MT24 w 180L

[DeCeccoNET]

So I traded up to the 180L Macro from my 100, and picked up the 72c adapter for my MT-24 flash and I am a little disappointed...

I think having the ability to mount the flash right onto the 100 spoiled me, but the the adapter seems like it will be somewhat of a hassle to use especially since I cannot use it with a filter, or my lens's cap for that matter while it is attached.

Are there other workarounds? Does canon produce the MT-24 mount itself in a larger size? I feel as though there MUST be a better way to use these two bad boys together.


Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated

:)

-John

[macro junkie]

you need to talk to dalantech..pm him :)

[Greg_C]

Hi John,

I have this combo also. It is a little bit of a hassle but I'm accustomed to it now.

I know of no other work arounds for this, but I have to honest and say I haven't looked that hard either. Not a lot of help for you, but they DO work very well together. The way the background look in shots with the 180 is awesome. Plus the rest is half bad either.

[Lester Wareham]

The longer lenses are probably best with ambient light and a tripod.

However see this http://www.outbackphoto.com/workshop/phototechnique/essay04/essay.html

[DeCeccoNET]

Thanks everyone... Ive been playing with it a little bit, and I think I can make it work. Now that I have the increased working distance though, I am starting to experiment with a shoe mounted 580 and an omnibounce to provide some diffusion.

My results dont match what i can do with the 24, but they may be close enough that I may no longer be able to justify the macrolite purchase (at least since I am doing this as a hobby more than anything else)...

Obviously I cannot do a ratio, but does anyone have any advice regarding a 580 for macro?

[troypiggo]

I take it you're selling your MT-24EX real cheap now, then? :)

[DeCeccoNET]

As much as I do enjoy it, if I find a setup where I am satisfied with using my 430s or 580... then it may soon come to that.... :confused:

[DQE]

I have a Canon 100mm macro lens and use two Canon Macrolite adapters with this lens so that I can add filters to the lens as well as routinely attach and use my MT-24 flash unit. Adding the second Macrolite adapter to the lens as the FINAL attachment before attaching the MT-24 flash unit enables normal use of filters and a standard Canon lens cap, as is the case with my 100mm lens.

Although I don't have the 180mm lens, I believe this recommendation will work the same as my 100mm lens with the MT-24. Thus, if I'm understanding your issues correctly, I believe a second Macrolite adapter to the 180mm lens after first attaching any filters will fully enable normal use of the MT-24 flash unit. I don't have to resort to this scheme with my MPE-65 lens.

I second macro junkie's suggestion to contact Dalantech since he has the 180mm lens and the MT24 flash unit. Hopefully he can also verify my suggestions as to how to simultaneously use filter(s), the MT-24 flash, and the normal Canon lens cap.

The only disadvantage that I've seen with my 100mm lens and this arrangement is the cost of a second adapter, which is fortunately much less than a Canon "L" lens! For example, no vignetting, etc, have been observed due to adding a thin adapter ring. If you do use filters, I recommend using the highest quality multi-coated filters (my personal favorite brand is the latest Hoya multi-coated filters). Failing to use multi-coated filters with their excellent anti-reflection properties may cause significant added flare. Some people raise concerns about detail loss with filters in macro work but with my Hoya filters I have personally found that such detail losses are much less than the detail losses caused by my limited abilities! Careful comparison tests, with and without filter(s), are certainly in order as with all other variables, and are much better than opinions held by us ordinary mortals.

I hope this suggestion helps. I also hope that I haven't misunderstood your concerns.