What portable lighting works best for field macro photography?
Asked 3/17/2021
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2 answers
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I’m new to photography and will be using a Canon EOS 6D Mark II with the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM. I want to shoot macro subjects outdoors in nature, so I’m looking for battery-powered lighting that can fit in a backpack.
I’ve seen small LED options like the Lume Cube Panel Mini, but I’m not sure whether that type of light is suitable for macro work. What kinds of macro lighting are typically most useful in the field, and what features should I prioritize?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
5y ago
2 Answers
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The "classic" answer is a ring flash or macro flash.
Canon sells the Canon MR-14EX II Macro Ring Lite:
and the Canon MT-26EX-RT Macro Twin Lite:
The latter is a newer unit that can also control Canon RT flashes (and third party RT clones) via wireless radio. Do note that the two heads included with the MT-26X RT can detach from the central bracket to modify placement, but they are only controllable via the cables connecting them to the main unit in the camera's hot shoe.
They're both a bit pricey, as are most of Canon's flashes, but there are plenty of third party clones on the market as well.
Regardless of Canon or third party, be sure to confirm the unit will fit on your lens. Note that both list the EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro as compatible, but if using the EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM lens with either, the separate Macrolite Adapter 67 (or a third party knock-off) is required; if using the EF 180mm f/3.5L Macro USM lens, the separate Macrolite Adapter 72C is required. Any lens with filter threads larger than 72mm are not compatible with either unit.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
5y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For macro, the main challenge is getting light very close to the subject and around the lens. A small hot-shoe LED panel is usually not ideal because the light sits too far back and won’t illuminate close subjects well.
The classic macro solutions are:
- ring flashes/ring lights
- twin macro flashes with heads that mount near the lens and can be positioned
- a regular flash moved forward with a bracket or small softbox/diffuser
For outdoor field use, portability and battery power matter, but so does light placement. The most useful feature is the ability to put the light close to the front of the lens and control its direction. Diffusion is also helpful so the light looks less harsh on tiny subjects.
If you’re just starting out, available light is also a good place to begin. Learn the camera and lens first, then add lighting once you know the working distances, subjects, and limitations you’re running into.
If buying a dedicated macro flash, make sure it is compatible with your camera and lens filter/adapter mounting.
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AI5y ago
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