2nd Attempt at Macro (Page 2): Get a little bit bigger softbox, like 6 X 8 as it will diffuse the light better...They are cheap & they are easy to modify to keep their correct shape.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

CraigFair wrote:

I have a Nikon SB-700 Speedlight w/remote setup and a 4"x5" softbox.

Get a little bit bigger softbox, like 6 X 8 as it will diffuse the light better...They are cheap & they are easy to modify to keep their correct shape.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

CraigFair wrote:

I'm going to come in out of the field into the studio (kitchen counter with a placemat) to get some more control but less natural.

Inside is not a bad place to practice: controlled environment and right now it's raining.
I have used my Yongnuo + softbox clamped to a table with a simple wood-shop type handclamp. I use the sync cable to trigger the flash. I've done a few stacks this way.

I'm also with Scott on going with a smaller profile. I realize I sacrifice some lighting quality, but I gain with portability. So I sometimes use an R1C1 kit which holds two SB200s on a ring that threads onto the lens like a filter. You can fire the units using the pop-up flash. I designed a DIY diffuser which is an improvement over the kit diffusers which have a tendency to dislodge. The R1C1 is not cheap-- so I didn't mention it-- Canon makes a comparable unit.

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Screamin Scott wrote:

Bottom line though is that each systems has it's pros & cons, it's up to the user to decide which they prefer. As for myself, I utilize both systems, depending on my subjects & the environs.

Agreed, each person should evaluate the pros and cons of various systems to make an informed decision on what might be best for them. I'm even considering a dual/twin flash for my second camera for some of the same advantages of a ring flash and still have a few diffusion options.

I might suggest to anyone to find Macro work you admire and emulate what they do. :wink:

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

Inside is not a bad place to practice: controlled... (show quote)

Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1 $600.00 to $700.00, that's more than I paid for my bigass telescope.
Think I'll wait and find out how much I really want and need that setup. But if I'm going to do it I'll do it right. First it's rule of thumb and practice. Craig

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

CraigFair wrote:

Nikon Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1 $600.00 to $700.00, that's more than I paid for my bigass telescope.
Think I'll wait and find out how much I really want and need that setup. But if I'm going to do it I'll do it right. First it's rule of thumb and practice. Craig

Mine was less because I did not get the commander unit-- but I get your point.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

CraigFair wrote:

I have a Nikon SB-700 Speedlight w/ a 4"x5" softbox.

4X5-inch is too small. The primary reason for a softbox diffuser is to generate illumination from a larger source.
A FotoDiox 6x8-inch softbox diffuser is less than $15, and identical models from other makers are even less cost.

FotoDiox 6x8 softbox diffuser
FotoDiox 6x8 softbox diffuser...

Nikon SB-600 & Softbox front view

Nikon SB-600 & Softbox side view

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Nikonian72 wrote:

4X5-inch is too small. The primary reason for a softbox diffuser is to generate illumination from a larger source.
A FotoDiox 6x8-inch softbox diffuser is less than $15, and identical models from other makers are even less cost.

Thank you Nikonia72 that is a rigging I'll be able to setup. I will have to get a 6x8. I tried my 4x5 and it's too harsh to my eye anyway.

Nass Loc: England

What Scott said, spot on. One alternative with a non ringflash to minimize its size footprint is a horizontal configuration close to the beastie, but the downside is that all the light all comes from above so there will be shadows below.

Horizontal flash setup for extreme macro

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

Nass wrote:

What Scott said, spot on. One alternative with a non ringflash to minimize its size footprint is a horizontal configuration close to the beastie, but the downside is that all the light all comes from above so there will be shadows below.

Thanks Nass, I am looking at larger softboxes that will be my first move. And rear flash sync on my Nikon D600. Craig