Canon MR-14EX – worth the cost for macro?

[fguihen]

January 15, 2013 at 10:22 pm

Apologies for posting in the macro forum, but i thought it was the best chance of getting a rsponse from someone who actually owns this flash.

im thinking of getting the Canon MR-14EX. My problem is though that its very costly for an item with such a limited use, i.e in macro images. i cant really use it around my 24-70 F2.8 L and even if it fit, it isnt particularly powerful at any distance.

So, my question is, anyone who does macro, have you purchased this flash and did it have a significant effect on the quality of your work?
Or, did you go for a cheaper option and find it better, or just end up getting the cannon ringlite in the end?

Thanks!

[steelydan]

January 16, 2013 at 4:27 pm

I had this flash a while back and must say that i would not do macro photography ,without a flash nowadays. I am a strong believer in buying the right tools for the job. I have wasted so much money on “Cheaper alternatives” (in this case LED constant lighting,ebay) and you are just fooling yourself. The only drawback for the ringflash is that you have the “ring” reflection in any insects that have a shiny surface, it never bothered me but some people really into macro, did not like it. When you are working in dark areas or on days when there is not must light, the flash will assist you in getting that shot.

You have to ask yourself,will you shoot macro much. If you are a occasional macro shooter then maybe not.

Second hand they are not too bad, I have upgraded since then to the MR-24EX, twice the price,but invaluable

MR-14EX ( Note the ring reflection on the leaf and the ants abdomen)

MR-24EX

[miki g]

January 16, 2013 at 5:19 pm

I agree with John.
For the occasional macro shot, not worth getting it. Some people take excellent macro shots using off-camera flash on reduced power & there are a whole load of homemade setups which can work successfully, so if you already have a speedlight, there is not much point in splashing out on the MR-14EX, unless you plan on doing lots of macro. The round highlights can be annoying too.

PS Excellent shot of the fly.