First flash

Treedo · 12-11-2013, 08:32 PM

I have a k5 ii and I'm looking for my first flash. My primary, first use is going to be for macro.. I plan to construct a cheap diffuser to add on to the flash. I prefer to stay on the less expensive side of things for now. Just not sure what brand I should be looking for that would be compatible with my camera.

Chris

narual · 12-11-2013, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by Treedo

I have a k5 ii and I'm looking for my first flash. My primary, first use is going to be for macro.. I plan to construct a cheap diffuser to add on to the flash. I prefer to stay on the less expensive side of things for now. Just not sure what brand I should be looking for that would be compatible with my camera.

Chris

Strobist: Lighting 101 will teach you plenty about using a flash, particularly if you want to stick to inexpensive options that aren't pTTL compatible.

pixie · 12-11-2013, 11:16 PM

Hi, I am trying to get into macro myself. My thinking is to build a DIY on-board- flash extension/diffuser, The onboard flash has enough power for such a close range, especially when the light is directed to where it needs to be, and it is P-TTL. There are a lot of samples of people's tries at this on this forum. Some of the best macro shots I have seen here were made with very "funny" set-ups.

atupdate · 12-12-2013, 06:04 AM

You may want to take a look at the following DIY forum article.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/62-do-yourself/50942-diy-macro-ring-flash...ble-fring.html

Tim

Class A · 12-12-2013, 07:16 AM

I recommend to get the flash off the camera.

The easiest and most reliable way to trigger it off-camera is using a radio triggers, such as the Cactus V5. The triggers will enable you to use any flash, including old ones with very high triggering voltages that may harm your camera.

No need to use P-TTL for macro photography, AFAIC. Use manual settings and get reliable and consistent results.

Add a light modifier to your flash (e.g., a portable softbox) and you're golden. For macro photography, the modifier does not have to be huge as the subjects are small.

kenyee · 12-12-2013, 08:45 AM

And if you want remote control (no need for that w/ macro photography though), have a look at the Radiopopper JrX Studio triggers paired w/ $80 Nikon SB-28 flashes. That's the road I went on because pTTL at the time was flaky (fixed w/ the K-3 apparently)...

12-11-2013, 08:32 PM	#1
Treedo New Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 10	First flash I have a k5 ii and I'm looking for my first flash. My primary, first use is going to be for macro.. I plan to construct a cheap diffuser to add on to the flash. I prefer to stay on the less expensive side of things for now. Just not sure what brand I should be looking for that would be compatible with my camera. Chris

12-12-2013, 07:16 AM	#5
Class A Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Wellington, New Zealand Posts: 11,251	I recommend to get the flash off the camera. The easiest and most reliable way to trigger it off-camera is using a radio triggers, such as the Cactus V5. The triggers will enable you to use any flash, including old ones with very high triggering voltages that may harm your camera. No need to use P-TTL for macro photography, AFAIC. Use manual settings and get reliable and consistent results. Add a light modifier to your flash (e.g., a portable softbox) and you're golden. For macro photography, the modifier does not have to be huge as the subjects are small. Last edited by Class A; 12-12-2013 at 08:00 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Tried P-TTL Off-Camera Flash For The First Time...	tabl10s	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	13	10-09-2013 02:19 PM
Abstract First time using bounce flash, or any kind of flash in public. Critiques welcome	csmoore	Photo Critique	7	07-02-2013 10:40 AM
People My first Strobist/ Off-Camera Flash Portrait	KristoffL	Post Your Photos!	5	04-04-2013 01:19 PM
buying my first flash	no694terry	Flashes, Lighting, and Studio	27	04-27-2012 07:05 PM
People First try with Flash Lighting	Bozzie	Photo Critique	10	02-05-2012 06:49 AM

12-11-2013, 09:40 PM	#2
narual Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Bend (Notre Dame), Indiana Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,988	Originally posted by Treedo I have a k5 ii and I'm looking for my first flash. My primary, first use is going to be for macro.. I plan to construct a cheap diffuser to add on to the flash. I prefer to stay on the less expensive side of things for now. Just not sure what brand I should be looking for that would be compatible with my camera. Chris Strobist: Lighting 101 will teach you plenty about using a flash, particularly if you want to stick to inexpensive options that aren't pTTL compatible.

12-11-2013, 11:16 PM	#3
pixie Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: California Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 873	Hi, I am trying to get into macro myself. My thinking is to build a DIY on-board- flash extension/diffuser, The onboard flash has enough power for such a close range, especially when the light is directed to where it needs to be, and it is P-TTL. There are a lot of samples of people's tries at this on this forum. Some of the best macro shots I have seen here were made with very "funny" set-ups.

12-12-2013, 06:04 AM	#4
atupdate Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dayton, OH Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,724	You may want to take a look at the following DIY forum article. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/62-do-yourself/50942-diy-macro-ring-flash...ble-fring.html Tim

12-12-2013, 08:45 AM	#6
kenyee Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Boston, PRofMA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,026	And if you want remote control (no need for that w/ macro photography though), have a look at the Radiopopper JrX Studio triggers paired w/ $80 Nikon SB-28 flashes. That's the road I went on because pTTL at the time was flaky (fixed w/ the K-3 apparently)...