Flash a must have?

I am tossing around buying a flash next or a lens. I enjoy macro a lot and wondering if a flash is a must have in the marco world? Right now I do natural light and it is not always easy.

Thanks

mamaof2 wrote in post #17373719
I am tossing around buying a flash next or a lens. I enjoy macro a lot and wondering if a flash is a must have in the marco world? Right now I do natural light and it is not always easy.

Thanks

I find when I do closeup photography of larger bugs like butterflies and dragonflies, even wasps, that natural light works great. But as one moves in closer, the problems with light, DOF, and movement increase, and flash can help a lot with that.

Flash solves problems but creates its own, namely harsh light. People have fashioned diffusers to solve this problem. (Use Google.)

Thanks I did see on here on they use a pringles can.

Right now I am either going to buy a flash or a lens. Just not sure what one I should get first.

If you can't afford to get both the lens and the speedlite at the same time, then definitely go with the lens first. You can do natural light photography. You can do a lot with just the built-in flash too.

I relied on the built-in flash for more than 1 year before I finally purchased a speedlite.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/3dJy​sA

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/dC2E​GS

wow thank you so much for this post..I will try it out!

yes i want to buy one or the other right now.

mamaof2 wrote in post #17373829
wow thank you so much for this post..I will try it out!

yes i want to buy one or the other right now.

You're welcome. Also, you can adapt idea #2 (Melvyn's rig) for your built-in flash too by adding similar bounce card to direct the light from the built-in flash forward & downward.

Try EVA foam or impraboard.

Don't forget to search online for used/refurb flashes when shopping. I bought a 270EXII refurb from Canon for a good savings. Even the small 90EX might work if you get it close enough to a macro subject.

oh good call..thanks!