PDA

View Full Version : Macro / still life flash set up (speedlights or ring)


slitherjef
10th of June 2009 (Wed), 23:44
Need a bit of advice on flash macro (and still life) photography. Right now I have a 430ex and a ST-E2 transmitter for off camera flash so I do have a couple of choices.

They are (in no real order)
1) Another 430ex II

2) Just go all out and get a 580ex and be done with it and keep the 430ex and ST-E2

3) Get the MR-14ex ring flash.

I figure with the speedlights, I can move them pretty much anywhere I need them, chose different ratios and so on. No wires, no need to worry about having everything constrained to just the end of the lens.

I have heard the MR-14ex does cause some odd catchlights, but don't thing that would be a problem.

So I guess the question is, 2 speedlights vs the ring flash, which would be a better option. I suspect the ring flash is not going to port over too well for other types of photography, since its stuck on the end of the lens, which brings me another issue with the ring flash.... adapter rings. More stuff to lose, although I do have a hand full of rings laying around, it seems a bit of a hassle and possibly getting the wires twisted or broke or something.

I was going to order tomorrow after work, but looks like I have another month before rebates expire

LordV
11th of June 2009 (Thu), 01:19
Fraid I do all my shooting with a single bracket mounted 430Ex with a DIY difuser. Not sure why you are keen on two light sources unless you want to do some studio type shots ?

The twin lights on most ring flashes tend to produce rather harsh but flat lighting (cured by ratioing them a bit) and are very hard to diffuse. The MT-24 is better from this respect as you can angle the lights and make better diffusers but is very expensive.

Brian v.

slitherjef
11th of June 2009 (Thu), 01:22
Fraid I do all my shooting with a single bracket mounted 430Ex with a DIY difuser. Not sure why you are keen on two light sources unless you want to do some studio type shots ?

Brian v.

Not sure if I did need two light sources, thats why... :)

John_B
11th of June 2009 (Thu), 07:07
slitherjef,
My vote goes to other!

If sticking to photos in a studio type environment then you might be better off using strong lights (will help with focusing) using a DIY Light Box (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=480210), instead of flash.

If not sure you need, then don't bother (my opinion of course) :)