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bwield · 04-05-2009, 02:38 PM

Good day all....
With spring coming up I have one thing on my mind... MACRO!
Im sure this is not unusual, but for me its exciting because its my first real Spring with any sort of photographic knowledge or gear.
I learned last year that I have a great affinity to macro photog, and this leads me to my question...

I have always just used natural light for macro. What advantages will I be getting if I buy an external flash for macro use **i have never used an external flash
Is using a flash much better than natural light? And is it something essential to achieving a next level in macro photography?
Should I be looking at the pentax Ring flash? 360? 540? or the Sigma 530dg?

Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated!

kristoffon · 04-05-2009, 06:19 PM

Shooting macro you want to close the lens to f/16 or more to get good DOF. A good flash lets you shoot handheld without shake and at low ISO. I even got good results with a coffee filter over the camera's own flash, but it's really not powerful enough.

Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens + Flash Diffuser on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

A photo taken with the coffee filter diffuser:

On a green throne on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

bwield · 04-05-2009, 06:41 PM

Thanks for the links, thats a pretty nice idea with the Coffee filter.
I noticed you said in your flickr comments that you would need a stronger flash,
I guess thats a reason for getting an off camera flash. As well as varying the position of the flash....

OregonJim · 04-07-2009, 01:54 PM

A ring flash will give you extremely flat, even lighting. Good for certain product shots, like highly reflective jewelry and coins, but boring for plants, flowers, bugs, and other living things. You'll get better results with side flash and a reflector.

**Ron Boggs** · 04-07-2009, 02:38 PM

Macro and flash make a great pair! One issue you may find is getting the flash pointed at a spot so near the camera. Just on the normal shoe, the flash will shoot quite a bit above the spot that your macro lens focuses as 1:1.

If cost is no object, check Really Right Stuff for a variety of flash brackets that allow you not only to point the flash where you need to, but also to alter the angle of the light to "plan" your shadows.

Like the other posts, I like to use a diffuser to moderate the flash burst. I use Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers. They are cheap and stow easily in the kit. These types of bounce products also help open up the "aim" of the flash making it less problematic at close focusing distances. One of my pocket bounce kits even has a gold and a silver reflector that fits the bouncer to change the quality of the light--gold for a warm effect, silver for popping specular highlights.

Many people use exposure compensation to reduce the amount of flash light and allow the image to be mostly naturally lit. Minus 1 exposure compensation (on the flash) works well for me. However, if you are taking a very close focused shot or a handheld shot you will want to use the flash as the only light source and will likely do best not using exposure comp. in those situations.

Have fun! As much fun as macro can be, adding flash capabilities will make it even funner because you'll have additional capabilities. Night macro anyone?

bwield · 04-07-2009, 03:17 PM

Right now I am looking at getting either the Pentax 360, or Sigma 530 Super.
With the idea of putting a small soft box over it and using it of camera on a tripod.
For anything but insects I think this would work,
any thoughts?

Damn Brit · 04-07-2009, 03:18 PM

For off camera flash use, I have found the Gorilla Pod SLR to be useful. The head is removable and a replacement head is available so that you can attach your flash. Of course your flash must have the capability to be triggered remotely.

bwield · 04-07-2009, 03:25 PM

thats a good idea, I hadnt thought about the Gorilla Pod. Also versitile.
I beleive both the Sigma and 360 can be used wirelessly

GerryL · 04-08-2009, 07:36 AM

The only thing to be wary about if you have a macro lens that has the subject too close to the lens, the on board flash won't work as it will create a shadow of the lens on the subject.
With these types of lens, it is better to use the macro ring flash.
Either that or get another lens that will let you take the shot a little farther out to prevent lens shadows.

kristoffon · 04-09-2009, 11:37 AM

Originally posted by GerryL

The only thing to be wary about if you have a macro lens that has the subject too close to the lens, the on board flash won't work as it will create a shadow of the lens on the subject.
With these types of lens, it is better to use the macro ring flash.
Either that or get another lens that will let you take the shot a little farther out to prevent lens shadows.

If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow

jeffkrol · 04-09-2009, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by bwield

Good day all....
With spring coming up I have one thing on my mind... MACRO!
Im sure this is not unusual, but for me its exciting because its my first real Spring with any sort of photographic knowledge or gear.
I learned last year that I have a great affinity to macro photog, and this leads me to my question...

