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Thread: Please help me choose a macro flash

  1. #1
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    Default Please help me choose a macro flash

    I have a Canon 180mm f/3.5 macro and I am looking to get a flash for it, mainly to increase the DOF. I also plan to get the MP-E 65mm sometime in the future.

    How does the Canon MT-24EX Macro Twin Lite Ringlite Flash work with the 180mm macro? any other suggestions?

    I'm shooting with a Canon 50D.

    Thanks,

  2. #2
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    Hi, Ken. I don't like the twin flash with the longer macro lenses, particularly if shooting with a 1.6x body. The reason is that the longer working distance places the flashes too far away from the subject, meaning that your flashes effectively become a harsh point source of light (think midday sun as opposed to a cloudy day where the sky acts as a large softbox). A 580 EX or 430 EX with an off-camera cord would work much better with the 180 mm macro in my opinion.

    The twin flash would, however, be a great unit to use with the MP-E 65 mm lens because the decreased working distance now makes your little macro flash heads relatively large light sources.

    I use the twin flash with a Canon 100 mm macro and have diffusers over the heads. I also rarely use both flash heads on the lens ring, preferring instead to hold one off-camera for more creative lighting.

    You may find quite a few people that use the twin flash with the 180 but in my honest opinion the results look quite "flashed."

    I hope this helps.
    Cheers,
    Greg Basco

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    BPN Member Steve Maxson's Avatar
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    Hi Ken. I have used the MT-24 flash unit with the Canon 180 mm, 100 mm, and MP-E 65 mm macro lenses. Greg's comments above are very much in line with my own experience.

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