Alternative to Canon Macro Twin Lite Flash?

[andrewcollier]

I wish to purchase a flash set-up for Macro work. I currently use a Canon 300D, 105mm Sigma Macro lens and a Canon 550EX flash unit.



I do not like ring flashes and prefer the twin flash arrangement. I already have a bracket that will hold two flash units and understand this may be preferable to give flexibility for adjusting the flash distance. The Canon MT-24ex Macro Twin Lite Flash is too expensive at £600. Additionally I would also like to use the two flash units I am considering buying for portrait work. At the moment I am considering the smallest Canon - 220 EX Speedlite at £120 or the Metz 20 C 2 at £30.



Can anyone advise whether a slave unit is preferable to a lead? Canon's 3 metre lead seems overpriced at £41. Do I need anything else to achieve what the Canon twin-lite would offer?



I find it difficult to chose from the large amount of units available at Warehouse Express and would appreciate any comments as I want to select the most suitable unit for my needs.

 

[Digital Matt]

You can use something like this: http://www.adorama.com/FAPCHSA.html

This will connect to the hotshoe and allow you to connect a PC cable to fire 1 flash. Whether or not the second flash in slave mode will see the main flash and fire is going to depend on your setup. You can always try the cheap Cactus radio triggers.

http://photonotes.org/reviews/radio-flash-trigger/

 

[TCimages]

I shoot a lot of macro. If you use a lens that allows adequate working distance, I recommend attaching the flash directly to the camera with a difuser like Lumiquest soft box. I use a Canon 100mm and at minimum focus distance (around 6 inches) this set up offers great lighting. I haven't tried it with my extension tubes or a lens with a shorter focus distance, so it may have limitations.

I remember when I first started and went down this road trying all these brackets and arms, connections etc. and one day I thought I would just attach the flash directly to the camera and I never went back.

You would be surprised how well this works, you might want to give it a try. I use a 430EX.

if you would like to see samples of this set-up, take a look at my site. Hope this helps

 

[andrewcollier]

I shoot a lot of macro. If you use a lens that allows adequate working distance, I recommend attaching the flash directly to the camera with a difuser like Lumiquest soft box. I use a Canon 100mm and at minimum focus distance (around 6 inches) this set up offers great lighting. I haven't tried it with my extension tubes or a lens with a shorter focus distance, so it may have limitations.

I remember when I first started and went down this road trying all these brackets and arms, connections etc. and one day I thought I would just attach the flash directly to the camera and I never went back.

You would be surprised how well this works, you might want to give it a try. I use a 430EX.

if you would like to see samples of this set-up, take a look at my site. Hope this helps

Thanks for the comments. I have had a look at your site......very impressive. I shall bear what you have said in mind.

Regards

Andrew