New MP-E 65 ... but which flash ???

[psychedelic_never]

Hi,
Just recieved my 1st Macro lens the 65 MP-E :D Well it took some time to figure out the exact way to work with it, but as someone had mentioned "Its a different world out there".
I just had a question though, now that i have spent $800 for this lens i'm not left with $$$ to get the macro ring lite or the macro twin lite. So i was wondering if anyone has worked with the extra bright white LED's. I'm planning to build 2 small flashs with 5-6 of those LED's per flash. It should be less than $40 :roll: Currently i don't have any external flash (as yet).

[roanjohn]

I wish I could help you out.........but I have no experience in this sorta thing. Try Fred Miranda. I think they have a specific "MACRO" forum.

Ro1

[FlyingPete]

The only problem with white LED's is that the light is extremely directional (could be a positive thing as well), also close up you can see a 'projection' of the semiconductor on what ever you are shining on.

Another possibilty for some bright white light would be a Luxeon Star, which is a omnidirectional white LED, that is exceptionally bright (rated at up to 5W!)

Details here:
http://www.luxeon.com/products/family.cfm?familyId=8

[vfilby]

I have seen DIY macro rings with superbright lights. They clustered them in a circle, using a couple concentric rings. The lights were fastened to some sort of clip-on bayonet or screw on adapter. I believe they also used some white plastic as a diffuser, kinda like a sto-fen.

You can buy super bright leds with wide angle light beams, usually around 100deg. I have had good luck with superbrightleds.com

Cheers,

[psychedelic_never]

Thanks guys, but i tried something on my own, got 7 extra bright leds put them in a cluster and put it in a translucent white plastic box. Got a cheap handheld extra bright light juts for Macro photography. Better still i can control their brightness too all this runs off a 9V battery and cost way less than $40

[CyberDyneSystems]

Sounds great PN,.. you should take some ohotos of your rig and post 'em for us to see. 8)

[Neens_wa]

being new to macro photography- and realizing this post is a bit aged, I'd like to request some add'l information about your use of LEds to create a macro light. Can you point me to a site giving good details/instructions, or provide instructions about this lED lighting setup?

Currently, I'm trying to decide whether to cough up the cash for the MP-E 65, or stick with the 100mm macro. With my 10D, I've not really messed with macro. I got hooked playing with macro whiile using a friend's N*K*N point/shoot, which allowed me to get mere inches from the subject.... I would never spend $$ on the "N" brand, as I'm a canon girl... but i am looking for good resources to aid me in selecting a macro lens and also lighting.

thanks!

neens