Eqipment advise...be candid

After rummaging through the "show us your gear" thread and looking around the net for equipment its time for some advise. I have pm'd several who were kind enough to lead me in the right directions but before I hit the "buy" button to finish up the essentials I would like to get opinions.

Setup

50 1.4
100 2.8
kenko extension tubes
kenko 1.4

looking to get the 430 ex (optional but not highly regard by some... vivatar 285)
camera off shoe cord 2 (is it essential to go with canon brand?)

bracket delta
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …Flip_Flash_I_Br​acket.html

I see many having it but just looking at it makes me wonder if its strong enough to support...currently out of stock, although they have the 18 inch version available

Manfrotto 233

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=278​249&is=REG

the way i understand it I NEED this to attach a speedlite, correctly me if I am wrong. Do I need it for the delta?

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …y_Shoe_1_4_20_B​ottom.html
I am sorta of leaning towards the manfrotto...


hood for 100 2.8 (this was recommended by a member... it is made for the 60 but will fit on the 100)

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=374​528&is=REG

They have offbrand hoods for about 1/2 the price...dunno about this

Diffuser? Softbox? Omnibounce? Not sure which one is appropiate...will have to do more research.


If you can think of anything I am missing or essential for marco please don't hesitate OR if you have advise I will be all ears.

thanks for taking the time to help out!!

regards,

John

John,

My thoughts:
100 2.8 is a great lens.

430ex is a good choice - not sure if the Vivitar is ETTLII compatible.

I use a 3rd party off shoe cord by Jessops (UK). I guess someone makes one in the States.

"the way i understand it I NEED this to attach a speedlite, correctly me if I am wrong. Do I need it for the delta?"

You don't need this, the "off shoe" cord has a tripod socket on the base and will fit the bracket screw. If you go for the manfrotto you really need a small ballhead to position the flash.

The hood is not necessary for macro and will probably make focusing difficult at high magnification as it could shade the subject.

Hope this is helpful

You don't need this, the "off shoe" cord has a tripod socket on the base and will fit the bracket screw. If you go for the manfrotto you really need a small ballhead to position the flash


Thats good to know about the off shoe cord. When I was looking at the manfrotto it showed a screw at the top. Maybe thats what your talking about when you say I need a ballhead to position the flash.

Thanks for the input!