What mode do you use?

Okay, let me start off by saying this may be a silly question for most of you guys I can't find much on it. When you guys shoot macro do you use ettl or manual mode on your flash? If manual what power level do you have it at?

And I have a canon 7d, 430 ex ii and a canon 100mm L

Thanks

Hi African Photo,

I have exactly the same setup as you. 7D, 430EX II and 100L.

I shoot mostly at 1/200th, F11, ISO 200 and Flash in ETTL mode. I do alter the flash exposure compensation up or down a notch or two depending on background / ambient light conditions but really, it depends on what you're shooting. If you're in a controlled environment, you could easily go for Manual, bounced or off camera. Out in the field though where light is changing all the time, I find ETTL works for me with as mentioned, a quick adjustment to output as and when needed.

This example shot using the above kit was taken using ETTL with the FEC ramped up a bit due to the white BG. I used a large softbox diffuser (which as of yet I have not got round to custom building a more appropriate diffuser)

Ian-Wow!!!

great light and detail ian.
i shoot mostly the same way,and after awhile you know how much FEC to use depending on the BG,in any given situation.

ETTL unless the pre flash is making the subject jumpy.

I was using a manual Flash till last december because I had only a manual one. It was quite hard to get the correct amount of light in changing environment and many shots were spoilt ! I bought a TTL flash and it is much easier to shoot in TTL mode!

Thanks a lot for that. Btw what is that liquid to lure the fly? Honey?

ETTL here.

Manual mode here, with MP-E and ETTL with 100mm,

Thanks for the compliment on my shot above.

Yes, I used honey (orange blossom might I add haha but I doubt the subjects are fussy ).

Very nice shot. Lovely detail, Ian.