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Ring Flash for Macro?
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I was wondering do many people on here use a ring flash for there macro work?
I’ve been looking at a Sigma 140 DG but can’t find much on it, also i have a Nikon D80 and i’m not sure on compatibility.. although i do have a macro 105mm lens but i find poor results without a flash and sometimes bad results with the built in flash…. mostly my photo’s look either too dark or only some of the subject is in focus because of DOF.
i find that i’m waiting on sunny days (few and far between) so i have enough light… i suppose another question is…. will a ring flash help me improve my depth of field or is there some other trick i don’t know about…. any information would be greatly appreciatedI’m in the market for a ring flash at the moment myself.
Have you looked into the SB200s? link
The only thing that’s putting me off them is that they use CR123 batteries which can be quite expensive so I’m going to look into a rechargeable option for them.
You can definitely get a Sigma 140 DG which is compatible with Nikon cameras. It uses AA batteries but is a lot bulkier than the R1 system mentioned above. I’m sure it’s quite good.
A ringflash will undoubtedly inprove your control over depth of fiel as you’ll have more direct light pointed at your subject. You could also try moving up your ISO of course to allow you use a narrower aperture.
SB200s would be a good choice, but i thought that as i have a sigma macro lens that the sigma 140 would be a better choice. the CR123 batteries would be a pain and that alone would stop me from purchasing the SB200… thanks for the info on the betteries, i honestly didn’t think of checking that. If you do find some rechargeable option let me know.
Also i’ll play around with the ISO
Thanks :)
http://www.batteryjunction.com/4parc390reli.html – Rechargeable CR123s
I read something about rechargeable CR123s not being as reliable or something. I haven’t really looked into it too much to be honest (laziness).
I don’t think it should matter what brand your lens is. I think you should be able to attach the SB 200s to the front of the Sigma 105mm but perhaps not.
i don’t really mind if they aren’t reliable if they are easily come by, i’ve been doing some searching on the CR123’s… Maplin’s UK web site have rechargeable CR123’s and they have a shop in Blanchardstown, so i might check if i can get them there, and if so i’ll look deeper into the SB-R200
Thanks for your help
No worries. Let me know if you come to any conclusions about the SB 200s and CR123s.
I have to say i’m being pulled towards the Sigma 140 DG and my reasons are mostly, the sigma is cheaper and seems easier to come by for some reason?? also it takes 4 AA batteries, even though i can get rechargeble CR123s, and i have found out that you can use the sigma with an SB800 on remote wireless, which is great! :) …. so i’m on the lookout now
thanks again for you’re input bingbongbiddley
Hi guys
I have the R1C1 ccmmander macro kit, its great, very versatile, used mainly on a sigma 105 macro. Don’t worry about the CR123a batteries, the set in my kit now has done over 500 flashes and still going. The batteries are cheap enough if you buy from speedgraphic or 7dayshop 1.20 to 2.00 pounds each, if you buy locally from a chemist or photo shop I would think they cost 5-10 euros each. I have not seen any rechargeable ones for a long time, but will try a set out at some point as I prefer to recharge where ever possible.
cheers
Phil
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