Originally posted by andrewjoseph
forgive my ignorance, but why off camera for macro?
To start with, with a longish macro lens and a very close subject, the subject may be in the shadow cast by the lens. Secondly, you may want a less flat look by placing the flash to one side.
I have a short Vello P-TTL cord that allows me to use the flash off-camera at arms length, which also works well.
A ring flash is also good for macro, but can seem rather flat if not supplemented by significant lighting from the side.