Macro flash?

As it says in the title really, eventually looking at trying my hand at some macro when I can afford another lens. So what lens would you guys recommend for a beginner in macro without breaking the bank?

Thanks

I'm going to preface this with "I haven't tried yet", but from reading this forum and aside research; I'll outline my current plan (in progress).

I want to hand hold my 100mm macro outdoors on a canon ff body (no built in master). Starting with a 430ex ii on camera; I have found I need cross light to avoid shadows/loss of detail in subject outdoors. (Indoors controlled macro on my t3i; I used a softbox; and a desklamp through the side on one side and diffused 430exII on the other, and popup flash for fill. I had no complaints with this setup; though with new ff; i've lost popup flash + master so the plan below will help the FF macro also)

So I found this guy for cheap..
http://www.amazon.com …=dual+flash+bra​cket+canon

I believe I should be able to mount 2 Canon 270exIIs on it with diffusers; and spread them out enough to remove any shadows. I actually picked up an ST-e2 off craigslist Thursday; and plan on using that to control them(Hoping angle is right else I'll need to put a reflector on lens or some such to bounce the signal back..). I have 1 270ex II in the mail now; and will order the second after playing with the first. (I think the 270ex's and ST-e2 will give me more creative portrait/controlled macro lighting regardless I think, so not single use).

My cost..
(270+270+bracket+st-e2)
150+150+30+100=430usd (still need macro lens).
Cannon MT-24EX is 750usd on it's own; and lacks the other uses. I'm hoping to get similar results (trading convenience for flexibility)
Hope my thought process/scheming helps (either as a path to follow or path to avoid)

w0m wrote in post #15475848
I'm going to preface this with "I haven't tried yet", but from reading this forum and aside research; I'll outline my current plan (in progress).

I want to hand hold my 100mm macro outdoors on a canon ff body (no built in master). Starting with a 430ex ii on camera; I have found I need cross light to avoid shadows/loss of detail in subject.

So I found this guy for cheap..
http://www.amazon.com …=dual+flash+bra​cket+canon

I believe I should be able to mount 2 Canon 270exIIs on it with diffusers; and spread them out enough to remove any shadows. I actually picked up an ST-e2 off craigslist Thursday; and plan on using that to control them(Hoping angle is right else I'll need to put a reflector on lens or some such to bounce the signal back..). I have 1 270ex II in the mail now; and will order the second after playing with the first. (Will give me more creative portrait/controlled macro lighting regardless I think).

Hope my thought process/scheming helps (either as a path to follow or path to avoid)

Ah, I'd not considered this approach yet, so yes, it does give me something to think about! Thanks!

The best macro for a budget is the canon 100mm macro. If you can afford it get the 'L' although it costs 2X as much.

wOm - have you purchased that flash bracket and if so how well does it work? I made something similar using the 3/4 inch plastic flex arm and it works 'ok' with the 430 but not great with the 580. In the photos the flex arm looks like it uses the 1/2 inch links. I'm thinking about a couple of 270's when they come out with the radio version.

Clarification needed.
Thread title says "Macro flash?"
But you're asking about a macro lens.

As far as macro flash is concerned, do a forum search for the title, "Show us your macro rig." You'll get a lot of good ideas.

Curtis N wrote in post #15476202
Clarification needed.
Thread title says "Macro flash?"
But you're asking about a macro lens.

As far as macro flash is concerned, do a forum search for the title, "Show us your macro rig." You'll get a lot of good ideas.

Sorry, badly worded!

I'm asking what flash people would recommend! I'm already settled on why lens I want.
I said 'when I can afford a macro lens' and referred back to what flash people would recommend.

Ok. You can go back and edit your original post.

Macro flash generally doesn't require a lot of power, but getting the light where you want may involve and Off Camera Shoe Cord and a bracket of some sort.

For versatility, look for a 430EX II or 580EX II. If budget is an issue then look at the used market. Even a 550EX will get the job done.

DanThoman wrote in post #15476114
The best macro for a budget is the canon 100mm macro. If you can afford it get the 'L' although it costs 2X as much.

wOm - have you purchased that flash bracket and if so how well does it work? I made something similar using the 3/4 inch plastic flex arm and it works 'ok' with the 430 but not great with the 580. In the photos the flex arm looks like it uses the 1/2 inch links. I'm thinking about a couple of 270's when they come out with the radio version.

I haven't ordered the bracket yet; I'm waiting to see if I'm happy with a single 270 for general off camera use before I order a second and the bracket (Snowing here; so no nature hikes for a while). From what I've read about the bracket; it holds the weight of the 270 fine; but might struggle of anything bigger. If I find I'm not happy with the wireless capabilities of the 270; or that it doesn't put off enough light/i just think it's crap; I'll have to look into buying or making a more hefty bracket and bigger flashes to use. (I <3 my 430).

A speedlite and a pringles can?

https://photography-on-the.net …?p=15134139&pos​tcount=883

If you're going to be doing much macro work consider acquiring a ringlight flash, it will prevent shadows on what ever you plan to shoot.

LV Moose wrote in post #15476922
A speedlite and a pringles can?

https://photography-on-the.net …?p=15134139&pos​tcount=883

Hahaha, that's brilliant! Actually considering that, might have to get some prawn crackers to go with and use them as the diffuser!

For followup; I received my first 270exII in the mail; and on a 6D with a new-to-me ST-E2; the wireless works suprisingly well (as in; firing consistently in situations where when my 600D simply wouldn't). It still doesn't go around walls; but I don't have to be nearly as careful with placement as I did previously (st-e2 vs 600d master). I'll be purchasing the bracket above and a second 270exII in the near future.

w0m wrote in post #15500352
For followup; I received my first 270exII in the mail; and on a 6D with a new-to-me ST-E2; the wireless works suprisingly well (as in; firing consistently in situations where when my 600D simply wouldn't). It still doesn't go around walls; but I don't have to be nearly as careful with placement as I did previously (st-e2 vs 600d master). I'll be purchasing the bracket above and a second 270exII in the near future.

Oh great, thanks. THat's handy to know, I'm hopefully going to be having a 270exii myself soon (hopefully for a bargain too!). Why did it struggle on your 600D? Am I going to get the same problems on my 650?

Why don't you consider an LED continuous light? I use an OTT Lite all the time for macro and have recently added a pair of these, which are amazing as you can cotrol the color temp and power.
http://www.outdoorphot​ogear.com …o-and-dslr-led-light.html

Needsnow wrote in post #15500874
Why don't you consider an LED continuous light? I use an OTT Lite all the time for macro and have recently added a pair of these, which are amazing as you can cotrol the color temp and power.
http://www.outdoorphot​ogear.com …o-and-dslr-led-light.html

I've been meaning to look into these as a bit of a cheaper option,but not really seen any use of them as of yet! Could you post a photo to show me the result please?