The 430EX or 580EX II for macro?

Hello everybody;

I have one question; Does anybody out there use the 430EX or 580EX II for macro photography? Do you recomended?

I don't want to spend my money on a new flash that works only for macro (a dedicated flash for macro). With the 430 or 580 I could have more options.

Well I use the 430ex, on a bracket with a clip on diffuser. Also I have a home made diffuser that I use. It works for me ok.

probably 430ex to keep weight down, recycling time not usually a factor with macro.

+1 for the 430EX too.
Cheaper and lighter than the 580EX and enought to do quite good Macro with a bracket.

Ciao,
Laurent.

The 430 will be find as you don't need the extra power of the 580 unless you are going to do other stuff that needs more power.

Another vote for the 430EX on a flexible bracket, but I would rather have the MR-14EX

nan3182 wrote in post #3805963
Another vote for the 430EX on a flexible bracket, but I would rather have the MR-14EX

What about recommending a bracket as well? I have a 430 already, what else do I need to get the light where I need it? A bracket of some sort (maybe brand or even a B&H link), extension hot chord? other?

Thanks

off camera shoe cord http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_E3_Off_Camera​_Shoe.html#

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

racketman wrote in post #3806123
off camera shoe cord http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_E3_Off_Camera​_Shoe.html#

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

Thanks toby, exactly as I was looking for!
tom

actually the 7" bracket is probably more practical - and cheaper!

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

430EX user here...I like it because it's light and it has an amazingly fast recycle time.

tomd wrote in post #3806205
Thanks toby, exactly as I was looking for!
tom

Sorry I forgot to add that I have all the links to the equipment I use in My Gear in my sig. I tried to incorporate both where to buy and reviews.

The 7" is fine if you using your 100mm macro with all your tubes but any longer than that and (at least) I find it lacks in reach. But that is just me.

nan3182 wrote in post #3813366
The 7" is fine if you using your 100mm macro with all your tubes but any longer than that and (at least) I find it lacks in reach. But that is just me.

not sure what you are suggesting here - the 18" Delta I presume but are you likely to have a longer set up than that you have described?

Here's a vote for the 580 II. Actually, it really only suits MY needs. I use a $5 PC cord to hook to the camera instead of the more expensive (not sure how much) Off-Shoe Cord, since I already had the flash anyway. But, alas, it is heavy, and quite a bit more expensive. Still, it's found it's home on my rig

racketman wrote in post #3813635
not sure what you are suggesting here - the 18" Delta I presume but are you likely to have a longer set up than that you have described?

Yes, your presumption is correct. Right now I am using my 70-300 (5.6" long) as my "macro" lens with a full set of Kenko Tubes, it is a bit longer than a 100 macro (4.7" long) with a full set of tubes. I personally find that with the 70-300 and the tubes mounted the reach of the 7" Delta Bracket is a bit short, not unusable but a bit short, when I use the zoom to help get focus while trying to maintain a certain distance from a flighty insect. To me a longer setup would also include adding additional tubes, a TC, and using a hood. Two weeks ago I had rented the 100 macro and was using it with my 7" Delta Bracket and Kenko Tubes and I found the combination wonderful, and enough play to try some interesting lighting set ups. Personally I own the 7" Delta Bracket and would for the $30.00 it is recomend almost anyone to own one. I have not had the pleasure of working with the 18" Delta Bracket I am sure it would be useful to anyone with a longer setup (as previously described) and something to keep in mind before making a purchase.