MP-E 65 Macro Lens - Which Flash?

I have the chance to pickup a used MP-E 65 lens. Ive been looking at this lens for quite some time, and feel like getting it.

Lets for a second forget I even own a 580ex or a MT-24EX flash unit (which I bought for my 100mm macro since it just seems like the perfect combo)

Which flash unit would you want to use should you have a choice? 580ex, MT-24EX, MR-14EX? Other - Bracket with DYI modifier?

I assume the MT-24EX would pair up very well with this lens, but some say the MR-14EX flash unit would be a better setup due to focusing distance.

Can anyone that owns the MP-E 65 offer some insight as to how they are lighting their macro shots?

43ex+flash bracket will be my choice (when I finally get the MPE-65 that is).

Dave

I have both the MT-24 and the MR-14 and I've probably use the later when I pick up the MPE.

Do you have a set of Sto-Fen diffusers for that MT-24? You'll need them...

dpastern wrote in post #3067393
43ex+flash bracket will be my choice (when I finally get the MPE-65 that is).

Dave

Just wondering but would you care to explain why?

I figured using the macro specific flashes would be the way to go.

Dalantech wrote in post #3067404
I have both the MT-24 and the MR-14 and I've probably use the later when I pick up the MPE.

Do you have a set of Sto-Fen diffusers for that MT-24? You'll need them...

I do have a set of sto-fens....

I really want the MR-14EX too, it creates a very cool effect for macro.

Which do you think you might like more?

My vote goes for the 580Ex on a suitable bracket with a suitable diffuser. I've still not seen a shot taken with either a MR-14 or MT-24 that makes me think they are worth the expense. I still use a 430EX on a bracket with my MPE-65.
Brian V.

LordV wrote in post #3069473
My vote goes for the 580Ex on a suitable bracket with a suitable diffuser. I've still not seen a shot taken with either a MR-14 or MT-24 that makes me think they are worth the expense. I still use a 430EX on a bracket with my MPE-65.
Brian V.

LordV,

Comming from you has the most impact on me since ive seen your work, and find it to be just amazing...

Can you post a link to the bracket you use please?

I also find it suprising that out of the 14EX and 24EX shots you have seen, you dont find the flash to be worth your while. I figured with a niche flash system like that, the results would be good.

Are you saying the results are good but you dont see anything that sets it appart from a flash and bracket?

StealthLude wrote in post #3069554
LordV,

Comming from you has the most impact on me since ive seen your work, and find it to be just amazing...

Can you post a link to the bracket you use please?

I also find it suprising that out of the 14EX and 24EX shots you have seen, you dont find the flash to be worth your while. I figured with a niche flash system like that, the results would be good.

Are you saying the results are good but you dont see anything that sets it appart from a flash and bracket?

Hi- the brackets I use are partly home-made, but basically an L shaped bracket with a ball head fitting on the top- nearest commercial one is a Hakuba LH1 ballhead- you'll find them on E-bay.

I'm not saying that I haven't seen good shots taken with the 14EX or 24EX but nothing that would make me want to buy one.
Brian V.

StealthLude wrote in post #3069252
Just wondering but would you care to explain why?

I figured using the macro specific flashes would be the way to go.

Because the 430ex with a flash bracket/diffuser does the job. Why spend money that you don't really need to? Plus, I'm not a fan of ring flashes.

Dave

appologees for bumping this up again.
One benefit I see with the Ring Flash is the option to emit a temporary white LED light for Focussing.

Is there some DIY method to do this cheaply without a dedicated Ring Flash ?

bare in mind mt-24ex is easy to use and the camera is manageable..do it the other way with 420 ex flash on bracket man what a nightmare that is..its more heavy on 1 side making your shots harder to get right..pain in ass if u ask me.i know lordv does good..i have both set ups and i hate the bracket and 420ex way..it made my camera much heavier..i got my mt-24ex back today...this is 1 bad ass bit of kit.,expensive but if u have the money i would get the mt-24ex

macro junkie wrote in post #3922345
bare in mind mt-24ex is easy to use and the camera is manageable..do it the other way with 420 ex flash on bracket man what a nightmare that is

I hear you, and agree. But due to budget, I still want to use the 580 Flash + Bracket rig. My only nightmarish problem is getting a temporary Focussing light.

Are there [eBay ?] any affordable white LED fixtures ?

I use the 580-ex flash on mine with a flexible bracket and I'm quite happy with the results.

Bald Eagle wrote in post #3926756
I use the 580-ex flash on mine with a flexible bracket and I'm quite happy with the results.

i just thought it made my rig unstable..has to balance it more.

Found these LED Ring replacements Rigs on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com …ZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcm​dZViewItem


Ranging $30 to $100 ... Are these any good ?