Macro Flashes?

[Roxie2401]

For Macro work, which Canon flash works best?  The MR-14EX "ring" or the MT-24EX?

The MT is obviously more flexible and more expensive and I'm just looking into the future, since I'm just starting in the world of macro photography and realized lighting becomes critical - probably because my body and the camera body tend to block a lot of the natural light.

Sticking with Canon products - what is the general opinion on the two flashes designed for macro?  And, how much can I use the Speedlite 580EX if I don't go with the lens mounted flash units?

Thanks

[Roxie2401]

Anyone have an opinion? 

I have heard that Opteka can burn the hot shoe out, which is why I am interested in any experiences with the Canon macro flashes.

Thanks

[Bob Atkins]

I've not used either Canon macro unit, so I really can't comment on them from experience.

You can certainly use a 580Ex for macro work as long as you get it off the camera using an off camera shoe cord. You probably also would want to use some type of diffuser to soften the light somewhat, and/or one or more reflectors so all the light isn't coming from one side.

I have some brief comments on the Canon macro sppedlites here - http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/ex_speedlites.html

[klindup]

I am new to digital photography but have been a keen film photographer for many years.  I think I first came across ring flash about 40 years ago when it was used on Exacta cameras (disappeared many years ago) that were used by forensic scientists.  Ring flash has always been used by dentists using photographs for patient records.  It offers an even shadow free light.  So if the old photographers knew what they were about, my money would be on the ring flash.

[MikeBinOK]

I have the MT-24 and use it regularly, though one of the two flashes isn't working reliably right now--I believe a loose connection I can't fix myself.  So to Canon Service it will go.

The MR-14 is much less powerful than the MT-24.  Since the MT-24 isn't exactly a powerhouse itself, you may want to think before getting an MR-14.  Even the MT-24 isn't necessarily powerful enough to use with a 180mm lens--That's why Canon didn't put the adapter ring to mount the macro flashes on that lens.  For the Canon 180, and for any non-Canon lens I'm aware of, you'll need a screw-on adapter to mount either macro flash.  The adapter isn't terribly expensive, though it is high for what is basically a metal ring with a flange and threads on it!  ($25 or so)  Despite the official Canon position, I have used it (with an adapter) on my 180 with success, and I suspect this would be even easier now that DSLRs allow easy use of higher ISOs without image quality loss.  Overall I find that a regular 550EX flash works fine for most 180mm macro shots, so seldome use the macro flash on that lens anymore.

The MR-14 also leaves crescent shaped reflections on any shiny target such as most frogs and many bugs.  By providing light from almost 360 degrees it creates a shadowless image that looks good in a few applications, but doesn't appeal to me for most.

The MT-24 is fairly easy to use, but occasionally I knock one of the two flexible elements out of position and end up with subjects poorly-illuminated on one side!