FAQ: Which Speedlight for Macro-Photography?
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Aug 3, 2014 05:41:15 #
For macro illumination, all speedlights should be set to Manual, with light pattern to widest possible width. Deploy the pull-down plastic diffuser, and start with 1/4 power output. Adjust output as needed for light or dark subjects. With a commercial softbox diffuser, make sure internal white cloth diffuser is stretched side-to-side.
Aug 3, 2014 07:51:36 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thanks Douglass, I had all the rest right, just the zoom wrong.For macro illumination, all speedlights should be set to Manual, with light pattern to widest possible width. Deploy the pull-down plastic diffuser, and start with 1/4 power output. Adjust output as needed for light or dark subjects. With a commercial softbox diffuser, make sure internal white cloth diffuser is stretched side-to-side.
Aug 3, 2014 11:06:33 #
Jun 22, 2015 07:45:50 #
Flyextreme wrote:
To put in prospective: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?
I know higher numbers are better and why more power is good for shorter durations but, what's the value of the number differences?
A GN of 41 gets you out to 24 feet at ISO100 f/5.6 where as a GN of 36 is 21 feet.
You won't notice the difference until you need it.
Jun 22, 2015 23:39:57 #
joer wrote:
These long distances are of no consequence to macro-photographers who strive for a Working Distance of 6-inches to 12-inches. We are more interested in comparing exposure differences, or recycle time differences.To put in prospective:
A GN of 41 gets you out to 24 feet at ISO100 f/5.6 where as a GN of 36 is 21 feet.
You won't notice the difference until you need it.
A GN of 41 gets you out to 24 feet at ISO100 f/5.6 where as a GN of 36 is 21 feet.
You won't notice the difference until you need it.
Aug 23, 2015 00:44:27 #
Here is a website for Speedlight Side by Side Comparison:
http://speedlights.net/compare-speedlight-specs
http://speedlights.net/compare-speedlight-specs
Aug 23, 2015 13:43:08 #
For me, the biggest thing I like about the topend models is their recycle time. They all freeze ate a low output and all have more than enough light. But there's quite a bit of variation in the recycle. I have a Metz 58 af2 (not on the chart), but it lets me keep shooting at a low power at 3-4 fps which can be very handy.
This is actually the major limitation of onboard flash units. Yes you can make a diffuser and use them, but their recycle time on all the Pentax models that I have with onboards is fairly hopelessly slow sadly.
Another thing is consistency. I've noticed that on some of the medium cost flashes I have the consistency is a lot less. Ie you get strange colour temperatures from time to time. This can be a bit of a chore on a large stack as I shoot JPG for stacks.
There are also other features on top flashes which differentiate them from budget flashes. HSS, rear sync and use as master all have a place in my workflow.
This is actually the major limitation of onboard flash units. Yes you can make a diffuser and use them, but their recycle time on all the Pentax models that I have with onboards is fairly hopelessly slow sadly.
Another thing is consistency. I've noticed that on some of the medium cost flashes I have the consistency is a lot less. Ie you get strange colour temperatures from time to time. This can be a bit of a chore on a large stack as I shoot JPG for stacks.
There are also other features on top flashes which differentiate them from budget flashes. HSS, rear sync and use as master all have a place in my workflow.
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