where are you. jk :lol::lol:

[macro junkie]

hes in bed ..lol..its 6am..only freaks like me are up at this time,.:lol:

[photographer unknown]

naw!! it is only 10 PM. But does the sunrise look promising :-)

[John_B]

photographer unknown,
Just a Reminder Share Forums are for Images (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/announcement.php?f=38) as per the forum moderator CyberDyneSystems (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/member.php?u=8486)

[photographer unknown]

OOPs! Sorry! :oops: I guess all the macro decisions/questions running around inside my head short circuited my thinking.

[racketman]

any particular reason you want a macro flash - most here use 430ex or similar diffused off camera?

[Dalantech]

MR-14EX Verses the MT-24EX (http://nocroppingzone.blogspot.com/2007/08/mr-14ex-verses-mt-24ex.html) -I own both of them.

[photographer unknown]

Yes, the reason that I want a macro flash is because I have tried to use my 550 flash but combined with a bracket the whole thing becomes quite bulky and weighs more than I do:). Even more so with two flash heads. I generally shoot without a tripod and find that my arms get tired and I get fusstrated with the sheer size of the setup. So I am hoping that a macro flash will work out better for me. If not, somebody here on the forum might get a good deal on a new macro flash.:D

Thanks Dalantech, nice write up. It was helpful and although I have some reservation about my decision I decided to go with the MT-24 because of the flexibilty. I ordered an extra "puffer" (have one) from Gary Fong and I plan to try those on the flash heads.

Thanks again everyone.
Mel

[macro junkie]

your right..the bracket its heavy and generally a pain in my ass..i prefer using the mt-24ex even if its not as good defused as the bracket + 430ex.

[photographer unknown]

Well mine should arrive tomorrow with any luck. I am looking forward to trying it out this weekend although I will probably have to find someway to diffuse the flash heads as I doubt my "puffer" will show until sometime next week. It has not even shipped yet. :-(

[macro junkie]

dont worry..what lens are u using it with?if its the mpe-65 your in for a treat.

edit - i just red u have the mpe-65..your be fine..your get great shots with out it being defused..let us know when u receive it.

[AirBrontosaurus]

Well mine should arrive tomorrow with any luck. I am looking forward to trying it out this weekend although I will probably have to find someway to diffuse the flash heads as I doubt my "puffer" will show until sometime next week. It has not even shipped yet. :-(

Fold a paper towel in half, and then attach it to the end of the flash.

Instant, incredibly good diffuser.

[macro junkie]

Fold a paper towel in half, and then attach it to the end of the flash.

Instant, incredibly good diffuser.
That didnt work for me.i use plastic stuck to the ends..soon as i have the money il be getting the puff defusers delatech is using on his..looks like hes getting great results from it.

[photographer unknown]

After much delay I finally have my flash. I took a quick shot last night just to be sure that it actually worked as the box it arrived in had weathered quite a storm. The second shot is from this morning when I had about 5 minutes to play with it. I will have to work on learning where to position the flash heads but maybe now I will finally be able to use the MP-E65.
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