Sigma macro flash - DPChallenge Forums

07/21/2005 08:46:18 PM · #1

I bought last week the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG EX Macro lens for my D70. I am still testing it. It seems allright, very well bilt, the AF could be more quick and silent. It's not as bad as the 70-300 D Ed that I own but not has good as the 18-70 kit lens.

I am trying to convince my wife of the need of a macro flash, so I thought the sigma one to fit the lens. So here's the questions:
Is it good?
Is it worth it?
It uses infrared, so can it command my SB800?

To be honest I think that with the 31 cm working distance the sb800 mounted in the -7 degrees position with the reflection card pulled out do a fair job.

Any opinions?

jrtodd

Nikon D850

07/21/2005 09:20:35 PM · #2

Real men beg forgiveness, not ask permission.

Sorry, best I have for you. ;D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

07/22/2005 08:19:40 AM · #3

Any other thoughts?

xcharrier

Canon EOS-1D X

07/22/2005 09:15:31 AM · #4

I have the sigma macro flash and I have been less than thrilled with the results. I can't speak for the nikon model but I get much better results using my 580 flash as opposed to the macro flash. Now... to be completely fair... I use the auto settings on the macro flash as well as the auto settings on the 580. The photos with the macro flash always turn out underexposed and flat.

In my opinion... it is not worth the money if you already have the sb800 and a way to fire it off camera.

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

07/22/2005 09:30:05 AM · #5

Originally posted by jrtodd:

Real men beg forgiveness, not ask permission.

true... true.....

Anyway.... I'm happy with SB800. I would really like to try macro flash. However I would not buy anything other than Nikon.

Nick

07/22/2005 09:52:31 AM · #6

I almost bought it when it came out. Seems reasonably priced and a real cool little unit. I realized that I don't really need one for what I do. I use umbrellas and off camera flashes indoors; 420EX, 550EX, and a ST-E2 wireless transmitter. Outdoors, I use the 550EX on the camera. I Can always use the ST-E2 and 550EX off-cam (hand held) if I want more side lighting.

I used the 550EX on cam for this ... with a 105mm Macro lens and reversed 50mm F1.8 lens

I'm like John though: it's easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission.

jrtodd

Nikon D850

07/22/2005 10:03:09 AM · #7

My feeling would be that using a flash attached to the lens would always give a flat photo. I just bought the Nikon 105 macro and have been playing around with it. My best results are always with the same type of setup that Jacko uses, flashs from the side with umbrellas. I should be ready to go head to head in a marco challenge with you Jacko in another year or two. I would think you would be better served getting another SB800 and something to bounce the lights with.

07/22/2005 10:09:57 AM · #8

good advice re: second SB800

Originally posted by jrtodd:

07/22/2005 11:11:14 AM · #9

Could you guys explain the umbrella thing to me? I've seen umbrellas for head flash but with the SB800?...

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

07/22/2005 11:31:50 AM · #10

Don't spend your money on another flash, but on support to get it exactly where you need it. Check out the macro flash brackets from Really Right Stuff or Kirk Photo. Once you start using their products you will wonder how you ever managed without then before.

jrtodd

Nikon D850

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

07/22/2005 12:47:52 PM · #11

Originally posted by Nuno:

Could you guys explain the umbrella thing to me? I've seen umbrellas for head flash but with the SB800?...

Check here
//www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=29

Spork99

OM System OM-1

07/22/2005 01:00:12 PM · #12

Originally posted by Nuno:

I am trying to convince my wife of the need of a macro flash..............

Any opinions?

You can't repossess a good time.......

07/22/2005 01:29:06 PM · #13

edit: fixed link

Originally posted by jrtodd:

Check here
//www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=29

07/22/2005 01:46:40 PM · #14

one of the ways I set up:

//www.pbase.com/jacko/image/30111628

and for portraits:

//www.pbase.com/jacko/image/30608581

Originally posted by Nuno:

Could you guys explain the umbrella thing to me? I've seen umbrellas for head flash but with the SB800?...

Message edited by author 2005-07-22 13:49:09.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

07/22/2005 03:10:40 PM · #15

If shooting macro you really don't need an umbrella. As far as relative sizes go, depending on flash to subject distances of course, the head of a flash at a few inches would be like a huge soft box to say a ladybug. Also why lose that much light especially with the small f-stops often needed macro photography.

That being said I have a very similar set-up to Jacko's, and it works very well for portrait & product photography.