New at Macro (Macro and Flash)?

Hello

I have recently bought a Sigma 105MM 2.8L Macro. With the Macro lens
ik bougtht the 3 x Kenko Tubes...
(let's go and make some shots)!

But that is not so easy.... it was difficult to shoot shot which where not blurred
by camera shake! Camera in AV setting wasn't a succes..
Camera in manual and a little ISO boost and with the use of the Flahs gave some better results!!!

Can i use my 550EX flash for macro shots???

The first results.....

http://www.kiek.info …loser/slides/IM​G_0385.asp

http://www.kiek.info …loser/slides/IM​G_0347.asp

http://www.kiek.info …loser/slides/IM​G_0346.asp

i look at those shot looks alot like mine . i been using my 430EX on the flash bracket seem to improve my keeper rates. not sure if that will help answer your question.

Bill

Bill Pham wrote in post #3651058
i look at those shot looks alot like mine . i been using my 430EX on the flash bracket seem to improve my keeper rates. not sure if that will help answer your question.

Bill

Is it normal (and is it a good idea) to use an external flash for macro Photography!! Or do i have to boost the ISO to get some decent shots!

i don't know if it's normal or not but i found out that by using mine since i'm usually out shooting pretty early around 6 am. and i'm using iso 100 and in m mode. should wait for the real pro shooter to come back on. sure they can help you lot better than i can.

Bill

ooops sorry about the confusing last reply. i mean i get more natural looking shot with it on.

Bill

Overkill most people here use diffused flash with settings of 1/200 iso 200 and f/8-16. I nearly always shoot at f11. Hope this helps.

Attic wrote in post #3651111
Overkill most people here use diffused flash with settings of 1/200 iso 200 and f/8-16. I nearly always shoot at f11. Hope this helps.

hmmm Alby can you tell me why iso 200. i been shooting with iso 100 and f11 alot lately myself.

Bill

For me personally - i never use direct flash on anything at all (ever) - even direct/diffused flash.

I know i`m on my own doing it the way i do - so dont follow my lead.

I use a bounce card attached to the top of my flash - and i can adjust it in and out or up and down dependant on the situation.

I know i`m on my own so please ignore me ...

Ive made a decent shot at ISO 400. I will bump up the flash output a lower the ISO!

I can put the 550EX in close focus mode (tilt the head towards the camera a little)!
Should i use the wide angle diffuser of the 550EX for macro?

Hi Overkill,
re: "Can i use my 550EX flash for macro shots"
As Alby pointed out most people use diffused flash - not only does it help with DOF and sharpness - getting apertures like f11 - but it also helps to stop motion because the effective "shutter speed" is more like 1/1000 sec or faster rather than the 1/200 set on the camera due to the extremely short flash duration.

Overkill,
Its normal for me using my 580ex flash (previously my 420ex) for my hand held macro photos. When I use extension tubes or TC with my macro lens I use (because its really needed) my flash extension cord so I can easily position the flash to light the subject. Even with the 5D which has great high ISO I would any day rather the flash and ISO 100 then ISO 800-3200 for a macro photo

Here's one way of using a camera mounted flash for getting round a long lens- it would I suspect have some similarities to Action_man's (Gordon) method. Just an a4 sheet of paper folded in half and then two slots cut in the sides and taped to give it a bend- fixed with a handle made of tape stuck to itself so it slips over the flash.

I'm now a bit nervous of using the wide angle diffuser a lot on flashes as I managed to scorch the main diffuser using it on my sigma flash- it takes the flash head very close to the main diffuser.

Brian V.

I used the 550EX on top of the camera and the results are all ready better!

http://www.kiek.info …and%20Closer/sl​ides/1.asp

http://www.kiek.info …and%20Closer/sl​ides/2.asp

http://www.kiek.info …and%20Closer/sl​ides/3.asp

What kind of results can i espect when i use mine 1.4TC and a 20mm tube on the
105mm Sigma!