Inexpensive macro lighting question

[Broder]

I'm a relative newcomer to macro photography and need some advice on lighting.

I have a Nikon SB600 speedlight, which I'd like to mount on a "O ring" type of mount, something like this

in conjunction with another speedlight. Could I just use a cheap brand of speedlight here? Or will the results be inferior?

The second question is about triggering the speedlights. Do I need to use TTL cables? and how do they attach to the camera? Or can I use a remote trigger like this YongNuo 301P double trigger kit?

[AstraPics]

Could I just use a cheap brand of speedlight here? Or will the results be inferior?

Well that's like asking if the light from those inferior speedlights is inferior light. Light is light. A cheap flash might not collaborate with your TTL system, but if you shoot manual, the light from it will be as 'good' as that from your SB600.

Do I need to use TTL cables? Or can I use a remote trigger like this YongNuo 301P double trigger kit?

It also depends on your camera. Some Nikons will let you use the pop-up flash on the camera as a master to trigger your SB600 remotely with TTL and without cables. What model do you have? I couldn't find anything on the YongNuo 301P to indicate whether or not they transmit TTL information. At the price I expect they don't.

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

ditto on the "light is light" comment, although you might have a slightly different Kelvin value through the power range... you will need to test and asses (wait... how do you spell that!?) ases... asces... figure out if it's a problem..

Slightly different delays *might* also interfere and cause a double focus halo on fast moving subjects (think wings beating) I personally prefer to keep all the lights the same brand and model on something like this...

[GavinvdM]

Do you want to focus more on indoor or outdoor macro?

[AstraPics]

you will need to test and asses (wait... how do you spell that!?)

'Asses' are those stubborn, four-legged things. Actually, there are some two-legged versions too!

[Forgiss - Sean Nel]

'Asses' are those stubborn, four-legged things. Actually, there are some two-legged versions too!

For a moment I thought you meant my old tripod!

[Broder]

Well that's like asking if the light from those inferior speedlights is inferior light. Light is light. A cheap flash might not collaborate with your TTL system, but if you shoot manual, the light from it will be as 'good' as that from your SB600.





It also depends on your camera. Some Nikons will let you use the pop-up flash on the camera as a master to trigger your SB600 remotely with TTL and without cables. What model do you have? I couldn't find anything on the YongNuo 301P to indicate whether or not they transmit TTL information. At the price I expect they don't.

Thanks for the replies guys. If I understand correctly then, the cheap triggers won't tranmit the exposure information, but merely trigger the flash at full power? So what would be the best way to trigger the SB600 and the SB400 that I'm planning on adding. I have one of those cables for off camera flash. Should I get another one for the other speedlight? Are there fittings that you can attach 2 to your camera hot-shoe? I have the awesome Nikon D7000

Do you want to focus more on indoor or outdoor macro?

Only outdoor really Gavin.

[Broder]

Found some great info here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=142566

[Larry]

There are inexpensive "ring flash" adapters that fit onto a single flash unit and work reasonably well for macro photography.

The TTL setup can still be used with this as well.

They will be available from the same places that supply the bracket you have shown in the original post.

[walterpike]

I bought a Yongnuo LED macro ring flash MR58 today (led and flash) cost R1100 - that's a pretty cheap solution I'd say and works just fine been messing about this evening. Happy. Oh yes it's manual - but that doesn't bother me.