Ring Light for Macro?

[bags27]

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As spring rolls around and hearts turns to flowers, I'm hoping to get back to macro with my Q.

 

I have to admit that I've rarely used add-on flash (my Fuji x100 has built-in), so I'm blissfully unaware of the complications.

 

I know that some enjoy this:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1030212-REG/canon_9389b002_mr_14ex_ii_macro_ring.html?sts=pi

 

But it's quite expensive and wondering if less expensive versions will work also, such as below. And, what exactly do I mean by "work"? Thanks so much.

 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1125848-REG/yongnuo_yn_14ex_c_ttl_led_macro_ring.html?

 

[jaapv]

I use that one professionally, on a Panasonic GX7. It works well.

[HeinzX]

Maybe a LED ring light could be a good solution for you. I use one of Kaiser in Germanyon my adapted Macro lenses from Canon on the SL, a R 60. Not too heavy and has a low price and does is job very well, as long as there is no danger of reflections. But with flowers this is not the case.

 

With my former Canon 5 D III I used a Macro flash from Canon, which worked fine on

this camera, but sold it when I bought the SL. But it was always a bit cumbersome to

use it an to store it afterwards.

Edited March 19, 2018 by HeinzX

[bags27]

I use that one professionally, on a Panasonic GX7. It works well.

Thanks. Do you mean the Canon on the Yongnuo?

[jaapv]

Yongnuo.  I use it for dental photography, which is about the same as macro.

[bags27]

Thanks. I don't know what those are, but will look into it!

Maybe a LED ring light could be a good solution for you. I use one of Kaiser in Germanyon my adapted Macro lenses from Canon on the SL, a R 60. Not too heavy and has a low price and does is job very well, as long as there is no danger of reflections. But with flowers this is not the case.

With my former Canon 5 D III I used a Macro flash from Canon, which worked fine on
this camera, but sold it when I bought the SL. But it was always a bit cumbersome to
use it an to store it afterwards.

[bags27]

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Yongnuo.  I use it for dental photography, which is about the same as macro.

I think it includes rings only as small as a 52mm. I assume I can use a step-up from the Q's 49? thanks.

[Leica Guy]

Check out the Macro thread. I’ve posted several messages and photos of my Q with a Canon MR-14 EX ring flash. In some situations such as flower photography its been very good. I use it in manual mode only, but that works fine.

[bags27]

Check out the Macro thread. I’ve posted several messages and photos of my Q with a Canon MR-14 EX ring flash. In some situations such as flower photography its been very good. I use it in manual mode only, but that works fine.

Thanks. Does the Canon require a step-up ring? 

[Leica Guy]

Yes, I had to buy an adapter from the ring to 49 mm threads. I found something at B&H and modified it. I think now you can buy it directly. As I remember you need the piece that fits the ring flash then you need an adapter to that from 49 mm threads. Send me a message if you need help.

 

The flash works fine, but only in manual mode. You can control the power of the flash or change the aperture for correct exposure.

Edited March 19, 2018 by Infiniumguy

[Leica Guy]

Here are the pics

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[bullmoon]

I'm going to try out the Polaroid Universal LED ring - supposed to come with 49mm-77mm adapters.  Won't be as nice as the Canon, I'm sure.. Will report back soon.

[bags27]

bump

[bullmoon]

So, I have only had time to play around with this for a few hours.

 

Pros:

1 - has all the adapters for numerous lenses including 49mm.

2 - LED and can be used as continuous or flash (flash is much brighter).

3 - can be set to left or right side only - not sure if this works for flash.

 

Cons.

1 - completely manual and will take a bit of experience to work out the ranges that make sense.  The adjustment range seems small though, so it should not be too hard to sort out.

2 - macro ring lighting with a 28mm lens may not be the best approach or certainly has challenges - keeping the reflected LED pattern out of the frame requires really close and careful framing!

3 - this is certainly aimed at shooting very small things very close, so the fall off is dramatic in otherwise poorly lit settings.

4 - adapter rings are plastic, threads and all, so some care is needed when attaching.

 

My first go at a flash like this, so I need to do more work with it - and am anxious to put it on my 100mm Macro/2.8 Canon too where I think it will be much better suited.

 

I'm going to try out the Polaroid Universal LED ring - supposed to come with 49mm-77mm adapters.  Won't be as nice as the Canon, I'm sure.. Will report back soon.

[bags27]

Thanks so much!

Maybe something like this would work a little easier with the 28mm lens, with a step up from 49 to 52. of course, it costs a lot more.

YONGNUO YN24EX TTL Macro Ring Flash/ LED Macro Flash Speedlite with 2 PCS Flash Head and 4 PCS Adapter Rings for Canon