Sony Lounge Thread MKIII (All Sony cameras welcome)

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206091
Looking for some gear advice and suggestions:

Today I got a new macro lens (Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Art) and I want to start doing some macro shooting. I have two ideas: 1. floral images and 2. woodland stuff (mushrooms, fungi, moss, lichen, etc.). To make flowers really look great I need a flash. And for woodland stuff, where light levels are darker, I’m thinking LED light panel/light cube.

So, what flash would you suggest? I’d prefer a smaller one.

And the LED source? I’m thinking Litra Torch 2 looks nice.

I've not used it in this context, but the LumeCube panel is ridiculously bright (not a scientific measure, I know, but I'm sure it would be more than bright enough). You can also set light temperature in 100K increments, so that should be something to be considered. It's also light and not too expensive.

alfredomora wrote in post #19206105
David, have you considered the lume cubes? Portable and adjustable.

https://lumecube.com …l-diffusers-and-modifiers

Apricane wrote in post #19206106
I've not used it in this context, but the LumeCube panel is ridiculously bright (not a scientific measure, I know, but I'm sure it would be more than bright enough). You can also set light temperature in 100K increments, so that should be something to be considered. It's also light and not too expensive.

That looks great! I’ll put that to the top of my list. Thank you both.

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206119
That looks great! I’ll put that to the top of my list. Thank you both.

Whatever light or lights you choose, be sure to have a diffuser over them to spread out the light. I've seen photographers even use tracing paper in a plastic sleeve taped over the flash. A lot of flash holders are DIY too. Here's my simple single light setup on a tripod.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/WUiu​4R

navydoc wrote in post #19206150
Whatever light or lights you choose, be sure to have a diffuser over them to spread out the light. I've seen photographers even use tracing paper in a plastic sleeve taped over the flash. A lot of flash holders are DIY too. Here's my simple single light setup on a tripod.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/WUiu​4R Macro setup by Gene, on Flickr

That is excellent Gene. Is the mini softbox you’re using also Nissin? This is exactly the sort of flash setup I’m wanting.

I hope it’s not too problematic to handhold out in the field, but that Vello arm looks really great for getting the flash off camera while not requiring you to hold it.

rantercsr wrote in post #19206135

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2kJi​dW1 DSC01278-Edit by Randall Herrera, on Flickr

Big city life is an absolute photographic candyland to my eyes and heart. I love your street images Randall and hope you keep posting them, because I assure you I’ll never grow weary of enjoying the rich vibrance of life you capture.

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206091
Looking for some gear advice and suggestions:

Today I got a new macro lens (Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Art) and I want to start doing some macro shooting. I have two ideas: 1. floral images and 2. woodland stuff (mushrooms, fungi, moss, lichen, etc.). To make flowers really look great I need a flash. And for woodland stuff, where light levels are darker, I’m thinking LED light panel/light cube.

So, what flash would you suggest? I’d prefer a smaller one.

And the LED source? I’m thinking Litra Torch 2 looks nice.

I only use the litra torch 2 for video. What I like, super simple, rugged, comes with nice diffuser that stays on, and can get really bright. Downside, heavy for size, micro usb...............

Other than that, really love the light, it’s really small and powerful.

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206159
That is excellent Gene. Is the mini softbox you’re using also Nissin? This is exactly the sort of flash setup I’m wanting.

I hope it’s not too problematic to handhold out in the field, but that Vello arm looks really great for getting the flash off camera while not requiring you to hold it.

My mini softbox is generic, it will fit different brands of flash. Here's the link to it on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com …+softb%2Caps%2C​217&sr=8-9

The Vello arm is mounted on a bracket that attaches to the bottom of the camera. Without a tripod, I can hold the flexible arm close to the bottom like a grip with my left hand while my right is on the camera grip. If your flash isn't wireless, you'd want one that uses a cable so that camera and flash sync properly.

Here's the link to the Vello bracket from B&H. https://www.bhphotovid​eo.com …flexible_macro_​flash.html

Can't let the day end without posting something with my new Sigma 105mm 2.8 Art Macro.

I like my woodworking tools like I like my lenses: brilliantly designed by German engineers. This is my Festool Kapex compound sliding miter saw on its stand. I've had it, along with several other super cool Festools for a few years before I started (seriously) doing photography in 2010. Now that I'm retired and we've moved into our retirement fixer-upper home I'm so glad I never sold or got rid of these awesome tools. Sadly I did sell off my bigger/heavier tools when I moved away from KC, so I now have to repurchase a jointer, planer, router table, and table saw.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/2kJj​K7z

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206091
Looking for some gear advice and suggestions:

Today I got a new macro lens (Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Art) and I want to start doing some macro shooting. I have two ideas: 1. floral images and 2. woodland stuff (mushrooms, fungi, moss, lichen, etc.). To make flowers really look great I need a flash. And for woodland stuff, where light levels are darker, I’m thinking LED light panel/light cube.

So, what flash would you suggest? I’d prefer a smaller one.

And the LED source? I’m thinking Litra Torch 2 looks nice.

David the Nissan i40 is very small, and the head rotates etc for bouncing in different directions

Eddie wrote in post #19206199
David the Nissan i40 is very small, and the head rotates etc for bouncing in different directions

Shoot! I literally just hit the buy-button on Amazon for a Sony HVL-F28RM before seeing your post. It is small as well, but likely not as nimble as the Nissan. Thanks for the suggestion! If the Sony doesn’t satisfy I can return it and try the Nissan.

David Arbogast wrote in post #19206202
Shoot! I literally just hit the buy-button on Amazon for a Sony HVL-F28RM before seeing your post. It is small as well, but likely not as nimble as the Nissan. Thanks for the suggestion! If the Sony doesn’t satisfy I can return it and try the Nissan.

David, there’s also the Godox TT350s which is almost as small and cheaper. Also works well with the hot shoe trigger x1 Ts where the power can be adjusted remotely etc. Excuse the rubbish phone photo

Wow I just checked the price of that Sony HVL-F28RM in the uk and it’s £250 and doesn’t swivel as far as I can see. By comparison the nissin is £150 and the godox is £70. Not sure if pricing is similar in the States but if it is I’d switch it if possible and save the cash and end up with a more functional flash

Eddie wrote in post #19206210
David, there’s also the Godox TT350s which is almost as small and cheaper. Also works well with the hot shoe trigger x1 Ts where the power can be adjusted remotely etc. Excuse the rubbish phone photo

Eddie wrote in post #19206211
Wow I just checked the price of that Sony HVL-F28RM in the uk and it’s £250 and doesn’t swivel as far as I can see. By comparison the nissin is £150 and the godox is £70. Not sure if pricing is similar in the States but if it is I’d switch it if possible and save the cash and end up with a more functional flash

Thanks much for your thoughts Eddie..once seeing your post I immediately made an attempt to cancel my order...if the cancellation goes through I’ll order either the Godox V350S or the Nissan.

UPDATE: Amazon has confirmed the cancellation. Disaster averted!

Show us your Macro Rig
https://photography-on-the.net …hread.php?t=142​566&page=1

A must read thread. Probably better to got to last post and work back, as first post was 2006 and so many photos are now no longer visible.