Flash ring over Flash.

[Michael_Lambert]

Hey Macro peoples!

I am buying some gear for macro work, I have decided on getting the Canon MPE-65 and was looking at the flash rings.

Currently i can not afford both the lens and the higher end flash ring with the two flash heads compared to the ring looking unit.

Can i still get good quality shots with using my 580EXII.

[macro junkie]

look at lordv pics and delantechs pics..there the same.delantech uses mt-24ex and lordv uses 430ex..if u defuse the mt-24ex your get the best light u can get.but its alot of money..both flash rigs can give u spot on lighting if defused right..The downside to 430ex on bracket is the set up is it isnt blanced right..

[alliec]

In a word - Yes. I dont use a bracket but hold the flash and the end of the lens with my left hand. The MT24 EX would be easier but at the time cost was a factor.

I use a 430EX and a coke can diffuser (same as LordV). Here are some sample pics taken with it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3195/2340890669_d6bbb8c159_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2294/1591244654_e9d4fb2bb6_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2130/2044110347_00683fcc7a_o.jpg

[Curtis N]

Macro rigs
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142566

[John_B]

Michael_Lambert,
Yes like alliec said, I get great photos just holding my 580ex with an extension cord with my MP-E 65mm f/2.8 lens I haven't really seen the need (yet) for the ring or lens mounted flash for macro photography.

Here is a photo I got just the other day with a cheap Kodak $18 flash with the highest magnification 5x

An Aphid Giving Birth
http://johnbdigital.com/macro/aphid_birth.jpg
click for specs (http://johnbdigital.com/macro/aphid_birth.htm)

Here is one using a Canon 580ex MP-E65 on a 5D

Deer Fly Eye
http://johnbdigital.com/macro/deerfly_eye.jpg
click for specs (http://johnbdigital.com/macro/deerfly_eye.htm)

[Michael_Lambert]

humm..

That was my delema, Go with the MPE-65 and not have enough for the flash ring or go with the regular macro and afford a flash ring. lol,

If i can defus with the 580EXII then i will stick with getting the better lens.

[Jim M]

Been hand holding flash for macro since at least 1985 and probably earlier. Every now and then I get the itch for one of the Canon two light macro rigs, but I would never consider a ring light. I absolutely hate the circular catchlight they give and I'm not all that crazy about the quality of the light. I can also say that I have purchased and made any number of brackets, but the best for me is just hand holding. Most of the time I do it exactly like alliec – right on the front of the lens barrel.

[Michael_Lambert]

well problem solved.

I will buy the MPE-65 tonight on the way home and i will leave the flash for now, i will use my 580EXII with my little 3 foot link for now and see what kind of results i get.