Macro Work - Flash Required

martinturner · 29 Jan 2010 at 11:53

I have decided to delve a little deeper into macro photography; thus far I have only shot the occasional flower, insect and some other crazy experimental stuff. Whilst I have got pretty good results I have always been reliant on natural light.

I own a Nikon D90, Sigma 105mm and have just bought a Raynox MSN-202 to get 'very' close 2:1ish (I think). Given the fact I am getting much closer I think its a necessity to be using a flash. This is an area I have not got a clue about. I want to keep the price down as for me; other than the occasional portrait the main purpose will be for macro work. I am going to also get a bracket so it can be attached off the shoe (is that what its called), by way of a wire. I am thinking of diffusing with a Lumiquest Mini Soft Box.

So questions ...
1. My camera limits me to 1/200 of a second for using the flash. Is this just for the onboard or a limitation regardless of which flash is used?
2. I was looking at a SB400/SB600 any reason why I should go for one over the other?
3. Does both the SB400/SB600 come with one of those wires that allow you to use it off camera by way of a bracket.
4. I am considering buying one of those off-camera multi flash kits at a later date so I can use a couple of flashes for further macro stuff. Given you can use much cheaper flashes and fire them wirelessly, could I just get a kit and a cheapish flash thats compatible and it will do the job?
5. Are there any alternative flashes other than the Nikon ones which I should consider.
6. If shooting insects or water drops; what do I need to know about when I should fire the flash? Any advice on this welcomed. I did have a look online but most stuff was all geared towards portraits and I was hoping not to have to spend hours reading up on it. Perhaps I should?

Thanks all

martinturner · 29 Jan 2010 at 12:18

I considered ringflash, but its very expensive! Marimu offer a cheap alternative (~£110), but I cannot use that due to restriction of Raynox clip on lens blocking the attachment.

Basically, I have seen some pretty impressive shots by someone who has used a Canon 450D, 100mm Macro and a Raynox lens clipped on and I would like to do the same. The Marimu has cost me £50 and they hold their value so even if its rubbish, I will just offload and would have lost a tenner or so. Worth a punt.

martinturner · 29 Jan 2010 at 14:44

Very useful responses guys, thank you!

I think I am leaning towards the SB600. I will sit tight for a week or so as it would be interesting to hear from famas in particular and equally anyone else who can advise with their experience and also with regard to the other questions.

Thanks again though, much appreciated. Clearly explained too, not very often I understand the techie garb first time round :-)

martinturner · 1 Feb 2010 at 14:12

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Now given how much it costs I am going to have to wait 4/5 months before I can make such a purchase.

With that being the case, I was thinking I could afford something a bit cheaper if there was something available. Perhaps not quite as good as say the Nikon, but will at least get me up and running. So ...

£50
Sigma EF-500 ST Electronic Flash for Nikon AF SLR
New, boxed Sigma EF-500 ST TTL electronic flash dedicated for use with Nikon autofocus SLR cameras.
Guide number 50 (ISO 100/m)
Recycling time 4-6 seconds
Number of flashes 100-220 aprox
Bounce up 60, 75, 90 degrees down 7 degrees
Swivel right 60, 75, 90 degrees left 60, 75 , 90, 120, 150, 180 degrees
Built-in wide panel
Complete with case
Uses 4 AA batteries (not supplied)

£80
Jessops 360AFD Digital Flashgun for Nikon
Guide number 36m/ISO 100
Bounce and swivel adjustment
Built in diffuser and reflector
Backlit LCD display
Autofocus assist light
Auto/manual Powerzoom settings
24/28/35/50/70/85mm Head Settings
5 Level power ratio : 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16
Trigger Voltage : 6V
Requires 4 x AA batteries

I am contemplating the latter. What are the differences with that versus a SB400/600 for example?

What are your thoughts?

martinturner · 3 Feb 2010 at 08:35

Cheers guys. After a little more research and a good old look over at talkphotography forums; I keep hearing good things about ... (Yongnuo) YN-465 TTL Flash Speedlite.

Has anyone here used them? Any good, and most importantly, how would they compare to the Jessops and Sigma flashes I listed above?

Much appreciated :-)

martinturner · 3 Feb 2010 at 10:42

£40 new?!? I can only see them for £50 on the bay? or did you round down ;-)