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View Full Version : Flash/macro question

michaelb
04-09-2007, 10:51 AM
I realize that it is pathetic that I don't have a real flash yet, but I really like "natural light" photograhy; most of my photography is outdoors.

However, I have been thinking of picking of a 430EX for macro work (primarily flowers). I would love to get a macro-ring, but I just don't want to invest in one of these at the moment, plus the 430EX I could use for other types of photography.

How useful would a flash like th 430EX be for close-up/macro work vs the on-board flash? I realize that if I get too close then I will probably get a shadow from the lens, but my Sigma 50mm macro if pretty small.

Also, does anyone out there use reflectors for macro work?

Thanks in advance for your input guys.
nqjudo
04-09-2007, 12:14 PM
MichealB - Many people use the 430EX for macro. Some get by with it in the hot shoe but it depends on how far you are from your subject. A number of brackets are available to move the flash from the hot shoe position to the side and/or foreword. I have read a few articles about people using a flash with an off-shoe cord and no bracket. I guess this wold depend on how comfortable you are with the setup. Below is an interesting article that you might find useful.

http://sayersweb.com/photography/html/article-easy-macro.htm
nqjudo
04-09-2007, 12:21 PM
Here's another article on making your own flexible flash bracket on the cheap.

http://quiglag.com/blog/2007/03/30/diy-flexible-flash-bracket/
michaelb
04-09-2007, 05:58 PM
Thanks, the first link wasn't bad, but the second link was "page no longer available".
I'm not sure if I want to invest in a bracket....I don't want to make things too complicated.
Mark_48
04-09-2007, 06:46 PM
Had to backstep through his link, but I think this is what he was trying to get to.....

http://quiglag.com/category/diy/
nqjudo
04-09-2007, 09:01 PM
Yup. Sorry about the link. Thanks Mark!!
Quiglag
04-10-2007, 08:11 PM
My fault. I moved the directory, in trying to make my blog easier to use, but some things were not working out very well. Everything is moved back.
The above link will not work, this one will http://quiglag.com/blog/2007/03/30/diy-flexible-flash-bracket/

Let me know how the bracket works out for you, if you build one.
nqjudo
04-10-2007, 09:32 PM
Quiglag - pretty ingenious design. I don't really have a need for one but I might just build one for fun. Thanks.
michaelb
04-11-2007, 06:19 AM
My fault. I moved the directory, in trying to make my blog easier to use, but some things were not working out very well. Everything is moved back.
The above link will not work, this one will http://quiglag.com/blog/2007/03/30/diy-flexible-flash-bracket/

Let me know how the bracket works out for you, if you build one.

Very cool....I might just have to try this....thanks. I guess I would need a sync cable to do this though.
Quiglag
04-11-2007, 04:45 PM
Very cool....I might just have to try this....thanks. I guess I would need a sync cable to do this though.
A sync cable, or if your camera supports wireless flash, you could try that. I was using wireless flash the other day, this way I could get some front lighting, and some side lighting (bracket on the clamp). It all depends on what you are trying to do.