Macro/Flash set up

fixXxer · 10-07-2015 11:49am #1

So. I have a Sigma 105mm Macro lens on my Nikon D3300. I think I need to add a flash to help with my shots. I've been looking at different options but seem to be a bit stuck. The dream obviously is the Nikon R1C1, but its so very expensive that it will remain a dream.

I've seen an SB29 for pretty cheap. Its designed for film cameras though so I would have to learn how to use it manually. Is there a more cost effective option that this? I only have the flash on the camera at the moment. I was looking at some of the cheaper LED options but they seem to be pretty weak when compared to a proper flash.

Suggestions appreciated!

flyingsnail · 10-07-2015 12:25pm

By the flash on the camera do you mean a built in flash or a hot shoe flash that you can remove? If it is the latter then a simple off camera flash cord might be a cheaper solution.
Yongnuo do produce a macro flash that is about €100 but I can't seem to find a Nikon version online, and depending on your lens it may not fit as it only supports 52,58,62 and 67 mm threads.

fret_wimp2 · 10-07-2015 12:45pm

make one, cost a fiver or thereabouts:

http://www.fintangphotography.com/diying-to-improve-at-macro-a-cheap-custom-macro-flash-bracket/

fixXxer · 10-07-2015 12:56pm

Sorry, built in flash. The one that pops up!

That's an interesting suggestion. So just a regular flash and either hand hold it into position or use a bracket? I know nothing about flash set up so that would have never occurred to me.

fret_wimp2 · 10-07-2015 1:04pm

if you want to use the popup flash you will have to get creative. Any macro flash setups, even the ring flash that just "funnels" the light from your flash on the hot shoe, all use an external flash.

On my old panasonic I used a toilet roll insert lined with tin foil. This image shows a guy who done something similar:

fixXxer · 10-07-2015 1:07pm

I'm not against buying a speedlight I just didn't want to spend €800 on a set up.

Some of those home made idea's are work a think on.

kelly1 · 10-07-2015 2:34pm

Pringles can seems to be a good option:

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pringles-Can-Macro-Diffuser

Silva360 · 10-07-2015 6:47pm

fixxxer wrote: »

The dream obviously is the Nikon R1C1, but its so very expensive that it will remain a dream.

What about trying to find a used Nikon R1 without the SU800. You can use the pop up flash to trigger the units. It's a nice set up that I use for fungi and bugs...

fixXxer · 10-07-2015 8:59pm

Silva360 wrote: »

What about trying to find a used Nikon R1 without the SU800. You can use the pop up flash to trigger the units. It's a nice set up that I use for fungi and bugs...

Do you mean this?

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Flashes/R1-Wireless-Close-Up-Speedlight-System.html

pixbyjohn · 10-07-2015 10:25pm

Theses are cheap & cheerful>>>http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Meike-FC-100-Macro-Ring-Flash-Light-LED-for-Canon-Nikon-Pentax-Panasonic-Olympus-/150927429202?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2323f9ce52

Silva360 · 11-07-2015 8:53am

fixxxer wrote: »

Do you mean this?

http://www.nikonusa.com/en/Nikon-Products/Product/Flashes/R1-Wireless-Close-Up-Speedlight-System.html

Yes, sometimes you can find them at a reasonable used price. Depending on your budget of course. I find the flexibility of the R1 system very useful. You can take the flashes off the bracket and place then around the subject too.

There's a used one on WEX at the moment for £255.00. Still expensive (especially with the euro conversion) if your budget is small, but will get you closer to your 'dream' if you can afford it and is really what you want.

I should add that you really would want to be getting into macro in a serious way to spend that kind of money.....

Myksyk · 27-07-2015 12:25pm

There's a new Chinese offering which looks interesting ... the Kuangren Venus kx-800 which retails at $250-ish. Review here from Thomas Shahan (who always seems to use home-made flash solutions).

Cameraman · 05-08-2015 7:24pm

I use a few of the LED lights from Aldi for macro shots. The ones with 6 or 7 LEDs in a line. They're very bright - and allow a lot of flexibility in setting up shots.

I used to use a combination of strobe + reflectors - but found the LEDs more versatile.