flash for close-up work

smf · 06-07-2008, 09:03 AM

I own a K100D. I'd welcome recommendations of a flash unit to buy or avoid. It would be used mostly for close-up photography of flowers and insects. One of Pentax's units — the AF360FGZ, for which a rebate is available — sounds good. But I am wondering whether the fact that it doesn't adjust side-to-side, only up and down) is a serious drawback for close-up work. (I own an old, rigid bracket for side-mounting of the flash.)

I've also considered a ringlight and would welcome comments about specific units known to be compatible with K100D.

Thanks very much

yenemy · 06-07-2008, 04:35 PM

This is just my newbie impression (I haven't had a chance to do any close-up stuff with my flash yet), but I think with macro work you'll want to use off-camera lighting anyway (the AF360FGZ can be used wirelessly just fine, if I remember right).

Unless you bounce/reflect the light (from a hotshoe flash) back down onto your subject, you're likely to get a shadow cast by your lens from that close up.

Like I said, I am still in the beginning stages of learning -- though advancing just fine in LBA -- so take my advice with a big grain of salt

**barondla** · 06-07-2008, 07:30 PM

Pentax 360 will work fine on camera for horizontal shots. The 360 head has the ability to point down (negative tilt). Have used one a lot. Can also take off camera with proper ttl cable.
thanks
barondla

Enter POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #7 in P&S forum. Any camera type except slr. Any brand. Any subject. Ends tonight! Enter now.

mcjm78 · 06-07-2008, 08:09 PM

If you need flash for close up work, I think any old second hand flash will do, but you will need a wireless setup, such as the much talked about Cactus wireless flash trigger (very cheap!) from Ekbay, or FlashWaves (I've bought this, and it works really well!!) or Pocket Wizards (Pro price).

For K100D, since you won't get wireless flash function from any of the Pentax P-ttl flash, you may as well going for the cheapest option.....unless you also thinking of using the 360 for general picture taking.

Then get the 360 + a wireless flash trigger. Ekbay Cactus only cost less than $30 I think, and for casual use, I think lots of users get good usage of out it.

Buddha Jones · 06-08-2008, 04:15 AM

I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out.

smf · 06-08-2008, 08:45 AM

Thanks to all for the advice.

squarerigger · 06-08-2008, 02:45 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out.

I would very much like to hear how you like this set-up after you have put it through its paces.

Gary

Igilligan · 06-08-2008, 03:08 PM

Originally posted by Buddha Jones

I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out.

I can't wait either.... Please give as a report as soon as you do some testing...

Thanks so much

06-07-2008, 09:03 AM	#1
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083	flash for close-up work I own a K100D. I'd welcome recommendations of a flash unit to buy or avoid. It would be used mostly for close-up photography of flowers and insects. One of Pentax's units — the AF360FGZ, for which a rebate is available — sounds good. But I am wondering whether the fact that it doesn't adjust side-to-side, only up and down) is a serious drawback for close-up work. (I own an old, rigid bracket for side-mounting of the flash.) I've also considered a ringlight and would welcome comments about specific units known to be compatible with K100D. Thanks very much

06-08-2008, 03:08 PM	#8
Igilligan Guest	I really want to hear your thoughts Originally posted by Buddha Jones I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out. I can't wait either.... Please give as a report as soon as you do some testing... Thanks so much

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06-07-2008, 04:35 PM	#2
yenemy Inactive Account Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 81	This is just my newbie impression (I haven't had a chance to do any close-up stuff with my flash yet), but I think with macro work you'll want to use off-camera lighting anyway (the AF360FGZ can be used wirelessly just fine, if I remember right). Unless you bounce/reflect the light (from a hotshoe flash) back down onto your subject, you're likely to get a shadow cast by your lens from that close up. Like I said, I am still in the beginning stages of learning -- though advancing just fine in LBA -- so take my advice with a big grain of salt

06-07-2008, 07:30 PM	#3
barondla Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: midwest, United States Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,714	Pentax 360 will work fine on camera for horizontal shots. The 360 head has the ability to point down (negative tilt). Have used one a lot. Can also take off camera with proper ttl cable. thanks barondla Enter POINT & SHOOT CONTEST #7 in P&S forum. Any camera type except slr. Any brand. Any subject. Ends tonight! Enter now.

06-07-2008, 08:09 PM	#4
mcjm78 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Perth, Australia Posts: 268	If you need flash for close up work, I think any old second hand flash will do, but you will need a wireless setup, such as the much talked about Cactus wireless flash trigger (very cheap!) from Ekbay, or FlashWaves (I've bought this, and it works really well!!) or Pocket Wizards (Pro price). For K100D, since you won't get wireless flash function from any of the Pentax P-ttl flash, you may as well going for the cheapest option.....unless you also thinking of using the 360 for general picture taking. Then get the 360 + a wireless flash trigger. Ekbay Cactus only cost less than $30 I think, and for casual use, I think lots of users get good usage of out it.

06-08-2008, 04:15 AM	#5
Buddha Jones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Charlotte, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,587	I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out.

06-08-2008, 08:45 AM	#6
smf Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Midland, MI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,083 Original Poster	Thanks to all for the advice.

06-08-2008, 02:45 PM	#7
squarerigger Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: James City County, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 322	Originally posted by Buddha Jones I ordered this setup about a week ago, Gadget Infinity :: Digital Camera :: Flash :: Wirelessly Triggered Macro Twin Flash Combo for DSLR / SLR. Should be here in a few weeks, I can't wait to test it out. I would very much like to hear how you like this set-up after you have put it through its paces. Gary