Macro: Do you generally use flash & tripod/monopod?

[skyhifi]

I just bought the Canon 100mm macro lens for my Canon 20D. Need to ask if people generally use flash and tripod/monopod to take those close up photos. I have got the Canon 420EX flash, but I think a direct flash will make the subject look 'hard'. Any suggestion what else do I need to get for the flash for those 'soft' lighting. Also, will a monopod suffice? Tried handheld but it is really a challange. My tripod is too heavy, so thinking of getting a light monopod.

Thanks in advance.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

monopod & ring flash... 2 basic items for me.

[skyhifi]

Hi Del_CtrlnoAlt. Would you be able to recommend which monopod and ring flash is good? Somehow, I would prefer short (when fully folded in) and light monopod. The Benro MC63 good enough?

Thanks.

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

for beginners, a trysistor ring flash would be good, the sunpax one, i had 1 of those, now with my mom while she learn to shoot macro with the f828.

if you get more advance, a ttl one from canon would be better. not sure which version, since i'm not a canon user.

for monopod, i have a giottos 1 before, its a screw release type, so its kinda slow, upgraded to a Manfrotto 685B Neotec, with a 322RC2, and a thumb driven AF shutter release. so i could adjust angle, focus and shoot with just 1 hand. so technically leaving the other hand for manual focusing or zooming. combo is not cheap, monopod is about 200 when i bought, and the 322 have surged to almost 200, and the af release is not easy to find...

[megaweb]

Originally Posted by skyhifi I just bought the Canon 100mm macro lens for my Canon 20D. Need to ask if people generally use flash and tripod/monopod to take those close up photos. I have got the Canon 420EX flash, but I think a direct flash will make the subject look 'hard'. Any suggestion what else do I need to get for the flash for those 'soft' lighting. Also, will a monopod suffice? Tried handheld but it is really a challange. My tripod is too heavy, so thinking of getting a light monopod. Thanks in advance.

Try 420EX with a diffuser like stofen Omni-Bounce , shoot direct with FE - 1

[skyhifi]

Originally Posted by megaweb Try 420EX with a diffuser like stofen Omni-Bounce , shoot direct with FE - 1

Thanks for the advise. I can give the Omni Bounce a try. How about the Gary Fong
Lightsphere? Is it any good?

Err...what is FE - 1?

[skyhifi]

Originally Posted by megaweb Try 420EX with a diffuser like stofen Omni-Bounce , shoot direct with FE - 1

Originally Posted by Del_CtrlnoAlt for beginners, a trysistor ring flash would be good, the sunpax one, i had 1 of those, now with my mom while she learn to shoot macro with the f828. if you get more advance, a ttl one from canon would be better. not sure which version, since i'm not a canon user. for monopod, i have a giottos 1 before, its a screw release type, so its kinda slow, upgraded to a Manfrotto 685B Neotec, with a 322RC2, and a thumb driven AF shutter release. so i could adjust angle, focus and shoot with just 1 hand. so technically leaving the other hand for manual focusing or zooming. combo is not cheap, monopod is about 200 when i bought, and the 322 have surged to almost 200, and the af release is not easy to find...

Wah, your mum so hip, also a photographer?

I hope not to spend so much money for the time being. Your recommendations sound good, but I got to watch my pocket.

[megaweb]

Originally Posted by skyhifi Thanks for the advise. I can give the Omni Bounce a try. How about the Gary Fong Lightsphere? Is it any good? Err...what is FE - 1?

Lightsphere is good but its size is big which may cause distraction to the little creatures.

Sorry should be FC -1, flash compensate -1

[Del_CtrlnoAlt]

Originally Posted by skyhifi Wah, your mum so hip, also a photographer? I hope not to spend so much money for the time being. Your recommendations sound good, but I got to watch my pocket.

nah, if i'm a hobbit, she is a newbie, and a super newbie...

she mainly shot around her garden for caterpillars and butterflies...

[Denosha]

A monopod and a flash (or 2) is a must for me.

[Scaglietti]

Monopod or tripod is a must-have for me.

Flash is on most of the time.

[ortega]

flash yes but sometimes you can get better shots with ambient light
so it depends on the situation

monopod, sometimes, it helps to keep the camera steady
i should use it more

[skyhifi]

Thanks for all the advise. So I guess I have to go and buy a monopod and flash liao (hopefully the ring flash). Oh well, money 'fly' again =)

Anymore monopod and flash to recommend? Have been trying to read up more on macro. Where can I purchase the Gary Fong Lightsphere for the Canon 420EX?

[skyhifi]

Eh ortega, you stay in Punggol also? I am at Punggol Central =)

[tltan]

You have a tripod. Use it. the heavier, the more stable. nothing beats a stable stand. =)

For me, just my camera, a tripod, a cable release and my eyes. no flash coz I have no flash yet.

Regards,
tltan