You can use a standard flash unit and just mount it on a butterfly
bracket. That is just a DIY bracket that puts the flash in front of the
camera lens for macro shooting.
This is an old one that I used for several years, I have a more elegant
design these days but it places the flash in essentially the same place -
http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/media/DSCN6239.jpg
Sorry for the small photo but back in 2006 when I posted that I did not
post very big. The full post is here:
http://www.markcassino.com/b2evolution/index.php/how_to_photograph_insects
A lower powered flash is best because you will probably be shooting
closer than the minimum distance that the flash is specified for. I aim
my flash so that it actually discharges mostly above the subject with
the subject being lit more indirectly.
Mark
On 9/7/2012 11:29 PM, Larry Colen wrote:
Unfortunately, when I started digging into what it would cost to upgrade my
tripod/monopod heads, and do it right, it rapidly exceeded my birthday present
budget. I was trying to photograph a spider eating a fly this afternoon, and
tried several variations of the flash, including my el cheapo passive ringflash
adapter, which threw away too much light for what I was trying to do.
I don't have $500 to buy the Pentax ring flash, at least not new. I don't care
if it's pure manual operation. I'd like it to be powerful enough that I could
also use it for fill when doing portrait photography. I think I'd prefer flash
to LED, because if I'm hand holding a macro shot, anything that'll help freeze
motion is helpful. Especially if I'm photographing a flower and it's at all
breezy outside.
Anybody have any recommendations of flashes to look at? Or, for that matter,
ones to avoid? Or know of any awesome deals on a used one.
--
Larry Colen [email protected] sent from i4est
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