Starting Macro … am I leaving anything out?

[rjx]

Here is what I am thinking of buying. I found a good used price for both the lens and tubes, so I would like to buy both and learn, and compare which I like better … and maybe use both together.

Should I get the regular softbox, or the mini? I think I am leaning towards the regular.

Is the Opteka sync cord ok? Or should I get a different one?

I just got my first flash, a 430ex ii.

Please let me know if I am leaving anything out... maybe a ballhead?

100mm 2.8 macro (non IS)
Kenko extension tube set
Manfrotto 330 bracket
LumiQuest ProMax Mini SoftBox or ProMax SoftBox
Opteka E-TTL / E-TTL II Off-Camera Flash Sync Cord


Thanks

[Overread]

Go for the regular softbox - overall the larger the area of the flash the softer the light you get so it will give you softer light to work with and is not an unmangiable size to work with.
As for the rest of your setup is looks solid - flashbracket, cord, softbox, lens, tubes.

I would say don't get a ballhead. Unless you get a top of the range ballhead you will get headcreep with most of the rest which whilst not noticable for regular photography, it is very noticable and a pain to work with in macro.
Tripod macro work is slow macro work - ie when you have time to setup - and hte ideal head is a geared head. It's slower to use, but is rock solid and lets you adjust each of the 3 axis with very fine adjustments that macro calls for. The Manfrotto Junior geared head is the one I use and comes well recomended from other macro shooters who do tripod work.

[racketman]

agree geared head is more suited to macro.

[rjx]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.

I stayed up late reading many macro threads and tutorials and when I posted this thread I was on the verge of passing out ... I could have structured my post a little better.

Thanks again.

[ceriltheblade]

I will add an answer to the other question you asked: yes, the opteka flash sync cord is good/good enough.

are you planning on using the 330b bracket for a two flash set up?

[LordV]

Not sure how you were planning to use the ballhead, But I do have a smallish one on the arm of the 330B which the flash camera cord is attached to- allows easier flash positioning.
Brian v.

[noopi]

You have nearly the same gear as I do, although I opted for the LordV coke-can diffuser. =)

[rjx]

Do I need a LumiQuest Cinch Strap or HonlPhoto Speed Strap to use the ProMax SoftBox with my 430ex ii?

http://www.amazon.com/LumiQuest-LQ-1...d_bxgy_p_img_b
http://www.amazon.com/HonlPhoto-Spee...ref=pd_sim_p_3

[rjx]

Originally Posted by LordV

Not sure how you were planning to use the ballhead, But I do have a smallish one on the arm of the 330B which the flash camera cord is attached to- allows easier flash positioning.
Brian v.

That's actually what I meant but I didn't bring it up again since there was some good advice on the geared heads for use with a tripod.

So if using a ball head on the 330B for the flash, what would be the cheapest I could get that would work well? I only know which ball heads are good for dslr / tripod use, not 330B / flash use.

Thanks

[noopi]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Mini_Ball.html

That's what I use.. I have a 580 exII and it works just fine.. every now and then it comes a little loose, but for about 95% of the time it stays put.

[rjx]

Originally Posted by noopi

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Mini_Ball.html

That's what I use.. I have a 580 exII and it works just fine.. every now and then it comes a little loose, but for about 95% of the time it stays put.

Thanks!