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View Full Version : What metering mode for macro

alann
22nd of February 2009 (Sun), 19:31
Just wondering what metering mode you find most effective when shooting 1:1 OR 1:2 macro when using an external flash and why? Not being a smartypants just trying to learn to improve my skills. :)

Alan
LordV
23rd of February 2009 (Mon), 00:46
Pretty certain canon DSLRs we use default to evaluative metering when flash is used.
You just need to get used to using FEC on the scene the same as you would use EC for daylight scenes. I tend to vary between -1Fec for dark or no BG and +2 FEC for subjects on very light backgrounds.

Brian V.
alann
23rd of February 2009 (Mon), 19:32
Thanks for the info. I am learning little things every day that help a lot!
John_B
24th of February 2009 (Tue), 07:20
alann,
You can set your E-TTL flash (via camera) to Evaluative or Average metering. I personally found for macro photos Average (with camera set to spot metering) works better for me. Average usually gives better light to the subject then when it is set to Evaluative to my eyes. Of course I can correct Evaluative to equal what I get with Average by using FEC (flash exposure compensation). I suggest you give each a try with a non moving macro subject to really see what works best for you.
alann
24th of February 2009 (Tue), 19:05
Thank you. I will now have something to do on my day off this week! :)
Warl0rd
16th of October 2009 (Fri), 10:33
can someone explain me what would be the diference between camera metering modes (spot, center, etc) when using fixed aperture and shutter speed and using flash is used as primary light source? I mean I know the ETTL has their own metering system (evaluative or average), but will it be somehow influenced by the camera metering mode?
LordV
17th of October 2009 (Sat), 00:23
can someone explain me what would be the diference between camera metering modes (spot, center, etc) when using fixed aperture and shutter speed and using flash is used as primary light source? I mean I know the ETTL has their own metering system (evaluative or average), but will it be somehow influenced by the camera metering mode?

AFAIK the camera metering mode is overridden when using ETTL flash to evaluative - you can change this on some bodies to "average" - I gather this is evaluative without the fancy maths. So it is not influenced by other camera metering settings (other than the average setting).
I assume but do not know that this is not true for fill flash in Av or Tv modes.
Brian v.
Warl0rd
19th of October 2009 (Mon), 07:45
I was wondering why so many people shoot macro with spot metering if they use flash...