I have always just used natural light for macro. What advantages will I be getting if I buy an external flash for macro use **i have never used an external flash
Is using a flash much better than natural light? And is it something essential to achieving a next level in macro photography?
Should I be looking at the pentax Ring flash? 360? 540? or the Sigma 530dg?

Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated!

Promaster makes some good off camera flash cables......
Promaster

GerryL · 04-09-2009, 02:09 PM

Originally posted by kristoffon

If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow

I'll have to try this one 'coz I always had a problem with shadows with the on-board flash.
Thanks a lot for this idea. I hope it works!

bwield · 04-09-2009, 05:36 PM

Reading some recent threads about the failings about PTTL... There are lots of older TTL flashes available out there.
For these I would need a cable to connect the flash ( to use off camera) and I assume they would have to be TTL compatible, as the ones on the pentax websites say they are only good for more recent flashes.
PENTAX Off-Camera Shoe Adapter F - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

**NaClH2O** · 04-11-2009, 06:27 AM

Originally posted by kristoffon

If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow

I've found this gizmo to be quite handy
PUFFER Gary Fong The Puffer, Pop-up Flash Diffuser
It's small so it fits into my bag easily, and relatively inexpensive (tho not as cheap as a coffee filter) and best of all gives good results. I have a 540 flash, but sometimes it's a pita to get it out and set it up, this little gizmo snaps into place quickly and does the job nicely.

NaCl(but you will get wierd looks if you leave it on your camera)H2O

RioRico · 04-12-2009, 08:20 PM

I bought a 360AF with my K20D, and a ringflash (Phoenix RL-59P) cheap on eBay. I set the 360AF to wireless, put it on a bracket to the side, generally mount a diffuser, and get the best of both worlds. And for a cheap onboard flash diffuser, go to a dollar store and buy a set of infants' sox, the thinner the better. A coffee filter is cheaper but wears out sooner.

04-05-2009, 02:38 PM	#1
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444	Macro Photography + Flash Good day all.... With spring coming up I have one thing on my mind... MACRO! Im sure this is not unusual, but for me its exciting because its my first real Spring with any sort of photographic knowledge or gear. I learned last year that I have a great affinity to macro photog, and this leads me to my question... I have always just used natural light for macro. What advantages will I be getting if I buy an external flash for macro use **i have never used an external flash Is using a flash much better than natural light? And is it something essential to achieving a next level in macro photography? Should I be looking at the pentax Ring flash? 360? 540? or the Sigma 530dg? Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated!

04-07-2009, 03:17 PM	#6
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444 Original Poster	Right now.... Right now I am looking at getting either the Pentax 360, or Sigma 530 Super. With the idea of putting a small soft box over it and using it of camera on a tripod. For anything but insects I think this would work, any thoughts?

04-11-2009, 06:27 AM	#14
NaClH2O Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bronx NY Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,631	popup diffuser Originally posted by kristoffon If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow I've found this gizmo to be quite handy PUFFER Gary Fong The Puffer, Pop-up Flash Diffuser It's small so it fits into my bag easily, and relatively inexpensive (tho not as cheap as a coffee filter) and best of all gives good results. I have a 540 flash, but sometimes it's a pita to get it out and set it up, this little gizmo snaps into place quickly and does the job nicely. NaCl(but you will get wierd looks if you leave it on your camera)H2O

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04-05-2009, 06:19 PM	#2
kristoffon Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brazil Posts: 532	Shooting macro you want to close the lens to f/16 or more to get good DOF. A good flash lets you shoot handheld without shake and at low ISO. I even got good results with a coffee filter over the camera's own flash, but it's really not powerful enough. Vivitar 100mm f/2.8 Macro Lens + Flash Diffuser on Flickr - Photo Sharing! A photo taken with the coffee filter diffuser: On a green throne on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

04-05-2009, 06:41 PM	#3
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444 Original Poster	Thanks for the links, thats a pretty nice idea with the Coffee filter. I noticed you said in your flickr comments that you would need a stronger flash, I guess thats a reason for getting an off camera flash. As well as varying the position of the flash....

04-07-2009, 01:54 PM	#4
OregonJim Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon Posts: 1,327	A ring flash will give you extremely flat, even lighting. Good for certain product shots, like highly reflective jewelry and coins, but boring for plants, flowers, bugs, and other living things. You'll get better results with side flash and a reflector.

