advice re equipment
 

Hi

I have a Canon 400D and wish to purchase flash for use with my macro photography. From the research that I have done so far the 430EX seems to be the best option within my price range but I need advice on what bracket, etc I should purchase so that I have the ability to move the flash to the end of the lens. The more I read the more confused I become. I am based in the UK so would need advise with regards to what is available here. Also do the brackets come with the cables that fit between the lens and the flash? I can't go daft on price. Newbie to photography so slightly in the dark!

Many thanks

KerryN

Hi there Kerry, Welcome to WPF - please enjoy the forum. I think we need to know a little more before you can be helped. I'm a long term Nikon user so am not very knowledgeable about Canon, but when you mention Macro Photography, what sort do you mean? Table Top home/studio set up? Or insects, flowers etc. as the system would be different. I know the 400D has a built in pop-up flash but I don't think it can be used as a flash controller - the 430EX however can be used as a wireless slave with various attachments, but they are not cheap. I'm sure some of our Canon users will pick this thread up and be more help, but I would try and expand on what I'm trying to capture to help them to help you. Please don't be put off - we all had to learn somehow and this site is probably the Carlsberg (best in the world) for that.

The cheapest thing I think is to buy the gun and a Canon Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2 which allows you to have the flash 0.6 metres away from the camera while retaining full automatic control of the flash. i.e. the same functions as if it was on the camera. If the camera is on a tripod then you could even hand hold the flash or use any bracket that will physically hold the gun in position. Have fun playing around before considering more expensive options.

Many thanks to both of you for your reply. I want to use it in the field for photographing flowers and insects. I have previously used the on camera flash but find this isn't adequate and I have now purchased an extension tube to use with my 105mm macro and also my 17-85mm lens. I wanted something that would take the flash to near the end of the lens as I have seen with many of the macro set ups. I have attached the sort of image that I take. I would really like both hands free and I won't necessarily be using a tripod.

KerryN

Kerry, that's a very good shot, if you want something towards the front of the lens then I think you are looking at a ring-flash - but these can give a very flat light. If it was a Nikon I would recommend a Nikon R1C1 flash unit - If you click this link - LINK http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/r1c1.htm
it will take you to a picture and explanation. I use one and Ken RocKwell Hasn't - it is a very good unit for what you want BUT I don't know if Canon have anything similar and the Nikon one is almost three times as expensive as the 430EX.

Kerry, you may find this thread of interest http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...hread.php?t=94

I tried various methods of lighting for macro and you can read about these plus other contributions.

I eventually bought, or should say my wife bought the Canon twin light macro flash, this is the way to go, but is a little expensive, there are a number of photos in my gallery, most of them taken using the Canon macro flash.

This is a link to one of them.
http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...500&ppuser=150

Harry

Very nice shot. Canon do two ring flashes one of which is very like that Nikon one (very expensive) and a more traditional one that is about half the price and half the power. Both can vary the power on one side or the other so there can be modelling with avoidance of that flat lighting Andy mentioned. Have a look on Canon's website for more details and then frighten yourself by looking at prices. Sigma do a slightly cheaper one but I don't think it is so versatile. I still think a simple (DIY?) bracket to bring the gun to your desired position and that cord would do the trick very well. Speed Graphic do a variety of suitable brackets by the way so look on their web site.

Many thanks for these replies. I shall read them again in the morning (brain has already gone to sleep).

KerryN

You could always go for cheap option :)
http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...ead.php?t=1860

Missed that thread at the time - a Don special! That DIY approach is the sort of thing I had in mind but I am nowhere near as constructive as Don.