Can the 430ex II be used for macro shooting?

I haven't found a clear answer on this. I realize the dedicated macro lights are the best for close up shooting but I am wondering if a 430ex II can suffice for a hobbyist?

Sure.... I use a 550EX or 420EX on a Siegelite bracket (which is only available used - most often on eBay for about 10-20 dollars). The 430EX model would work just find on this rig.

I add a Lumiquest Mini Softbox (Chinese knock-ofs are available on eBay for about 10 dollars or less).

Of course, I use an off camera flash cord.

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yup, I use a similar setup (though with a wimberley macro arm)

here is a photo of my 20D, not sure which flash is on there in this photo but I use both a 580 and 430 with this setup

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So I'm assuming at some magnification the lens gets in the way to use the flash hot-shoe mounted?

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #9379540
So I'm assuming at some magnification the lens gets in the way to use the flash hot-shoe mounted?

I ran into that problem, guess it depends on the lens too. Ive seen people make modifiers though to bring the light out to the front more (soda cans, duct tape and paper towel). they seem to work quite well

Sdiver2489 wrote in post #9378266
I haven't found a clear answer on this. I realize the dedicated macro lights are the best for close up shooting but I am wondering if a 430ex II can suffice for a hobbyist?

Yes, the 430EX II works fine. It is all I use in fact. I find dedicated macro flashes are a waste, plus they sometimes give a flat look.

themadman wrote in post #9380153
Yes, the 430EX II works fine. It is all I use in fact. I find dedicated macro flashes are a waste, plus they sometimes give a flat look.

Are you using a bracket like the others in this thread? Which one? Great pics btw! I really love the water drop!

x0SiN0x wrote in post #9379340
yup, I use a similar setup (though with a wimberley macro arm)

here is a photo of my 20D, not sure which flash is on there in this photo but I use both a 580 and 430 with this setup

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Which components did you get for this setup? BandH lists lots of them.

artyH wrote in post #9380769
Which components did you get for this setup? BandH lists lots of them.

http://tripodhead.com …racket-macro-brackets.cfm

I assume that you got the F2 macro bracket and the Canon cord. Do you need anything else, besides the flash?

artyH wrote in post #9380769
Which components did you get for this setup? BandH lists lots of them.

going over my order...
Wimberley P20 QUICK REL PLATE (on the lens)
Wimberley M-1 QUICK RELEASE ARM
Wimberley M-4 MACRO ARM
Canon OC-E3 OFF-CAMERA SHOE CORD
LumiQuest PROMAX MINI SOFTBOX

Links
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Combo_2_Macro_​Combo.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Quick_Release_​Plate.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …108_Mini_SoftBo​x_for.html
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …C_E3_Off_Camera​_Shoe.html

Thanks - but do you need the quick release lens plate for the lens if you are not using a lens with a tripod - hand held? I realize that a lot of the time, you are going to use a tripod for macro, but I am just trying to figure this out.
Thanks for your posting about the Wimberley.

artyH wrote in post #9381636
Thanks - but do you need the quick release lens plate for the lens if you are not using a lens with a tripod - hand held? I realize that a lot of the time, you are going to use a tripod for macro, but I am just trying to figure this out.
Thanks for your posting about the Wimberley.

The plate is also for mounting the macro arm to. Otherwise, the macro arm would need to be clamped to the camera plate, in which case, you'd probably need a perpendicular plate to allow that.