Best flash set up for Macro?

[Kevin Stephens]

I would like to use my Olympus 60mm macro on my OM-1 more for insect and similar photography, initially using in camera focus stacking and maybe later using software that allows more images to be stacked. What would be a good flash gun (and diffuser?) setup to use at hopefully not too high a cost? I guess a good burst rate and capacity would help? Thanks

 

[James Stirling]

I would like to use my Olympus 60mm macro on my OM-1 more for insect and similar photography, initially using in camera focus stacking and maybe later using software that allows more images to be stacked. What would be a good flash gun (and diffuser?) setup to use at hopefully not too high a cost? I guess a good burst rate and capacity would help? Thanks

Kevin, the godox v350 is a very decent performer with fast enough recharging for focus stacking

A video from a YT OM macro channel comparing a couple of models he has several videos on this subject

As for diffusers there are a number of popular higher price options with the the AK and Cygnustech diffusers leading the way

Macro Diffuser Comparison: Cygnustech Diffuser, AK Diffuser, Trick Bits Diffuser - wildmacro - extreme macro photography

Macro Diffuser Comparison: Let´s compare how well the Cygnustech Diffuser, AK Diffuser and Trickbits Diffuser ultimately diffuse a Macro Flash.

wildmacro.de

But you can get very good results with even the cheapest small foldable diffuser that abound on Amazon ebay etc

Or make your own there are a load of how to's on YT

 

[Kevin Stephens]

I would like to use my Olympus 60mm macro on my OM-1 more for insect and similar photography, initially using in camera focus stacking and maybe later using software that allows more images to be stacked. What would be a good flash gun (and diffuser?) setup to use at hopefully not too high a cost? I guess a good burst rate and capacity would help? Thanks

Kevin, the godox v350 is a very decent performer with fast enough recharging for focus stacking

A video from a YT OM macro channel comparing a couple of models he has several videos on this subject

As for diffusers there are a number of popular higher price options with the the AK and Cygnustech diffusers leading the way

https://wildmacro.de/macro-diffuser-comparison-cygnustech-diffuser-ak-diffuser-trick-bits-diffuser/

But you can get very good results with even the cheapest small foldable diffuser that abound on Amazon ebay etc

Or make your own there are a load of how to's on YT

 

[Ken Rosen]

Check out the Godox V1 and the V860III, these are larger than the 350. I am told the difference between the V1 and the 860 is the round head.

see this

Or a pair of Godox MF12s

 

[cc99]

I recently got the Godox iT30 Pro for use with my OM-5 and the 60mm, and I find that the lighter the flash, the easier it is to hold steady for focus-stacking. Also, the smaller the flash, the easier to get the camera in position. Lithium battery for fast recycle.

The diffuser is from Cartesian Creations , and uses magnets for quick attachment.

 

[Bobapingu]

The more powerful the flash the better, particularly if stacking. It was once easy to compare flashed based on guide number (GN) but these days it's more complex with some rated in Watt-seconds and GNs hard to find.

For what it's worth, I have an OM-1, 60mm macro, FL-700WR flash and a Cygnustech diffuser Cygnustech Diffusers . It works really well particularly for run and gun hand held single shot macros. Detailed instructions come with the diffuser. Note that the diffusers are made specific for your combo of gear. I bought the FL-700WR for its wireless capability but I don't really need that. In hindsight, I may have been better off with the FL-900R for more power.