270EX for macro?

mehampson

Does anyone have any thoughts on using the 270EX for the 1:1 macro range?

Here's my problem: I have a 40D/100mm f/2.8 USM macro setup with a DIY bracket that's great for putting my flash close to the subject, but I'm finding it's a bit front-heavy. I'm using a Vivitar 285HV, which weighs 14 ounces plus four batteries, and I'm not 100% happy with the sharpness of my insect macros.

The main advantages of the 270EX as I see it are weight (5 ounces, two batteries) and size, but I'm concerned that the pulse duration of a relatively low-power flash even at close range would be long enough at f/11-f/13 to cancel out those benefits in terms of camera shake.

I'm also curious about how useful E-TTL II and the wider range of power levels would be, since the 285HV's "1/4 or 1/16" doesn't give me many options. I'd like a little more detail in the blacks of carpenter bees, for example.

I know it's a cheap enough flash that I could probably just get one and see if it works or not, but money's tight. Another possibility is the 430EX II since it's still lighter, but I could only justify that if it's clearly and tremendously better for this specific purpose -- i.e., if the girlfriend would be able to tell the difference between a photo taken with it and with the 285HV

Any thoughts?

ziggy53

Mehampson, welcome to the Digital Grin.

I don't have a Canon flash, but I do use the Sigma EF500 DG Super flashes which do have a decent implementation of Canon's E-TTL II. I use the Sigma flashes for both macro and micro work, but mostly still life. I also use older "auto" and manual flashes including the Vivitar 285HV.

I do like using the E-TTL II flashes when possible to automate the flash exposure. If the flash is on a bracket you would have to use an off-camera cord, which is kind of pricey.

I do intend to work on a project this summer which would use the E-TTL II flash on the camera but then channel the light down a lightwight telescoping tube and into a reflector/diffuser at the end. If possible I will then make a 2 headed version with more positionable ends as well.

Be sure to check out the "Macro" forum to see what others are using:

http://dgrin.com/forumdisplay.php?f=23

... with special emphasis on this thread:

http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=50752

mehampson

Thanks for the welcome, and for the links! I've been keeping an eye on the macro forum for the past few days already, but hadn't seen that thread.

I do already have an off-camera cord, and fortunately found it for pretty cheap on eBay -- I actually probably wouldn't be thinking about upgrading the flash if I hadn't found it.

I thought about doing something similar to what you describe, and I still like the idea of having so much flexibility with the direction the light is coming from. Ultimately I decided to go the bracket route in order to get the flash output as low as I could -- though I didn't spend enough time with the idea to get an efficient design, I admit.

rpcrowe

Used 550EX and...
I bought a used 550EX and use it on a Siegelite articulating flash bracket with a mini-softbox (see image).

This Siegelite bracket is no longer available but, is found frequently on eBay, usually going for less than $20. There isn't one on eBay right now but, I see them about once a month or so.

My mini-softbox is my Lumiquest but, there are Chinese knock-offs available on eBay and these are dirt cheap.

The 550ex is often available used at right around the price of a new 270EX and is a much more capable flash.

The combination of 550EX, Siegelite Bracket and mini-softbox with ligh from overhead provides very nice lighting for macro shots.