What is a good Canon flash I could use besides the rings

[marklori43]

I cannot afford the Macro rings, is there a rig setup using the 430EX. I have the Sigma 50MM 2.8 DX Macro?

[LordV]

Well I use just single bracket mounted 430Exs with a diffuser for all my flash shots. You'd need an off camera cord- a bracket such as the Hakuba LH-1 ballhead (Ebay) but replace the ballhead fitting with a standard cheapo male threaded ballhead.

Brian V.

[shadowcat]

I just bought a ring light from phoenix I haven't used it much yet but it only cost $130 It's a continuous light it doesn't flash but so far it helps with my practice shots.

[troypiggo]

Pretty much any flash that is ETTL compatible will do IMO. I have the Canon 430EX, but bought my fiance the Sunpak PZ40X II and it's fine too for a half or third of the price of Canon speedlites.

With macro, the subject is so close that power isn't an issue. ETTL is important though.

While not critical, it would be strongly advisable to get an off-shoe chord and bracket for the flash, and a diffuser of some sort.

Of course, if you think you'll want a speedlite for shooting other than macro as well, you'll need to consider power and features applicable to that style of shooting.

If you want to save some money for now, try a cheap ETTL flash unit, leave it on-camera (to save bracket and chord costs for now), and get a diffuser like the Lumiquest Softbox (not the Softbox II) or some DIY version (mild bottle and rubber bands work). With that diffuser on flash, the front face will be long enough, I think, to get over the front of your lens. It will be centred, so may give flat light, but should be an improvement while you save for the other gear.

[marklori43]

wHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR A CHEAPO MALE THREADED BALLHEAD? tHANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

[4g63photo]

My first flash setup was made with a cheapo mini tripod. The ones you find for $12 or so. I removed the legs and used the little ball head to hold the flash. It worked for a while but with time, the ball head would not hold the flash unless I used pliers to tighten it down.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/213133-REG/Canon_T0014_Mini_Tripod_7.html

I used something like this except it was not a canon version.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b264/fernie94/IMG_0004.jpg

[LordV]

wHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR A CHEAPO MALE THREADED BALLHEAD? tHANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

Soimething like this
http://www.adorama.com/TPBSH.html?searchinfo=adorama%20ball%20head&item_no=2