Question on flash lighting for macro

gustafson

Senior Member
While researching options to add lighting to my macro shots, I came across an intriguing idea of attaching a speedlite to a bracket along the length of the macro lens, such that the bulb sits at the front edge of the lens to light the subject (source: Up Close with Nature: 270EX for Macro - improved version.)

Anybody try something like this who could provide pointers? It occurred to me that I could try this with an SB700 alongside a 55 f3.5 (by itself, or on a PK-13), but needed ideas on fabricating a bracket to hold the SB700 in place. Figured I could use the pop up flash on my D7100 or D3300 to activate the SB700 (thus, eliminating the need for a TTL cable. Any thoughts on whether this might even work?) Thanks!


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RocketCowboy

Senior Member
I think the idea is to get the light close enough so that the camera lens and body don't cast a shadow over the subject.

Instead of mounting the speed light that close, you might search here for some of the diffusers that [MENTION=9753]Scott Murray[/MENTION] and others were working on to accomplish similar, while keeping the flash in the hot shoe.


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Ironwood

Senior Member
The biggest problem with having the flash right out there will be getting the diffusion right. You can mount the flash on the hotshoe, but most flashes sit too high for my liking, it makes your rig cumbersome when you attach a snoot/diffuser. There is a Nissen flash which has a very low profile that I have been wanting to buy for this purpose.

Have a read of Mark Berkery's Blog, its a very good read. There is a section on lighting in there somewhere, he gives pretty good details on what he uses and why. https://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/
 

gustafson

Senior Member
I think the idea is to get the light close enough so that the camera lens and body don't cast a shadow over the subject.

Instead of mounting the speed light that close, you might search here for some of the diffusers that [MENTION=9753]Scott Murray[/MENTION] and others were working on to accomplish similar, while keeping the flash in the hot shoe.


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Thanks for the pointer. I had considered the hotshoe route in the past, but need to revisit it. Ultimately, I'm looking for a solution that is quick to put together and tear down, portable, and affordable.


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gustafson

Senior Member
The biggest problem with having the flash right out there will be getting the diffusion right. You can mount the flash on the hotshoe, but most flashes sit too high for my liking, it makes your rig cumbersome when you attach a snoot/diffuser. There is a Nissen flash which has a very low profile that I have been wanting to buy for this purpose.

Have a read of Mark Berkery's Blog, its a very good read. There is a section on lighting in there somewhere, he gives pretty good details on what he uses and why. https://beingmark.com/macro-illustrated/

Good point on the diffusion. I read up further on the 275EX and turns out it is a smaller flash that is closer to the SB300/400 than the SB700. My thought was to use the stock diffuser or a silicone rubber cover, but I see how those might diffuse too well. Not sure why there aren't more commercial offerings to pipe the light over to the front of the lens (optic fibers come to mind) and diffuse it - seems like there's a market for that.

Thanks for the link also, will check it out!


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gustafson

Senior Member
I just use a ring flash that I bought for $60... then I don't have to worry about getting scotch tape and junk all over my stuff, :p

I was headed in that direction too, but then read somewhere that off-center lighting is preferable. Opinions, opinions lol


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Scott Murray

Senior Member
Lighting for macro is very much like portrait photography and depending on the flash set up and diffuser set up the outcome will differ. Also the distance from the subject will change the lighting along with ambient/natural light.
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
Mine has two tubes... one on each side...() <-- silly little pictograph. You can control the balance between the two so the light is more/less on whichever side you want...
 

Samo

Senior Member
Maybe try a bracket or flipper that puts the flash right above the lens? I guess it would be a Hollywood lighting pattern. Google it.

Disclaimer. I am not a micro shooter.
 

gustafson

Senior Member
Mine has two tubes... one on each side...() <-- silly little pictograph. You can control the balance between the two so the light is more/less on whichever side you want...

What model is your ring flash? Do you have an issue with ring-shaped catchlights in the photos, or is that a non-issue? Thanks!


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gustafson

Senior Member
Maybe try a bracket or flipper that puts the flash right above the lens? I guess it would be a Hollywood lighting pattern. Google it.

Disclaimer. I am not a micro shooter.

Thanks for the suggestion. Most of the brackets I've seen on the internet appear to add more bulk/size to the kit than I'd like, but perhaps that is the trade off.

