How do I set exposure for macro photography with extension tubes and a non-TTL ring flash on a Canon 50D?
Asked 7/5/2016
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2 answers
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I’m new to photography and want to shoot close-up photos of flowers in my garden using a Canon 50D, a set of macro extension tubes, and a cheap unbranded ring flash. My test shots are coming out completely overexposed (white). I suspect the camera is metering for ambient light and not accounting for the flash. What’s the best way to set exposure with this kind of macro setup? Should I switch from the camera’s macro scene mode to Manual or Av mode, and is there a practical way to work out the correct exposure when the flash documentation is minimal?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
5
First step: Practice macro without the ring and get used to the extension tubes.
Second step: Your camera will not be aware there is a flash fired, so it does not calculate this into the exposure settings. You have a couple of options (and probably more):
- You need to correct the metering manually, either by using the camera in manual mode (M) and do it all yourself
- or by using the exposure correction when in AV (TV would not make sense normally).
- For the case you have a LED macro ring, there might be an option to enable a permanent light. When this is on, the camera will do the metering correct
Originally by user28425. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user28425
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes — with a cheap non-TTL ring flash, the camera may not meter the flash properly, so scene modes are unlikely to help. Switch out of macro scene mode and use either:
- Manual mode: set exposure yourself and adjust flash/output by testing.
- Av mode with exposure compensation: this can help if you’re balancing ambient light, but for macro flash, Manual is usually simpler.
If your ring light has a continuous/LED light mode, turning that on may let the camera meter more accurately before the shot.
A good approach is to simplify first: practice with the extension tubes without the ring flash so you understand the very shallow depth of field and exposure changes in macro work. Then add the flash and make small adjustments.
Since the flash instructions are poor and only mention a guide number, trial and error will likely be necessary unless the unit supports proper TTL communication, which it probably does not. Start with low flash power if available, stop down the aperture for more depth of field, and review the image/histogram to avoid blown highlights.
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