Mp-e 65, flash, macro photography

[kevindar]

Hello. I am a new owner of an MP-E 65. I did a search in the forum about using flash (macro ring flash, off shoe flash, ebay flash). Would anyone with some degree of expertise considering doing a sticky on use of flash in macro photography and option? what dedicated ring flash (sigma vs canon) would work with this lens, and what are the advantages and disadvantages?

thanks

[racketman]

Dalantech has a tutorial re the MT-24ex twin flash - more expensive than the ring flash but also more adaptable to the situation. I have both and do like the compactness of the ringflash and it gives good results although the ring reflection looks horrible in Jumping spider eyes and on the shiny bodies of ants and ladybirds.

http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/MT-24EX-Users-Guide-86784366

[PiRho]

you will likely find on here that the MP-E65 + MT-24 are highly used and preferred. from what I have seen... those who make awesome macro images make unbelievable images with this combo.

[LordV]

There are pros and cons for both a bracket mounted normal flash and any of the macro flashes. Lots of users happy with either choice. As far as I am concerned, If the MT-24Ex cost about £200 I might consider it but I'm happy with my bracket mounted 430Ex.
Brian v.

[kevindar]

LordV, I have to say your work is the main inspiration behind me getting the mp-e 65. which bracket to you recommend?

[Dalantech]

MR-14EX Verses the MT-24EX Guide (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/MR-14EX-verses-the-MT-24EX-85238984)

MT-24EX Users Guide (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/MT-24EX-Users-Guide-86784366).

One of the hardest things about using the MT-24EX is figuring out how to diffuse it. Sto-Fen makes a set for the flash, but IMHO the front surface isn't big enough until you hit about 3x on the MPE-65mm (since the flash is getting closer to the subject as the magnification increases). I cut the front end out fo a set of Sto-Fens (so I could use them as a frame), hot glued a pair of Gary Fong Puffer diffusers over them, and then used a reflector to cover the bottom to push more light out the front. I'm also using a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe to elevate one of the flash heads (cuts down on glare and makes it easier to get the 3D lighting that I like). Here are a few samples of what I've been able to do with it. All are single frames (no stacking) and I'm either at F13 from 1x to 3x or F10 at 4x and 5x.

3x:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3507222162_71cbb13836_b.jpg

>1x:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3500503744_0325040b8d_b.jpg

4.5x:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3496891449_18a079a7e0_b.jpg

4x:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3486029341_1e0c6ff762_b.jpg

I also have articles on how to get close to insects in my tutorial section at Deviant Art (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/gallery/#Tutorials). Is the MPE-65mm your first macro lens?

P.S. I don't crop and I don't shoot dead or refrigerated subjects.

[LordV]

LordV, I have to say your work is the main inspiration behind me getting the mp-e 65. which bracket to you recommend?

Tricky question as my brackets are bit DIY- the nearest thing is a Hakuba LH-1 ballhead bracket (Ebay) but you would need to replace the ballhead with a cheapo generic one with a 1/4" male fitting.
Brian v.

[Skonk]

Delta Flip Flash brackets look good on paper, but I found mine developed an erectile disfunction within a week or so of getting it (I.E it went too floppy) so I ended up buying an MT-24EX mainly for convenience.

[PhotosGuy]

I also have articles on how to get close to insects in my tutorial section at Deviant Art. Good work in there, but your spell checker threw you a curve!
http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/Dragons-In-Flight-Tutorial-101886150
"Once the critter hovers I quickly course focus the lens..." should be coarse. ;)

http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/Shooting-Dragonflies-Tutorial-84790004
"Sometimes you can get them useD to you that way but it takes a lot of patience."
"Now that you’re getting close the dragonfly is getting useD to you,"

http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/Close-ups-in-Harsh-Light-100221787
"if the shade of that vine was too pail..." = pale

[kevindar]

MR-14EX Verses the MT-24EX Guide (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/MR-14EX-verses-the-MT-24EX-85238984)

MT-24EX Users Guide (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/art/MT-24EX-Users-Guide-86784366).

One of the hardest things about using the MT-24EX is figuring out how to diffuse it. Sto-Fen makes a set for the flash, but IMHO the front surface isn't big enough until you hit about 3x on the MPE-65mm (since the flash is getting closer to the subject as the magnification increases). I cut the front end out fo a set of Sto-Fens (so I could use them as a frame), hot glued a pair of Gary Fong Puffer diffusers over them, and then used a reflector to cover the bottom to push more light out the front. I'm also using a Kaiser adjustable flash shoe to elevate one of the flash heads (cuts down on glare and makes it easier to get the 3D lighting that I like). Here are a few samples of what I've been able to do with it. All are single frames (no stacking) and I'm either at F13 from 1x to 3x or F10 at 4x and 5x.


I also have articles on how to get close to insects in my tutorial section at Deviant Art (http://dalantech.deviantart.com/gallery/#Tutorials). Is the MPE-65mm your first macro lens?

P.S. I don't crop and I don't shoot dead or refrigerated subjects.
I bookmarked your link. amazing images, and great link. No, MP-e is not my first macro lens. I used to own a sigma 105, which I changed for a sigma 150. Then I tried the water drop shots, and was playing with revering my 50mm on the sigma 150, or the 70-300, but the focus distance was very short (its a little better with the mpe, not a lot). I decided to get the mpe used, since I can unload it for probably 50 dollar loss if I dont like it.
the information on the f-stop and stacking is esp usefull. I will read through your tutorial. thanks agian.