Need help getting into Macro Photography!

[Fred Doane]

So I created a post requesting help on deciding between the MT-24EX and MR-14EX flash for macro photography and haven't had anyone post images they've shot using either. If no ones using either of these two flashes what is everyone using for flash/camera/lens combinations? If you have a picture of what type of setup your using and any sample images with what you were able to capture with it I would love to see it!





Thanks,


Fred~

[Daniel Browning]

Need help getting into Macro Photography!

You might benefit from these links:


http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00StuJ


http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/


http://www.krebsmicro.com/

[Jon Ruyle]

Hi Fred,


I would have, but my pictures aren't that great, so I don't want to hold them up as a shining example of what is possible.


Here are some links, though. I suppose I can hold them up as shining examples of what is possible if you have no artistic talent


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Ladybugs#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Grasshoppers#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Bees#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Hummingbirds#


http://picasaweb.google.com/jonruyle/Butterflies#


Click the magnifying glass to see the full detail (if you just click the photo, you'll get a low resolution image). Click "more info" to the upper right to get info about camera and lens and flash (it will only say used and not used, but the only macro flash I've used in the past few years is the twin flash)


Here is a picture I took with the twin flash a few days ago. I used one flash to illuminate the background, or the green would have been very dark. The ladybug turned out a bit shiny, but I don't think there are any harsh shadows. The body/lens were 5DII and MP-E 65. I took this picture handheld, but I often use a tripod and focusing rails.


[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.93/ladybug-2.JPG[/img]


Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with the twin flash for macros. On the other hand, if you are doing more moderate close-ups (butterflies, for example) you might consider mounting a conventional flash on a wimberly macro bracket.


I hope this helps.

[Fred Doane]

Jon,


Thanks for the links I love your shots. The ladybug shot is amazing and I don't mean to nit pick but I did notice 2 black dots to the left of the ladybug and one aboutan inch to the right in the red. I didn't notice them in your other shots but it's probably dust onyour sensor which is more noticeable on shots using a small aperature. Just an FYI not trying to be a jerk specially since you were nice enough to post a sample. Hope we can still be friends .


Fred~

[Jon Ruyle]

Thanks, Fred. I thought I got rid of all those spots... must be the spot gremlins sneaked in afterward. [] Thanks for pointing them out. (Not to mention the ladybug was cropped by the website, I guess I made it too wide. No biggie... my own composition insn't much better)

[Don Burkett]

What do you expect to use the flash for and what lens are you shooting your marcors with? If you are just getting into Macro Photography I think you should hold off until you choose a discpline of interest. If you are using a 100mm or longer you have plenty of working distance whereas a flashis rarely needed unless you're shooting little critter or moving targets like bouncing water drops. I do a lot of macro photography and rarely use a flash, and when I do I simply use an off shoe flash with an omi-bounce disffuser. But, again that's rare so I can't give you a recommendation except for this, if you are just getting into macro photography there is enough to learn about seeing, framing, color and DOF to keep you entertained for quite some time without introducing the complexity of a flash. If you are already involved in macro photography define your targeted need for additonal lighting. As is usually the case, different solutions work better for different circumstances. I am not sure just asking for photos is going to give you the data you really need. But, that's just my opinoin.

[Fred Doane]

Thanks for the replies. I plan on using it for insects, spiders, etc and plan on probably getting the 100mm since I don't think I need anything more then 1:1 but already have an extension tube if I want to get a little closer. With the small aperatures needed to get any DOF I know flash is almost always used (if not Don I'd like to see some shots taken without a flash to see what I'd be able to get without one). I'm concerned with the having the best oportunity of getting a good shot without worrying about the cost so much (within reason). I'mcuriousifa dedicated macro flash such as the MR-14EX/MT-24EX works best most of the time or is an offshoe flash with diffuser actually better? I already have a 580EX II for illuminating the background and I'm shooting with a 1DS Mark III. I'm not new to photography but I'm in the mood to try something different and insects seem like the perfect subject.





Fred~

[Don Burkett]

You are welcome to puruse my online gallery at [View:http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco] You will find most of my macros in the Flora Gallery but there are others dispersed throughout