Anyone who owns a "Twin Light" macro set up is aware they offer the best control for shooting. But for those needing something inexpensive, here's a few less expensive options. Home-Made Flash Extender                                                          Since the lens extends too far with many cameras and blocks your in-camera flash, you can easily make your own extender using a little imagination, and something as simple as a tooth paste box or cardboard. Cut the front to allow the light to exit, and the back can be trimmed to fit over your flash. Use a rubber band to hold the extender to the camera. Other methods are using white plastic, or a small plastic bag filled with a thin foam. It can be rubber banned to the front of the lens body to allow the flashes light to be directed closer.  Of the least expensive flash offerings on the market today, the Bower SFDRL14C Digital Ring Flash does an excellent job. Made for major brand cameras, but be sure and check compatibility before purchasing. The Bower is made in Singapore, and seems to be marketed under several brand names in the US.   The Bower includes adapter rings to fit various filter sizes up to 67mm, and powered by 4 AA (preferably Ni-Cad Rechargeable) batteries. While not as  versatile as major manufactured name brands, it's an extremely easy to use flash, offering consistent, even illumination.  There's a single flash tube located in the rings bottom area, which spreads along the highly reflective inside surface behind the front diffuser.  It's fully automatic, so it's as simple as setting your desired f/stop and shooting. Exposure Compensation is done "in camera", with only an on/off switch and ready/exposure-confirm light on the control unit which sits in your hot shoe.  There's nothing fancy here, so don't expect modeling lights, or wireless operation you'd find on expensive units. And while not as heavy as other units, it's smaller size makes it easier too handle while getting into tight areas when chasing bugs. It's recycle time is fast, and flash duration is 1/700th second, helping freeze movement. You'll still set your sync speed at manufacturers 1/200th (depending on camera model) and it has a color balance of 5600K.  The most common complaint you'll hear about ring flashes is the circular glare associated with them. By carefully watching your shooting angles, this can be minimized. It's best to avoid shooting directly above highly reflective insects, and get angles from side or front. Of course, this is generally a good idea anyway, unless you're good with your photo programs clone tool. Below is an example photo showing the difference when watching angle. No Clone Tool used, and you'll see the results should be acceptable.    You can also place a piece of dark tape across the diffuser top, which helps minimize the circular flash pattern, but after using for awhile, it might not come off. These type flash units are not made for shooting people, or objects far from your camera. Added distance increases battery drain, which is normally very good. UPDATE: A new “Twin-Light Ring Flash” is now available, and priced very reasonable: Opteka RL- 600 E-TTL II For Canon.   Standard Flash & Accessories For Macro                            Promaster 5750DX   Promaster is available for both film & digital. The "flash head" is purchased separate from dedicated modules which allow the same flash head to be used with different camera bodies. This can be cost effective for anyone using different systems. As with the the Bower macro ring flash, it syncs at standard 1/200th, only allows full power flash though output is controlled by your camera. Fully automatic, but also without additional frills such as wireless operation.  An advantage is standard flashes are better suited for other uses, such as portraiture, making them more versatile than dedicated macro units like the Bower. Though the price might be limiting to many, decide based on your intended use. Promaster Flash Heads start around $99.00 with control modules $69.00 U.S. Flash Accessories  If you find the lens blocks the light from your subject, there's additional accessories that help. Let's start by discussing soft boxes, such as the inexpensive LumiQuest  LQ108 retailing on-line for $25.95. (pictured below with bracket - old model #LQ951D)  These foldable, plastic boxes are held in place with included "Velcro", or simply use rubber bands around the flash head tabs. The front area acts as a diffuser, helping minimize glare. Often times, these extend the lighted area close enough to lens front, without additional accessories with shorter lenses. If you still have problems...  The Bogen/Manfrotto 330B (new model number for 3278B) is just one of many flash brackets available. This bracket offers ability to use 1, or 2 flashes via supplied arms, and then held to the camera body with the tripod screw socket. You need an off-camera connecting cord, or wireless trigger and allows the flash to be used from side, or above. Off Camera Cords Available from most camera manufactures, and after-market makers such as Promaster, though price is comparable. Some, such as Sony/Minolta require purchasing two separate pieces, costing somewhat more.  Pictured: Canon and Minolta Flash Cords. SPECIAL NOTE: Before connecting an older flash to a digital camera, you'll need to insure the Strobe Trigger Voltages are correct. Improper flashes can cause serious damage. Need a Free Canon manual?                DangPhoto macro photography Site Map