Slave flash

[TheBull1875]

Put this on beginner's help as I suppose I am a beginner with this :-)

What, realistically do I need for close up work with respect to flash? I have one of these nice wee mini studio thingummybobs but still getting shadows (albeit small ones). I therefore reckon I have to have lighting sources at the sides (or top) as well? I cannot for the life of me remember what I did many years ago with my old pre digital cameras for using slave flash. I cannot even find my old camera bag that had all my OM gear in it

Also, I suppose related, what is a pretty good macro lens for the Nikon D90? Nothing over expensive mind :-)

[Ian]

Re: Slave flash

A very typical macro flash set up would have two heads on either side of the subject. The flash units would need variable power as you don't need that much power for macro work.

I'll dig out a shot of a setup I have (thanks to our hire business!) but have yet to use...

Ian

[Ian]

Re: Slave flash

Here it is:



Ian

[Patrick]

Re: Slave flash

Here it is:



Ian

Looks a good setup Ian.

Here is mine with a Sigma f2.8 105mm Macro lens and Sigma ring flash I can recommend both, there are Nikon versions off both.

The Ring flash is highly controllable, including left and right independent light control, plus you well you name it.

As a matter of interest I have used this setup for Head & Shoulder portrait to great effect.

Patrick

[Jimindenver]

Re: Slave flash

Wow Ian, that's the Oly twin flash. That's huge!

I use the Oly ringflash that is about the size of the Sigma shown but not as adjustable side to side.



My most used set up is the home brewed foam ring flash. A small flash fired into a roam ring as a diffuser.



It allows me to get into bushes and extremely close.



I'm actually planning to add a small slave flash on the side of my setups to introduce shadows to my set ups.

[Ian]

Re: Slave flash

Looks a good setup Ian.

Here is mine with a Sigma f2.8 105mm Macro lens and Sigma ring flash I can recommend both, there are Nikon versions off both.

The Ring flash is highly controllable, including left and right independent light control, plus you well you name it.

As a matter of interest I have used this setup for Head & Shoulder portrait to great effect.

Patrick

Thanks for showing, Patrick. Of course for portraits you get doughnut catchlights

Ian

[TheBull1875]

Re: Slave flash

Hmm, all look cool and pretty damn impressive. I was more thinking of things I have to have that are not attached to the camera if you know what I mean.

[Patrick]

Re: Slave flash

Hmm, all look cool and pretty damn impressive. I was more thinking of things I have to have that are not attached to the camera if you know what I mean.

[Jimindenver]

Re: Slave flash

What are using for flash now?

Are the shadows being caused by the lens?

Most inexpensive slaves are triggered by your on board flash. Or if you want, get a cord and use a small flash on it.

Jim

[TheBull1875]

Re: Slave flash

Using a Nikon Speedlight at the minute. Don't think shadows are caused by the lens. More experimentation I guess.

[Ian]

Re: Slave flash

Also, I suppose related, what is a pretty good macro lens for the Nikon D90? Nothing over expensive mind :-)

The Sigma 105mm Macro is an old-ish design but highly regarded and I think Patrick uses one. It's also great value.

Ian

[TheBull1875]

Re: Slave flash

On advice of the gentleman in the shop I went for the Nikon 60mm f2.8. Need to start playing with it now :-)