Ring flash for OM D EM 1
Feb 4, 2016 11:38:04 #
I am seeking some advice in respect of a ring flash for an Olympus OM D EM 1 and Zuiko 60mm macro lens, please. In the next few days I am changing from Canon APS-C to Olympus M43. I currently have a Meike ring flash for my Canon but cannot find a M43 equivalent on their website. As of right now, the only ring flash I have been able to find is the Metz wireless. It sounds spot on but costs over £200. I'm not against spending that much per se, but, having just ordered a Metz 64 AF 1, wondered if anyone has a cheaper ring flash that they use and would recommend. Thanks a lot.
Feb 4, 2016 12:48:58 #
Two points:
1.) I want to introduce you to the UHH section True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html .
Here, you will find fellow macro-photographers who have experienced similar situations to yours.
2.) Most macro-photographers who started with ring-flash illumination (including myself) eventually progressed to off-set speedlight with softbox illumination. Here are pages of our macro set-up evolutions: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html . Current set-ups start on page 4.
1.) I want to introduce you to the UHH section True Macro-Photography Forum at http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html .
Here, you will find fellow macro-photographers who have experienced similar situations to yours.
2.) Most macro-photographers who started with ring-flash illumination (including myself) eventually progressed to off-set speedlight with softbox illumination. Here are pages of our macro set-up evolutions: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html . Current set-ups start on page 4.
Feb 4, 2016 14:08:27 #
B&H is offering the Bolt VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light as a Deal Zone special today for $59 ($50 off retail). For details go to their website.
Feb 4, 2016 14:27:01 #
Been looking for one myself.
A friend who has the Metz 15 MS 1, but he doesn't use it much at all.
I found a Yougnou Flash/LED combo HERE.
Looks interesting, if you really think you need a ring light.
As Nikonian72 said, an offset light may work better for most needs.
The axial lighting a ringlight gives is great for shooting dental photos inside the mouth, but for most everything else,
you probably want some softer directional shadows to enhance your subject.
A friend who has the Metz 15 MS 1, but he doesn't use it much at all.
I found a Yougnou Flash/LED combo HERE.
Looks interesting, if you really think you need a ring light.
As Nikonian72 said, an offset light may work better for most needs.
The axial lighting a ringlight gives is great for shooting dental photos inside the mouth, but for most everything else,
you probably want some softer directional shadows to enhance your subject.
Feb 4, 2016 15:27:29 #
Feb 5, 2016 05:38:01 #
Thank you for your reply and the links. I will certainly check them out. I understand why you would move away from ring flash; but I just find it more convenient at times than a twin head or off camera flash when out in the field. I did look at the Venus system but I really can't imagine walking around in public with it. I have used ring flash for years, firstly with my EOS 5 and EOS 10 then, latterly, with the D70 and D7 mark 11. Nevertheless, I will review the links before making a decision.
Feb 5, 2016 05:40:27 #
Checked out B&H. Stab me vitals, the amount of choice is staggering! Thanks for the tip, I will check out the rest of their products when I have a moment.
Feb 5, 2016 05:49:28 #
Thanks a lot for that. I had viewed that Yongnuo but it is manual only. Furthermore, Yongnuo only mention compatability with Olympus, they do not state if they mean Olypus DSLR or M43 (they do not mention Panasonic either). I actually e-mailed them a few days ago in order to clarify. Interesting that your friend does not used the Metz much. I do understand why a lot do not like ring flash: I have used one for years but may change to an alternative after I have reviewed the links and information provided by you and others.
Feb 5, 2016 06:17:29 #
I see that many use a similar, almost identical soft box/conventional Speedlite set up to you, Nikonian, but how practical is it when out shooting in the bondu? I find that most of the creepy crawlies I photograph are in bushes, bum piercing thistles or general undergrowth. Others are so inconsiderate that they keep moving about. I reckon about 60% of my shots are hand held; even though I have one of the excellent Sirui 204S hybrid monopods with a Manfrotto head on the end. I shall give this some thought. I already have a Metz 64 AF1 so I only need a softbox and bracket.
Feb 5, 2016 09:18:45 #
Jerrin1 wrote:
I see that many use a similar, almost identical so... (show quote)
It works great in the field 100% of my macro is handheld as is 99% of all posters in the Macro Forum
Feb 5, 2016 13:33:42 #
Jerrin1 wrote:
Please use the Quote Reply tab, as I have done here, so we know to whom your reply is directed.Thanks a lot.
P.S. - When using an off-set diffused speedlight, the speedlight is in manual, and the exposure is controlled by adjusting the speedlight output. No TTL capability is needed, although a "TTL cord" is used to electronically connect the speedlight to the camera hotshoe.
My field macro set-up
Feb 5, 2016 16:48:02 #
Jerrin1 wrote:
Thanks a lot for that.......Interesting that your friend does not used the Metz much. ....
He doesn't use the Metz 15 MS 1 as much because of 2 things:
1: Inconsistent ttl-when he does use it, he uses manual.
2: The 2 AAA batteries is uses don't live long. ( a tiny bit bigger would to accommodate AA).
I know a couple others who use the same Metz flash with Nikon and they report no issues.
Feb 5, 2016 22:40:04 #
Not cheap...click on accessories
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/pen-omd/fixed-focal-lengths/m-zuiko-digital-ed-60mm-f2-8-macro.html
http://www.getolympus.com/us/en/lenses/pen-omd/fixed-focal-lengths/m-zuiko-digital-ed-60mm-f2-8-macro.html
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