Normal flash for Macro?

[Gingerbread Man]

I have the Canon 100mm macro lens that I just don't use enough. I hate using tripods and mines worse than bad as it stands anyway. Prefer to use the monopod.

Now as I don't want to be tied down to a tripod, ring flashes seem to be the way to shoot hand held and capture the moment.

Guess what, I don't have a ring flash either!....but I have seen setup's where a normal horseshoe mounted flash is used, either tied to the lens via an elastic band or on an arm as pictured below.

Now is this method of macro lighting any good? I'd be happy to buy a cheap off camera flash and have a play as I could use it for other occasions as opposed to a ring flash where it has only one real calling.

Worth a punt on ebay for a flash and extension cable?

[4hero]

Have a look over at POTN, there's some pretty interesting setups with some great advice and tips. I have never tried the off camera flash, but I'm sure you will still get some directional shadow from one side. I opted for the MT-24EX, if you are really interested in macro, then something like this is the perfect choice (works with the Canon 100mm f2.8 also).



Feel free to have a look at my flickr from some examples with the above, if you are interested.

Edited by 4hero on Sunday 22 June 16:12

[Gingerbread Man]

What was your setup before you had the new flash and lens? You used to use the 100mm Macro didn't you?

I liked the idea of the standard flash as I could use it for macro fun and also taking normal photos. This is also the cheaper idea and if it didn't work out I haven't really lost out as I can use the flash for other things.

With a macro specific setup flash, if it didn't work out macro wise, I'd be stuck with the setup (then having to sell) and the higher additional cost in the first place. I'm still on rung one in the macro world.

[4hero]

I just use the Canon 430EX and sto-fen omnibounce with the 100mm, never really looked into the off camera stuff. The MT-24 is a bit limited, mind you, you can take the flashes of and use it for macro studio work and use it as a trigger for wireless speedlights.

[Gingerbread Man]

Here I was thinking I could get a cheap flash for £60.

Looks like I'll have to up the budget. 430 second hand on ebay for £100 + ish.

[RobDickinson]

Checkout strobist blog on self build ring flashes, lotta designes on there, they seem to work fine.

[bramley]

I made a ring flash, looks turd but works fairly well. I posted about it so you could try a search on here.

Dave