Canon MT-24EX or MR-14EX?

So the question is MT-24EX or MR-14EX? If you have used both what are the pros and cons between the two models? My husband wants to get me a macro flash for my b-day in a few weeks and I cannot make up my mind on which one. Also I am a little scared because I have a 430EX that I rarely use because I really do not understand flash and prefer natural light. That being said I have seen the last few days how natural light does not always work for macro.

So my questions are which flash and how hard is macro flash to learn?

I hope this is an okay place to post this question. I know this is supposed to be for photo sharing but since you all are the experts on macro I figured I might get more help/opinions if I posted it here. Thanks!!

What lens will you be using it with? I'd also say that you should create a DIY (do-it-yourself) diffuser, so that the light isn't as harsh, from your 430...but, start using the 430 and see if it's something you are willing to deal with, in terms of weight on the cam, light output, etc.

That's just my 2 cents...if I were going to get one, it'd probably be the 24EX.

inthedeck wrote in post #6272348
What lens will you be using it with? I'd also say that you should create a DIY (do-it-yourself) diffuser, so that the light isn't as harsh, from your 430...but, start using the 430 and see if it's something you are willing to deal with, in terms of weight on the cam, light output, etc.

That's just my 2 cents...if I were going to get one, it'd probably be the 24EX.

I have the 100mm right now but plan on getting the MP-E 65 after the 1st of the year.

From what I've seen on this forum, the 24EX with a couple of diffusers is a perfect light...especially coupled with an MPE! With that lens, you'll need tons of light, when you get into the larger mag's.

Good luck.

If you plan on getting the MP-E 65mm in the future, then you almost HAVE to get the MT-24EX! It is stronger and allows for better lighting control. The MR-14EX also has a tendency to make images look very flat.

Dalantech did a pretty comprehensive comparison of the 2 here:
http://dalantech.devia​ntart.com …rses-the-MT-24EX-85238984

I have both and at its best the Mt-24 can produce a more pleasing (natural looking) result than the MR 14. Against that the ringflash produces a higher percentage of perfectly exposed images and is a more compact unit.
LordV uses a 430ex on a bracket, nuff said.

Hi Renee. Just another thought on this. Considering you already have a 430EX, and you mention you don't really understand flash and are a little scared of it at the moment, what makes you think getting a macro flash will be any different? Hope that doesn't sound harsh. What I mean is, why not save yourself, or rather you husband, over $600 and learn how to use the 430EX you already have? Then when you gain confidence with that, worry about the twinlight or ringflash. Learning how to use it will help for non-macro shooting as well.

A very cheap and simple macro flash option, considering the gear you already have, would be to just get something like the Lumiquest Softbox (not the Mini Softbox, and not the Softbox II). With this, you can have the 430EX on camera and still light sufficiently and softly with your 100mm macro lens. It's only around $35.

I was using a DIY version of this for months, made from a hacked up milk bottle. Worked a treat.

The money you save can go towards some other toys.

As Toby mentioned above, you've seen LordV's wonderful photos and he uses the same flash you have. All he has that you don't is a bracket, off-camera shoe chord, and a coke can diffuser. Oh, and skill, experience, and that sort of stuff

Get an off camera cord and experiment with the 430EX.

troypiggo wrote in post #6274870
As Toby mentioned above, you've seen LordV's wonderful photos and he uses the same flash you have. All he has that you don't is a bracket, off-camera shoe chord, and a coke can diffuser. Oh, and skill, experience, and that sort of stuff

You made some excellent points. I think I need to see if they make 430EX for dummies..lol. I do have an omni bounce that came with my flash. I will give it a whirl with it tomorrow and see what I can do. Here I thought Lord V had a macro flash, oh how I hope to have his skills one day (and your skills as well )!!

Any particular bracket better than another? Thanks!!

Renee, for the most part, I've never used a bracket, but there's tons out there. All depends what you really want out of the bracket. There's a whole price range of them, in fact. Just search here, for flash brackets, and you'll find 'tons' of threads, with macro related topics for flash brackets.

As for which is better than another...can't say. Some swear by RRS, others with other brands, there's no wrong or right with that one. Just as long as it's light, sturdy, and supportive. Though, I gather that won't be cheap.

reneethomas wrote in post #6276187
Any particular bracket better than another? Thanks!!

Have a look through this rather long thread:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=142566

troypiggo wrote in post #6276884
Have a look through this rather long thread:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=142566

Wow thanks! Now my head hurts lol!