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01/25/2010 01:44:32 PM · #1 |
I just got a new macro lens, the Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM...
What's a good solution for lighting with this lens? A ring flash or off-camera adapter of some sort (for the 580EX)?
My budget is ~$100. So the dedicated Canon flash is out of consideration.
Thanks!
André
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01/25/2010 01:51:50 PM · #2 |
a tripod, a remote shutter and a lot of patience!
i do many macros (as you can see in my portfolio) and i do it only in ambient light... but is only my thought... |
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01/25/2010 01:54:33 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by GiorgioBaruffi:
a tripod, a remote shutter and a lot of patience!
i do many macros (as you can see in my portfolio) and i do it only in ambient light... but is only my thought... |
I echo this...pretty much whatever nature can provide...I go outside on my porches and move around until I get the lighting right...but bear in mind that I don't have ANY type of flash equipment at all...IreneM and Roz both do a boat load of Macro shots...ask them...Roz has Canon but IreneM has Nikon (the good one...snicker) |
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01/25/2010 01:59:34 PM · #4 |
I think it might have been  Roz who said in a post once that she has her regular speedlight off camera with a cable, and handholds it for some of her super bug shots. You might peruse her portfolio and see what you see :-)
ETA: she very helpfully (as always) lists equipment on her profile and many of her shots: I think it looks like you only need to get a StoFen diffuser if you don't already have one. I don't see the comment about using a sync cable to get the speedlight off camera, so my memory is likely faulty. On the other hand, seems like having a cable like that couldn't hurt, either :-) One that is hot-shoe to shoe mount and gives you the option for full TTL might be super flexible for a variety of needs.
//www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=canon+ttl+cord&x=0&y=0
Message edited by author 2010-01-25 14:06:24. |
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01/25/2010 02:01:11 PM · #5 |
you can get a short pc cable here for $6.50:
//flashzebra.com/short_pc_sync/0097.shtml
and then try to pick up a second hand flash which also has a pc sync socket, but $100 may not be enough
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01/25/2010 05:00:52 PM · #6 |
I concur that a standard flash, e.g. the 580EX will do just fine for all but the most specialized applications. If you have one, then you have a couple options. A short off-camera cord like this one (I believe there are less expensive third-part alternatives as well) is one option. Use this with a bracket to hold the flash above and to the side of the lens, or hand-hold the flash. The other option is to leave the camera on the camera, and create a reflector/diffuser to direct the light where you want it. This can be done with some cardboard and aluminum foil, for instance.
I've been shooting macro for years using these two techniques. I have also played with the MT24-EX (I have one at work that I occasionally borrow) and I can say that it is a fabulous macro flash... but of course it is a heck of a lot of cash to spend for macro-only use. BTW, I don't recommend the ring-type macro flashes unless you are doing work that requires very flat, shadow-free lighting. They are good at providing this one type of light, but are not good when you want to be artistic with your lighting.
Message edited by author 2010-01-25 17:01:33. |
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01/25/2010 06:31:22 PM · #7 |
I use the Phoenix smart flash on a 450D with the EFS 60mm Details
I also use it on my 5D MKII with the 100mm macro lens with an adapter ring (That comes with it). Its just over your budget at $129.95 but well worth it as an entry level ring flash. I've got some good results with it and its E-TTL II compatible as well. |
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01/26/2010 03:22:32 PM · #8 |
| Your comments are fabulous! Thanks for the input. :) |
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01/26/2010 09:59:47 PM · #9 |
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