Macro setup question <moved>

Hi All,

Ive dabbled in macro in the past, both with a sigma 70-300 (love the FL) and canon 100mm non IS. I have used a 14' reflector and on camera flash with a macro ring adaptor (cheap cheap cheap). Sold my canon 100mm non IS to fund a 70-200, and now I have caught the bug again!

Looking to get back into macro, and for the cost I have my eyes on a Tokina 100mm.

My question is this. With the 100mm, I want to buy an actual macro ring flash. Is this a good solution for macro, and do some of the cheaper versions like yonguo or neewer or meike work good? Or would it be better to get something like this http://www.amazon.com …ywords=dual+fla​sh+bracket and with my triggers just use the 2 flashes I already own?

Thanks!

John

you will get better light from the bracket and dual flash than from a ring light, plus will be a lot cheaper since you already have the flashes, if you are using a 50D you should also look into the Tamron 60mm F2.0 Macro APS-C. is a true 1:1 like the 100 canon but smaller and lighter. you can get more light in front with a single flash mounted on the hot shoe + diffusion. BTW next time post this is the Discuss Macro Photography section, cheers

Other than the Tokina, you can also look at the new Tamron SP90 with internal focus. Mine is Tamron 60mm.

I am not really fond of the ring flash though. For me, it's either the MT24EX, or 270EX. My MT24EX failed on me a couple of times so I really have no faith in it, especially considering the hefty price tag.

I use my 270EX this way:

http://orionmystery.bl​ogspot.com …cro-improved-version.html

While you're deciding, make one of these for your existing flash

I've been using it for several years, and haven't found the need for anything more.

Pringles can, styrofoam bowl, thin packing foam (or even a split sheet of paper towel). Just slips on and off.

IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …/36800807@N08/8​097388293/

LV Moose wrote in post #16881004
While you're deciding, make one of these for your existing flash

I've been using it for several years, and haven't found the need for anything more.

Pringles can, styrofoam bowl, thin packing foam (or even a split sheet of paper towel). Just slips on and off.

IMAGE LINK: https://www.flickr.com …/36800807@N08/8​097388293/
IMG_4860_960x by mistermooster, on Flickr

Thats awesome, thanks... eating pringles now!

johnandbentley wrote in post #16889087
Thats awesome, thanks... eating pringles now!

Flavor?

orionmystery wrote in post #16880965
I use my 270EX this way:

http://orionmystery.bl​ogspot.com …cro-improved-version.html

I could never figure out what that bracket is that you call: "FMMB (Front Mounted Macro Bracket)." Is it something home-made? Or, can it be bought?

I don't care for the light from a ring flash because it makes such an even light that it looks flat. A well-diffused single flash (like above), or a twin flash look much nicer, IMO.

Ended up buying a tokina 100mm and 4 way macro slide for my tripod. Gets here today, going to do some bug hunting this weekend! I also got the Yongnuo Macro ring flash. Ive had really good luck with their flashes and triggers in the past.

And I also made a pringles can, styro bowl rig similar to above=)

Bummer, my 550EX is too big to fit a Pringles can on! Wonder what would work?

Never mind, I slotted it and have the flash end ready to go... Now I can't find a styrofoam bowl! ...thought sure we had some around here

CanopicJar wrote in post #16929129
Bummer, my 550EX is too big to fit a Pringles can on! Wonder what would work?

Different size head than the 580EXII? Did you try remolding the end of the can to make it more rectangular than round?

It must be a larger head because the isopropyl alcohol bottle bottom diffuser wouldn't fit either...

Regardless, As edited above, I have slotted the end and it is taped up and fitting snugly over the flash now.

CanopicJar wrote in post #16929129
Bummer, my 550EX is too big to fit a Pringles can on! Wonder what would work?

Never mind, I slotted it and have the flash end ready to go... Now I can't find a styrofoam bowl! ...thought sure we had some around here

Jumping in on this thread with the same problem... Can't find a styrofoam bowl ANYWHERE (that doesn't require me to buy over 1,000 units)

Hamster-X wrote in post #16973619
Jumping in on this thread with the same problem... Can't find a styrofoam bowl ANYWHERE (that doesn't require me to buy over 1,000 units)

Can't find smaller quantities at a grocery store?