Bitten by the macro bug...

[Canuk]

I recently visited the Island of Roatan Honduras and found these leaf cutter ants that had made their trail across the road to my hotel. They only came out at night so trying to capture them was fairly difficult. The darkness and having to move for cars, people stopping by to see what I was doing ect ect.

I took these shots w/ my 60D, Tamron 70-200mm f2.8, Sigma 610 Super ST Flash and an elcheapo LED flashlight held under the lens to help with AF. A pretty hillbilly and not very professional set up, but its all I had, lol.

Although the pics aren't of the quality of the others on here I thought I would share. CC if you would like, all CC appreciated if I can learn something.

1.

IMG_4828 by Canuk313, on Flickr1


2.

IMG_4837 by Canuk313, on Flickr

3.

IMG_4830 by Canuk313, on Flickr

Upon my return to Canada, I went into my local Camera Store and ordered the Canon 100mm f2.8L Macro.

 

[mjhoward]

Next thing you need is a cheapo flash and a good DIY modifier and you can have some great looking macro shots with nice soft light.

 

[Canuk]

I have the Sigma Flash but no modifiers atm.
Curious if anyone has used something like this http://www.promaster.com/products.asp?product=7487?
Seen one the other day and it looks like it might work very well especially at night.

 

[mjhoward]

IMO, ring flashes make subjects look flat, similar to the way a pop up flash does. You're going to want to get your flash off the camera or make a light modifier that has the same effect

 

[Canuk]

Its not a flash ring but an LED light ring, constant lighting not strobed.

 

[mjhoward]

the light is still coming from the same direction.

 

[Canuk]

Ok, that makes sense. Wasn't sure if an LED light would have the same effect as the flash rings. Thanks.

 

[480sparky]

I'm curious as to how the light output of an LED ring compares to an actual strobe ring.

 

[Canuk]

Does anyone have any experience with an LED ring light?​