What speedlite for XTI, macro & close-ups

[sandra_weber]

<p>Hi,<br>

I very much enjoy using my XTI, my canon 100 macro and canon 70-200 f4 for shooting hummingbirds. I also enjoy lots of other macro shooting. I spent much of last summer trying to perfect my hummingbird shots. Those hummingbirds are amazingly tolerant of us camera holding humans! Finally discovered that using the built-in flash on my XTI resulted in much better, tack sharp pictures. I am looking for recommendations as to whether a speedlite would be a better option. I have also seen the flashes especially made for macro lenses and am wondering if that would be the way to go. I was considering a speedlite because I thought it might also be good for indoor family and portrait shots.<br>

Thanks,<br>

Sandra</p>

[jamie_robertson2]

If you specialise in macro shots then the very expensive Canon MT-24EX flashes will be the ultimate solution. The cheapest option would be an out of production EX Speedlite such as the 380EX, 420EX, 550EX which are all excellent. After that it's the current line up of Speedlites like the 430EX and 580EX. Any of these options will be a huge leap up from your built in flash.

[steven_f1]

<p>For Humming birds you might want a flash that can control other flashes. That way the bird is lit from multiple sides and is illuminated evenly. The 580EX does this (it can work as a wireless master of other flashes) but it is a poor choice for macro photography. I looked at the B&H web site and based on a comment the MR-24EX flash can control multiple flashes. I am not sure if the MR-12EX (the B&H web page is not very specific on this). </p>

<p>So my suggestion is to get a macro flash that can be used as a wireless master of other flashes such as the 220EX, 430EX, and 580EX. Also note that to avoid blur of humming birds it is best if you don't use the flash a full power. At full power the 430EX and 580EX flashes produce a pulse of light that lasts approximately 1/170 of a second. That is not enough to freeze the wings of a humming bird. However at about 1/2 power the 430EX and 580EX will produce a pulse that lasts about 1/1000 of a second. At even lower power levels the light pulse is even shorter. I have no idea as to how long the light pulse is on the canon macro flashes or the built in flash on your camera.</p>

[alfonso_valdes]

<p>I would think at macro distances a 430 or 580 is too far off the axis of the lens. As Jamie says, you can get flash especially for macro shots (the model he mentions has a unit that mounts to the hot shoe and then two flash tubes that attach on either side and very close to the lens). I wonder what results would be if you had an ETTL cord and a 430 or 580 off camera but pointed at the macr subject?</p>

[derrickdehaan]

<p>I own the MT-24 EX and loves its capabilities. I use it to also fire my 580 EX II. The twin heads are removable form the lens mounting ring and have threaded inserts in them to allow you to set them up on little tripods and such. Very versitile! If you have any questions regaurding this flash, just ask. Its a great piece of kit. It even allows the hood to be mounted on the lens. (100mm macro anyway) Being able to get the heads further apart and adjust the output ratios allows for great modeling control as well.</p>

<p>Derrick</p>

[robin_sibson1]

<p>The MR-14EX (not MR-12EX) and MT-24EX behave in exactly the same way, in that either can act as a master flash controlling Groups A, B, C in the same way as a 550EX/580EX/580EXII. There are two significant differences: (i) there is no MASTER-OFF mode; and (ii) the 550EX/580EX/580EXII is in Group A, whereas the MR-14EX/MT-24EX has one tube in Group A and one in Group B.</p>

<p>I have seen reports that hummingbirds are so quick to react that the pre-flash can disturb them and by the time the main flash fires, they have moved. It sounds as if yours are better-behaved! A multiple-flash setup is certainly the next step along the road, and if you can afford the MT-24EX that might well be a good way to go. But it will not be particularly suitable for general-purpose use. The big Canon flashes (580EXII, 430EXII) can have problems reducing their output low enough for close-up work if they are on-camera, and you need to check that flash coverage is OK and the lens does not create a shadow. For what you are doing that should not be a problem. I don't know about the 430, but my venerable 550's allow the flash head to be redirected slightly downwards.</p>

[richard_crowe4]

<p>I use a 550ex (I once used the 420ex but, the 550ex gives better manual control) flash on a Siegelite bracket. This articulating bracket is excellent and can place the flash just about anywhere you wish. It is no longer available but, can be found used on eBay, usually for under $20 or so. I use a Lumiquestmini soft box. There are Chinese knock-offs of the Lumiquest on eBay also.</p><div></div>