Macro Setup Qs for sulhan etc

[pai]

hi guys. i've been using my 5D a lot, didn't want the old A2 to get neglected, so I've passed it to a friend who is interested in doing insect macros.

currently, we have an A2, a sigma 500 dg super with omnibounce, and are planning to use CULs (+4 and +10), either alone or stacked.

also have a full-sized tripod.

is there anything else we can use to improve this setup?

e.g. i've seen sulhan use some kind of bracket and mini-ballhead to mount the flash by the side and position the angle. where can we get the parts, and should this be used in wireless or pc mode (need cable right?)

A2 is fixed lens, so no extension tubes etc. but some ppl recommend using a reversed 50mm lens. how much better is this than stacking the CULs, is it worth the effort?

any other suggestions and recommendations?

thanks in advance, really looking forward to the world of bug hunting...

 

[pai]

up? anyone?

 

[sulhan]

Hi Pai,

Sorry for not responding earlier...well...close up lens isokay for the A2 to a certain extent - tele macro at 200mm.

Mainthing about doing macro with the A2 is nasically knowing how to utilize manual focus for the shot. Monopods would be better if you wanna go for quick mobility setup.

As for the flash. I personally have three variaitons:
- wireless with flash mounted on a bottom bar bracket adn then a little ball head holding the flash on the MS-2 shoe. (May need to block frontal fill of rhte in build flash. Flashhead with omnibounce.
- Using OC-1100 offshoe cable with the same bar and ball head setup. Flashhead with omnibounce.
- Using macro ring flash - of which lighting results is totally different.

So depends on the desired outout - too samll an aperture may darken background and too much fill flash will cause blown out. Need to ensure balannce in lighting. Try on shiny and non shiny subject to have a feel of flash fill level.

rgds,
Sulhan

 

[pai]

thanks sulhan! sorry lah, didn't mean to "arrow" you, but i remember you've done this kind of setup before.

yeah, i've shown my friend the manual focusing method you showed me at SBG last time, she's already getting the hang of it. i guess next thing we'll look into is the bar bracket and the mini-ballhead. and maybe a piece of burnt negative to block the direct flash...