04-07-2009, 02:38 PM	#5
Ron Boggs Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: MT Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,350	Macro and flash make a great pair! One issue you may find is getting the flash pointed at a spot so near the camera. Just on the normal shoe, the flash will shoot quite a bit above the spot that your macro lens focuses as 1:1. If cost is no object, check Really Right Stuff for a variety of flash brackets that allow you not only to point the flash where you need to, but also to alter the angle of the light to "plan" your shadows. Like the other posts, I like to use a diffuser to moderate the flash burst. I use Lumiquest Pocket Bouncers. They are cheap and stow easily in the kit. These types of bounce products also help open up the "aim" of the flash making it less problematic at close focusing distances. One of my pocket bounce kits even has a gold and a silver reflector that fits the bouncer to change the quality of the light--gold for a warm effect, silver for popping specular highlights. Many people use exposure compensation to reduce the amount of flash light and allow the image to be mostly naturally lit. Minus 1 exposure compensation (on the flash) works well for me. However, if you are taking a very close focused shot or a handheld shot you will want to use the flash as the only light source and will likely do best not using exposure comp. in those situations. Have fun! As much fun as macro can be, adding flash capabilities will make it even funner because you'll have additional capabilities. Night macro anyone?

04-07-2009, 03:18 PM	#7
Damn Brit Guest	For off camera flash use, I have found the Gorilla Pod SLR to be useful. The head is removable and a replacement head is available so that you can attach your flash. Of course your flash must have the capability to be triggered remotely.

04-07-2009, 03:25 PM	#8
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444 Original Poster	thats a good idea, I hadnt thought about the Gorilla Pod. Also versitile. I beleive both the Sigma and 360 can be used wirelessly

04-08-2009, 07:36 AM	#9
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	The only thing to be wary about if you have a macro lens that has the subject too close to the lens, the on board flash won't work as it will create a shadow of the lens on the subject. With these types of lens, it is better to use the macro ring flash. Either that or get another lens that will let you take the shot a little farther out to prevent lens shadows.

04-09-2009, 11:37 AM	#10
kristoffon Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Brazil Posts: 532	Originally posted by GerryL The only thing to be wary about if you have a macro lens that has the subject too close to the lens, the on board flash won't work as it will create a shadow of the lens on the subject. With these types of lens, it is better to use the macro ring flash. Either that or get another lens that will let you take the shot a little farther out to prevent lens shadows. If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow

04-09-2009, 01:47 PM	#11
jeffkrol Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wisconsin USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,434	Originally posted by bwield Good day all.... With spring coming up I have one thing on my mind... MACRO! Im sure this is not unusual, but for me its exciting because its my first real Spring with any sort of photographic knowledge or gear. I learned last year that I have a great affinity to macro photog, and this leads me to my question... I have always just used natural light for macro. What advantages will I be getting if I buy an external flash for macro use **i have never used an external flash Is using a flash much better than natural light? And is it something essential to achieving a next level in macro photography? Should I be looking at the pentax Ring flash? 360? 540? or the Sigma 530dg? Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated! Promaster makes some good off camera flash cables...... Promaster

04-09-2009, 02:09 PM	#12
GerryL Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: CA Posts: 2,731	Originally posted by kristoffon If you put a coffee filter over your on board flash, that'll take care of the shadow I'll have to try this one 'coz I always had a problem with shadows with the on-board flash. Thanks a lot for this idea. I hope it works!

04-09-2009, 05:36 PM	#13
bwield Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 444 Original Poster	Reading some recent threads about the failings about PTTL... There are lots of older TTL flashes available out there. For these I would need a cable to connect the flash ( to use off camera) and I assume they would have to be TTL compatible, as the ones on the pentax websites say they are only good for more recent flashes. PENTAX Off-Camera Shoe Adapter F - Official PENTAX Imaging Web Site

04-12-2009, 08:20 PM	#15
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	I bought a 360AF with my K20D, and a ringflash (Phoenix RL-59P) cheap on eBay. I set the 360AF to wireless, put it on a bracket to the side, generally mount a diffuser, and get the best of both worlds. And for a cheap onboard flash diffuser, go to a dollar store and buy a set of infants' sox, the thinner the better. A coffee filter is cheaper but wears out sooner.

Macro Photography + Flash

Win a Pentax Limited Lens: Raffle Now Live!