Looking for MACRO flash use hints and techniques
Jun 8, 2012 07:32:42 #
Does anyone have some hands-on experience with the Canon MT-24EX Dual Head Macro Flash?
I just had a weak moment and purchased one used as it was priced right. It arrives in a few days.
In the past I have set up multiple strobes, linked, synched, and trialed and errored ad nauseum. Only a flower is patient enough to wait the hour or so it takes to get all that equipment set up and working.
So this Canon MT-24EX mount on the lens set-up has always intrigued me. But ouch, my alternatives were so much less expensive and besides I can use shoe-mounted strobes for most anything. And I don't know anyone who ownes one. Hmmm.
The on-line reviews are favorable. But will such small heads cause harshness? Any tricks to tweak this unit to get better lighting in an insect for example? I'd like to try things like freezing a bee's wings in flight.
Any advice is really appreciated so this formally ogled toy does not just sit on my shelf and laugh at me for adopting it.
I'd like to avoid another case of buyer's remorse.
I just had a weak moment and purchased one used as it was priced right. It arrives in a few days.
In the past I have set up multiple strobes, linked, synched, and trialed and errored ad nauseum. Only a flower is patient enough to wait the hour or so it takes to get all that equipment set up and working.
So this Canon MT-24EX mount on the lens set-up has always intrigued me. But ouch, my alternatives were so much less expensive and besides I can use shoe-mounted strobes for most anything. And I don't know anyone who ownes one. Hmmm.
The on-line reviews are favorable. But will such small heads cause harshness? Any tricks to tweak this unit to get better lighting in an insect for example? I'd like to try things like freezing a bee's wings in flight.
Any advice is really appreciated so this formally ogled toy does not just sit on my shelf and laugh at me for adopting it.
I'd like to avoid another case of buyer's remorse.
Canon MT-24EX Dual Head Macro Flash
Jun 9, 2012 06:38:40 #
I'm envious and I haven't used one either, but it sure looks cool.
Jun 9, 2012 08:03:13 #
That's funny...I've been considering getting this flash, too, and looking at eBay for a used one ($500 for a used one is still a lot). But, like you, wondered if I would really use it. I have the Canon MT14EX macro flash that I don't use very often. I don't like the direct "beauty-dish" look on flowers and mushrooms. My thinking is that with the two heads, even though they are small, should not cause too harsh shadows because of the relative closeness and size of the heads to a small subject.
I'd really like to hear your experience and see some shots with this unit in the future.
I'd really like to hear your experience and see some shots with this unit in the future.
Jun 9, 2012 08:32:09 #
Festina Lente wrote:
Does anyone have some hands-on experience with the... (show quote)
I also have the MR 14-EX, which I would love to sell and get one of these. I know you can not only remove and move one or both of the heads, and adjust the power, thereby allowing a ratio of lighting. Although the MR14-EX allows adjusting power output of each side also, you are kind of stuck with either the whole flash on your lens or off it.
I would love to have this. But they are still a bit spendy IMHO. I should add that I use my ring flash all the time when doing macro, it still works great. But an upgrade to this would be great.
Jun 9, 2012 08:46:30 #
I may have been wrong about detaching the heads, don't know where I got that in my head. I will add that I will wait to purchase this until Canon gets their head out of their "you know what" and designs this to fit on their macro lens without the use of an adapter. C'mon Canon :(
Jun 9, 2012 10:09:00 #
skidooman wrote:
I may have been wrong about detaching the heads, don't know where I got that in my head. I will add that I will wait to purchase this until Canon gets their head out of their "you know what" and designs this to fit on their macro lens without the use of an adapter. C'mon Canon :(
I, too, heard that the heads were detachable. One of my reasons for considering upgrading.
Jun 9, 2012 10:22:11 #
I bought the Polaroid Studio Series 48 Led Macro Ring Light, the Polaroid 48 LED Macro ring light was not only designed for macro photography but for portraits, medical, technical applications or other items as well. It will constantly emit balanced, shadowless light and provide permanent lighting for subjects. The 48 LED ring light is effective when the subject distance is between 1 - 40". With the LED mode controller, you can adjust the light to three different modes: 1) All 48 LED, 2) Left Side 24 LED, 3) Right Side 24 LED. There is two different options to power your 48 LED Ring Light 1) 2 AA batteries which is ideal for the photographer on the go. 2) AC adapter for the at home or studio photographer. Included in the box is 6 different adapter rings (49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm) allowing you to attach the Macro Ring Light to almost every SLR Camera lens in the market. and the price was pretty reasonable too on Amazon.com.
