New to macro-photography
Jan 3, 2018 22:00:52 #
I have a Nikon D3, af 105 micro lens and a tripod. The problem is I don't have a flash and don't know anything about flash for micro. I have $500.00 to spend looking for advice.
Jan 3, 2018 22:27:17 #
Gary, This is the system I use. Great because of the flexibility of moving the lights etc. I bought it used from a Hog for $400. Check Ebay if you are interested.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/flashes/r1c1-wireless-close-up-speedlight-system.html
Suggest Manual focus for your Macro Gary.
https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/flashes/r1c1-wireless-close-up-speedlight-system.html
Suggest Manual focus for your Macro Gary.
Jan 4, 2018 08:34:23 #
Jan 4, 2018 08:52:41 #
Nothing fancy needed. A speedlight with power levels & a flash mounted softbox are all you really need. I use that as well as older ring lights that have safe trigger voltages. Pros and cons to using either method.
Jan 4, 2018 10:06:29 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
Nothing fancy needed. A speedlight with power levels & a flash mounted softbox are all you really need. I use that as well as older ring lights that have safe trigger voltages. Pros and cons to using either method.
Jan 4, 2018 10:33:28 #
An external flash will of course be key to being able to do good, consistent macrophotography, but with that you need good diffusion. All the flash systems have various pros and cons. The links at the top of this forum include pictures of various peoples set ups, and you can peruse these to see what they can look like.
Here are my views, but I could be wrong on some points:
Dual flash: Likely most expensive. But easy to get good diffusion. If fixed to the lens then changing lenses is hard. I am wondering about the Venus dual flash system, which would solve that issue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IYIYBTK/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=INPCRXYNYBX2K&colid=1V6SX5W6Z17J6&psc=0
Ring flash: I don't know much about the costs of a good, reliable one, but there are inexpensive models. Easy to get good diffusion, but extra shiny subjects can show a ring highlight. Changing lenses is hard.
Conventional external flash: Inexpensive and there are many choices. Your extra money can go to other things. Hard to get the best diffusion, but people manage with large diffusers and many favor using an armature to bring the diffuser in very close to the subject. Easy to change lenses since the flash is not attached to the lens. I think this will be the heaviest of the options, and you should consider that if you plan to do a lot of hiking around with the camera. Using a tripod? The extra weight needs to be considered here too.
Here are my views, but I could be wrong on some points:
Dual flash: Likely most expensive. But easy to get good diffusion. If fixed to the lens then changing lenses is hard. I am wondering about the Venus dual flash system, which would solve that issue: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IYIYBTK/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=INPCRXYNYBX2K&colid=1V6SX5W6Z17J6&psc=0
Ring flash: I don't know much about the costs of a good, reliable one, but there are inexpensive models. Easy to get good diffusion, but extra shiny subjects can show a ring highlight. Changing lenses is hard.
Conventional external flash: Inexpensive and there are many choices. Your extra money can go to other things. Hard to get the best diffusion, but people manage with large diffusers and many favor using an armature to bring the diffuser in very close to the subject. Easy to change lenses since the flash is not attached to the lens. I think this will be the heaviest of the options, and you should consider that if you plan to do a lot of hiking around with the camera. Using a tripod? The extra weight needs to be considered here too.
Jan 4, 2018 16:00:57 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
i have the venus,its pretty good but not as much power as a speedlight which i use most of the time.i use a Yongnuo,it works good and much cheaper that a nikon flash.its a must have for macro I am wondering about the Venus dual flash system, which would solve that issue.
Jan 4, 2018 16:02:21 #
The only time I’ve used a tripod on hikes is for very small toadstools and small crustaceans at the beach. Since the toadstools are typically in deep forest, I will take a few small handheld flash units which can be fired wirelessly. Otherwise it’s hand held with an single diffused flash. Never tried the Venus. I already have too much stuff.
Jan 4, 2018 18:57:17 #
LoneRangeFinder wrote:
I already have too much stuff.
No you don't. 😈
Jan 4, 2018 19:00:02 #
tinusbum wrote:
i have the venus,its pretty good but not as much power as a speedlight which i use most of the time.i use a Yongnuo,it works good and much cheaper that a nikon flash.its a must have for macro
I am not surprised it is under-powered, and I suppose that limits its use for illuminating things several feet away.
Jan 4, 2018 20:27:18 #
Jan 5, 2018 02:57:49 #
Go here to see a lot of settings for macro shots, I said A LOT!!!
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
Jan 7, 2018 04:07:43 #
A slightly off-set defused speedlight is your best illumination for macro-photography. Your Nikkor 105 macro lens captures 1:1 magnification (true macro) at 6-inches Working Distance (lens front element to subject), and about 1:3 mag (close-up) at 12-inches WD. The more powerful your speedlight, the QUICKER recycle time between consecutive photographs (important for insect macro-photography). The brand of speedlight is not that important, but a higher Guide Number (GN) is important. Read more here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-208134-1.html
Speedlight with 6x8-inch softbox diffuser
(Download)
L-grip with ball-head connector to speedlight
(Download)
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