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]

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]

Here it is:

http://dpnow.com/galleries/data/547/P4165315.jpg (http://dpnow.com/galleries/showphoto.php/photo/23768)

Ian

[Patrick]

Here it is:

http://dpnow.com/galleries/data/547/P4165315.jpg (http://dpnow.com/galleries/showphoto.php/photo/23768)

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]

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

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

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Jimindenver/Bugs/P81235242.jpg

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

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k203/denverwingsfan/E%203/macro/cam1.jpg

It allows me to get into bushes and extremely close.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j114/Jimindenver/P8086565web2.jpg

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

[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

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

Ian

[TheBull1875]

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]

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.

Well my post was in response to your Macro request, if its just a trigger you want for a slave flash much with depend on the flash unit. Some use a Infra Red trigger and some a wireless systems which some cameras have built in, I know little about these systems except they are expensive if you have to use one on the flash bracket. I may have my fact wrong on how they work

I use an Infra Red trigger from Interfit about £30, I have seen on eBay cheaper alternative units by unknown brands. It works fine providing you are behind the flash unit, I presume the wireless systems don't have this problem.

Patrick

[Jimindenver]

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]

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

[Ian]

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]

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