Jun 9, 2012 13:00:03 #
Ugly HedgeHog has a dedicated Macro section at True Macro-Photography Forum http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
With a discussion labeled Macro Equipment Set-Ups http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
where you can see photos of working macro illumination configurations.
With a discussion labeled Macro Equipment Set-Ups http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
where you can see photos of working macro illumination configurations.
Jun 9, 2012 17:35:07 #
I have had mine now for about 4 months and have pictures that I couldn't get without it. I have moved from the lens mount to RRS setup and love it. I use diffusers on it to cut down on the reflection from eyes and carapaces. it makes handholding MUCH easier, I shoot in manual mode 200-250sec at f13. My keepers went up considerably after I procured it. I'm shooting with a Canon 5D mkll with the 100mm 2.8L IS USM. I would do it again without a doubt.
Jun 9, 2012 18:19:36 #
napabob wrote:
I have had mine now for about 4 months and have pictures that I couldn't get without it. I have moved from the lens mount to RRS setup and love it. I use diffusers on it to cut down on the reflection from eyes and carapaces. it makes handholding MUCH easier, I shoot in manual mode 200-250sec at f13. My keepers went up considerably after I procured it. I'm shooting with a Canon 5D mkll with the 100mm 2.8L IS USM. I would do it again without a doubt.
Fantastic shots. And great information too.
I have the same lens.:thumbup:
I also planed on diffusing the light and moving the heads further away.:thumbup:
I understand the heads are detachable and I have planned on that being a fact.:thumbup:
I have seen other set-ups using RRS and willl look into that once I figure out how well this flash works (your shots above are excellent and very encouraging, thanks!). :thumbup:
What RSS ring bracket did you get and what else did you use to make it work for you?
Maybe the money I've saved on this flash ($400, NIB used once) compared to what it costs new from B&H can go towards the RSS bracket? How's that for photography equipment economics?? :roll:
Jun 9, 2012 18:26:12 #
sportyman140 wrote:
I bought the Polaroid Studio Series 48 Led Macro R... (show quote)
Thank you. Somehow this product flew under my radar. I certainly would have considered it. For only $80 it would sure be worth a shot (pun unintended). Even if it is made in China.
So tell us, how well does it work? Perhaps you can post a few of your better shots as an example.
I'm used to buyer's remorse; have had a chronic case of it for decades.
Jun 9, 2012 18:28:09 #
Thanks Nikonian. I should have looked first before posting this. I'm exploring it now.
Nikonian72 wrote:
Ugly HedgeHog has a dedicated Macro section at True Macro-Photography Forum http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-102-1.html
With a discussion labeled Macro Equipment Set-Ups http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
where you can see photos of working macro illumination configurations.
With a discussion labeled Macro Equipment Set-Ups http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html
where you can see photos of working macro illumination configurations.
Jun 9, 2012 20:40:34 #
Festina Lente wrote:
The most serious drawback to continual LED light rings is their lack of DOF due relatively low light output when compared to ring-flashes or speedlight-powered macro-photography. With my standard Nikon SB-600 speedlight ($200 eBay) with O-Flash 3/4-circle Fresnel prism attachment ($35 eBay), I routinely shoot hand-held at 1/200-sec at f/22 (ISO 400). See my websites, lower left this post.Somehow (the Polaroid Studio Series 48 Led Macro Ring Light) flew under my radar. I certainly would have considered it. For only $80 it would sure be worth a shot (pun unintended). Even if it is made in China.
Jun 9, 2012 20:47:19 #
napabob - really nice shots - great depth of field. I hate to acquire too much equipment and have been fairly happy with not-so-close up hand-held shots with my Canon 100mm macro using a LumiQuest "Quick-Bounce" diffuser. I can stay far enough away to get good lighting. But that won't let me get extreme close-ups and the depth of field I see in your photos. Thanks for sharing them.
Jun 10, 2012 08:27:33 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
quote=Festina Lente Somehow (the Polaroid Studio ... (show quote)
Thanks Nikonian72. You make a good point. A wide open lens will certainly restrict DOF.
BTW, your posted macro photos on flicker are amazing.
I can only hope I do half as well once I find a macro set-up that works for me. Thanks again.
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