FAQ: Which Speedlight for Macro-Photography? Speedlight illumination is quite popular for macro-photography, and the models available are numerous. How do we compare one to another?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Speedlight illumination is quite popular for macro-photography, and the models available are numerous. How do we compare one to another? Guide Numbers (GN) are the standard of photography measurements for flash output. Three important considerations for macro-photography are short flash duration (to freeze movement), quick recycle time (for rapid, repeat flash), and long battery life. Higher GN positively address all three concerns.

Interesting website: Understanding Flash Guide Numbers (Including GN Calculator)
http://www.scantips.com/lights/flashbasics1c.html

Here is a chart comparing GNs of several popular speedlights, measured in meters, at ISO 100, at flash angle coverage matching a 35-mm lens (industry standard). Dark blue line is measured GN; light blue line is manufacturer's official GN. Speedlight Test Details: http://speedlights.net/speedlite-test-details

The popular Yongnuo YN-560 III & YN-560 IV each have a mfr's listed GN of 39 at 35mm & ISO 100. Independent testing is closer to GN 34.
The newer Yongnuo YN-568EX is GN rated the same as a YN-565, which is GN 36.
The Canon 550EX & Yongnuo 600 EX-RT have mfr's listed GN of 36 at 35mm & ISO 100. Independent testing is measured at GN 29.
The Altura AP-N1001 has been independently tested to approximately GN 30.

Yongnuo YN-560 III speedlight

Nikon SB-600 vs SB-700 controls

Canon 600EX-RT, 580EX II & 430EX II

Altura AP-N1001
Altura AP-N1001...

(Download)

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I started macro-photography illumination with a Nikon SB-600 speedlight, with a manufacturer's GN of 30. I consider GN 30 to be about the MINIMUM needed for advanced macro illumination. My average SB-600 manual setting is 1/4 to 1/2 power.

I now use a Nissin Di866, and my average manual setting is 1/16 to 1/8, for the exact same exposure as cited for the SB-600.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

here are the factory numbers for the Nikon SB-200 speedlights used in the Nikon macro lighting system if you would like to add them to your chart:
"The SB-R200 Speedlight is a highly capable lighting tool with a Guide Number - 10/33 (ISO 100, m/ft), 14/46 (ISO 200, m/ft)"
Per http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Flashes/SB-R200-Wireless-Speedlight.html: GN = 10 at 10m/33 ft. (at ISO 100)

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

I have questions: How much difference in power is there between GN numbers? Is it possible to tell the difference between say, 41 and 36? Or, how much difference between 20 and 41. I'm not sure how to ask the question. Could an expert, in the field, be able to detect any difference 36 and 41 in a blind test? Or even in a controlled studio comparison?

I know higher numbers are better and why more power is good for shorter durations but, what's the value of the number differences?

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Flyextreme wrote:

Could an expert, in the field, be able to detect any difference 36 and 41 in a blind test? Or even in a controlled studio comparison?

Visually, no. But can be measured with a flash meter.

Flyextreme wrote:

How much difference in power is there between GN numbers?
I know higher numbers are better and why more power is good for shorter durations but, what's the value of the number differences?

The number refers to meters (or feet) that a specific (measured) amount of light will project from speedlight.
Read more here:
Understanding Guide Numbers
http://www.naturephotographers.net/articles0703/jm0703-1.html

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Flyextreme wrote:

Is it possible to tell the difference between say, GN41 and GN36? Or, how much difference between GN20 and GN41?

You would notice more difference in performance between the GN20 flash and the GN41, but probably not so much between GN36 to GN41.

I have an SB400 (GN22) and used it for macro photography for quite some time before going to the Yongnuo. The SB400 is underpowered for Macro Photography in my opinion: longer recycle times and I pretty much had to shoot at full power all of the time. I now shoot at 1/8 to 1/4 most of the time and this is with heavy diffusion. I do have a flash meter-- but only used it for studio product photography which I no longer do.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Nikonian72 wrote:

I personally use a Nikon SB-600 speedlight, with a manufacturer's GN of 30. I consider GN 30 to be about the MINIMUM needed for advanced macro illumination.

I tried using twin SB-200s with GN 10 each, and was under-lighted.
Added SB-700 GN 29 and can now balance my lighting because there is light to spare. Best part is the C123 batteries are lasting longer.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Thanks for that chart, I am thinking of choosing the Yonguo YN 560-III and the Yonguo RF 603N3 remote wireless flash trigger (for Nikon cameras). Do you think this is a sensible decision for a hobbyist. Thanks.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Trudy wrote:

Thanks for that chart, I am thinking of choosing the Yonguo YN 560-III and the Yonguo RF 603N3 remote wireless flash trigger (for Nikon cameras). Do you think this is a sensible decision for a hobbyist. Thanks.

As I recall...don't have it with me... the GN of the Yongnuo 560III is 34. For macro, I have mine set at 24mm and with the built in diffusion panel down + the diffusion of a 5X7 softbox, I am shooting at iso 100, f/16 @ 1/8-1/4 power depending on the density of the subject. I use rechargeable Eneloops (4) & never have an issue with recycle time.

So my answer for macro is "yes"-- the 560III is enough power. I just built an "extender" so I can shoot using the Yongnuo mounted on the hot shoe of my D7100: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208406-1.html . I'll post a few pics at some point.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

As I recall...don't have it with me... the GN of t... (show quote)

Thanks a lot LoneRangerFinder, I am pleased to have confirmation from knowledgeable members with experience of this kit. I look forward to seeing your photos.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

AlicanteBrenda wrote:

Thanks for that chart, I am thinking of choosing the Yonguo YN 560-III and the Yonguo RF 603N3 remote wireless flash trigger (for Nikon cameras). Do you think this is a sensible decision for a hobbyist. Thanks.

The YN-560 III has a manufacturer's listed GN of 39 meters at 35mm and ISO 100. Independent testing is closer to GN 34.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Nikonian72 wrote:

The YN-560 III has a manufacturer's listed GN of 39 meters at 35mm and ISO 100. Independent testing is closer to GN 34.

I believe, for the money, the YN-560 III is hard to beat. So much so, I just received my second one :wink:

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Flyextreme wrote:

I believe, for the money, the YN-560 III is hard to beat. So much so, I just received my second one :wink:

Hi Bill, I have had my YN-560 III for a while now, and haven't had any problems that I have recognized. I am not sure if I am selecting the correct zoom level. I was of the opinion that it should be at 105mm. but now think I may be wrong and I cannot find any reference to it on the web. Thanks

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

AlicanteBrenda wrote:

I have had my YN-560 III for a while now and . . . I was of the opinion that it should be at 105mm. but now think I may be wrong and I cannot find any reference to it on the web.s

Set Flash to 24mm which is the widest setting.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

fstop22 wrote:

Set Flash to 24mm which is the widest setting.

Thanks fstop22 for such a quick reply, I will be interested to see how this changes my photos. Now I think about it I suppose the light will be over a larger area, similar to the mm settings on a lens. I don't know where I got the idea it should be on 105.