Flash for macro

robert52 · 08-18-2014, 05:27 AM

Hi I have a Sigma EF500 Super & my Pentax K10D & Sigma 28 /90 Macro lens & I was thinking of trying my hand at macro ( never done it before)
Has any 1 ever done macro with a normal hot shoe flash? I have a stand for the flash it a good tripod & remote for camera.
I was looking at cheap LED ring flashes on evilbay has any ever used them?
I cant afford a real ring flash ie Pentax / Sigma & some macro will be done in doors so stand for flash is ok but out doors not so good? I dont want to spend a fortune due macro could be a flash in the pan for me. I do landscapes some family & sports mainly
Any ideas etc Thanks

**TER-OR** · 08-18-2014, 05:35 AM - **1 Like**

I like the LED panels and rings - they let you meter through the lens.

There's a macro sub-forum here, have a look there - lots of great ideas for flash directors, diffusers etc.

I'm usually outdoors in the garden or in the prairies, so I rely on sunlight. I'm usually too busy chasing bees to bother with reflectors, though I probably should use one.

**Digitalis** · 08-18-2014, 05:36 AM - **1 Like**

you don't really need specialized ring flash units to do good macro work - Wireless flash is by far the most versatile tool for macrophotography. If you have a good flash stand and know how to trigger your flashes wirelessly there is practically no limit to what can be done.

Backlit leaf - Pentax K10D - Sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX with wireless AF540FGZ

**baro-nite** · 08-18-2014, 06:47 AM - **1 Like**

One of the nice things about macro flash is that you only need a small diffuser to create beautifully soft light. This was shot with the pop-up flash on a K10D, with a diffuser attached to the lens (you can see the reflection of the diffuser in the spider's eyes):

Unregistered User · 08-18-2014, 07:07 AM - **1 Like**

Don't waste your money on a cheap LED ringflash gadget. I went that way and regretted the purchase soon enough. I use my Tamron 90mm with a regular flash mounted on the camera. Works excellently for me. And yes: this way I can do 1:1 macro with no problems.

robert52 · 08-18-2014, 07:09 AM

Thanks for that all I didnt see there was a macro sub section. For the time I will just use my Sigma with a soft diffuser I have that

**TER-OR** · 08-18-2014, 07:47 AM - **1 Like**

BTW, the LED panels are just extra light, which can help whether you use a flash or not.

08-18-2014, 05:27 AM	#1
robert52 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: At the pimple of bum of life Posts: 264	Flash for macro Hi I have a Sigma EF500 Super & my Pentax K10D & Sigma 28 /90 Macro lens & I was thinking of trying my hand at macro ( never done it before) Has any 1 ever done macro with a normal hot shoe flash? I have a stand for the flash it a good tripod & remote for camera. I was looking at cheap LED ring flashes on evilbay has any ever used them? I cant afford a real ring flash ie Pentax / Sigma & some macro will be done in doors so stand for flash is ok but out doors not so good? I dont want to spend a fortune due macro could be a flash in the pan for me. I do landscapes some family & sports mainly Any ideas etc Thanks

08-18-2014, 05:36 AM - 1 Like	#3
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	you don't really need specialized ring flash units to do good macro work - Wireless flash is by far the most versatile tool for macrophotography. If you have a good flash stand and know how to trigger your flashes wirelessly there is practically no limit to what can be done. Backlit leaf - Pentax K10D - Sigma 180mm f/3.5 APO EX with wireless AF540FGZ Last edited by Digitalis; 08-18-2014 at 06:02 AM.

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08-18-2014, 05:35 AM - 1 Like	#2
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	I like the LED panels and rings - they let you meter through the lens. There's a macro sub-forum here, have a look there - lots of great ideas for flash directors, diffusers etc. I'm usually outdoors in the garden or in the prairies, so I rely on sunlight. I'm usually too busy chasing bees to bother with reflectors, though I probably should use one.

08-18-2014, 06:47 AM - 1 Like	#4
baro-nite Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: North Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,294	One of the nice things about macro flash is that you only need a small diffuser to create beautifully soft light. This was shot with the pop-up flash on a K10D, with a diffuser attached to the lens (you can see the reflection of the diffuser in the spider's eyes):

08-18-2014, 07:07 AM - 1 Like	#5
Unregistered User Guest	Don't waste your money on a cheap LED ringflash gadget. I went that way and regretted the purchase soon enough. I use my Tamron 90mm with a regular flash mounted on the camera. Works excellently for me. And yes: this way I can do 1:1 macro with no problems.

08-18-2014, 07:09 AM	#6
robert52 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: At the pimple of bum of life Posts: 264 Original Poster	Thanks for that all I didnt see there was a macro sub section. For the time I will just use my Sigma with a soft diffuser I have that

08-18-2014, 07:47 AM - 1 Like	#7
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	BTW, the LED panels are just extra light, which can help whether you use a flash or not.

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