Quick-Flip Flash Bracket Mount Light Shoe Holder for DSLR Camera &Speedlight | eBay

One intriguing solution I came across was a gooseneck-type arm that mounts on the hotshoe and allows the flash to be positioned as needed, but it has mixed reviews

https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Flexible-Off-camera-Different-Compatible/dp/B00XQRHQQ0



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jay_dean

Senior Member
The biggest problem with having the flash right out there will be getting the diffusion right. You can mount the flash on the hotshoe, but most flashes sit too high for my liking, it makes your rig cumbersome when you attach a snoot/diffuser.
So, do you use off camera flash?
 

Ironwood

Senior Member
So, do you use off camera flash?

No, I mostly use the onboard flash with a diffuser, but have also made a snoot/diffuser for my Yongnou 568, but I don't like using it due to its bulkiness.

The biggest issue I have is getting unnatural looking reflections in the eyes of my Jumping Spiders. I have found a bit of a happy medium that I can live with for now, but still want to improve things.

If you read through the blog I linked earlier, Mark has found what works for him, and he is happy to tell how. I think he calls it the "apparent light size".

Here are a few of my recent shots. Many more if you want to look through my 52's, 365, and Ironwoods Backyard Critter thread.
Some of my older shots have reflections that I don't like anymore.

DSC_5453.jpg


DSC_4491.jpg


DSC_4548.jpg
 

gustafson

Senior Member
No, I mostly use the onboard flash with a diffuser, but have also made a snoot/diffuser for my Yongnou 568, but I don't like using it due to its bulkiness.

The biggest issue I have is getting unnatural looking reflections in the eyes of my Jumping Spiders. I have found a bit of a happy medium that I can live with for now, but still want to improve things.

If you read through the blog I linked earlier, Mark has found what works for him, and he is happy to tell how. I think he calls it the "apparent light size".

Here are a few of my recent shots. Many more if you want to look through my 52's, 365, and Ironwoods Backyard Critter thread.
Some of my older shots have reflections that I don't like anymore.

View attachment 247601

View attachment 247602

View attachment 247603

Great shots! Can you share details/pics of your rig? And are these adjusted for exposure in post? Thx!


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Fred Kingston

Senior Member
What model is your ring flash? Do you have an issue with ring-shaped catchlights in the photos, or is that a non-issue? Thanks!


It's the Viltrox JY670

No, I don't have a problem with catchlights in the eyes because I use Portrait Pro... and edit the eyes for color saturation, and catchlight placement/shape...
 

Ironwood

Senior Member
Great shots! Can you share details/pics of your rig? And are these adjusted for exposure in post? Thx!


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I am not at my home computer so I cant post photos into this thread, but I posted some pics of my homemade snoot here , see post #27 -
https://nikonites.com/macro/31779-macro-using-cpl-filter-3.html

But this is what I normally use, because its quick and easy, its crude and a lot of people look at it and dismiss it as "that wont work very good", but I find it works pretty good. If I had time I would build something better, but my life is too busy, and when I have a few minutes to spare I just want to grab the camera and go. Photos on post #14 -
https://nikonites.com/macro/37390-best-lighting-option-macro-2.html

My next attempt will be a small low-profile flash that doesnt sit much higher than the built-in flash, and a snoot and diffuser set-up like Mark has detailed in his blog. The main issue with starting fresh again, is getting a pleasing looking reflection in the eyes.
 

jay_dean

Senior Member
No, I mostly use the onboard flash with a diffuser, but have also made a snoot/diffuser for my Yongnou 568, but I don't like using it due to its bulkiness.

The biggest issue I have is getting unnatural looking reflections in the eyes of my Jumping Spiders. I have found a bit of a happy medium that I can live with for now, but still want to improve things.

If you read through the blog I linked earlier, Mark has found what works for him, and he is happy to tell how. I think he calls it the "apparent light size".

Here are a few of my recent shots. Many more if you want to look through my 52's, 365, and Ironwoods Backyard Critter thread.
Some of my older shots have reflections that I don't like anymore.
I was just wondering as the method you currently use seems to work very well
 

Ironwood

Senior Member
I was just wondering as the method you currently use seems to work very well

And the good part is its free or low cost. My diffuser foam came from a dumpster. Scott Murray uses foam board from the hobby shop. His stuff is a bit thinner and more consistent in density, so maybe better, but mine was free :)
 
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