Built in flash for casual macro or not worth it? (Fuji X-T50 for macro)

[ERJenkins]

Hi everyone,

My question for the macro experts here is... Is it worth using a built in flash (with or without diffuser) to enhance macro results or is it not very useful?

I currently do a lot of casual macro with my Fuji x-t5 + 30mm macro. Mainly flowers so easier to photograph but I also love insect photography. I love the simple setup and can get great results by my standards. I like to travel light and am not a pro so I prioritize weight and simplicity. So I like the look of the Fuji x-t50 with a built in flash. I would like to take my macro photography up a notch but I'm not expecting studio results.

Is built in flash > no flash? Built in flash with diffuser necessary?

Thanks all!

 

[Stumblingfalk]

Hi everyone,

My question for the macro experts here is... Is it worth using a built in flash (with or without diffuser) to enhance macro results or is it not very useful?

I currently do a lot of casual macro with my Fuji x-t5 + 30mm macro. Mainly flowers so easier to photograph but I also love insect photography. I love the simple setup and can get great results by my standards. I like to travel light and am not a pro so I prioritize weight and simplicity. So I like the look of the Fuji x-t50 with a built in flash. I would like to take my macro photography up a notch but I'm not expecting studio results.

Is built in flash > no flash? Built in flash with diffuser necessary?

Thanks all!

In many cases the lens will create a shadow due to the position of the built-in flash. It is also weak and slow to recycle. You generally don't have the best controll over it (power) as well. It's likely to be a pretty pointless endeavour using it for macro.

You are much, much better off just getting a Godox TT350 (cheap) or V350 (not quite as cheap - comes with rechargeable litium battery) and some kind of diffuser.

PS! I shoot Fuji as well, the T5 is great for macro.

 

[jim mij]

Using the inbuilt flash for a couple of days was enough to convince me to buy a flash gun, best gear decision I ever made

it can work, it has limitations obviously, but try it and see what happens, try using a piece of a4 paper as a diffuser , cut out a hole for the lens to poke through
--
Jim

 

[Stumblingfalk]

Using the inbuilt flash for a couple of days was enough to convince me to buy a flash gun, best gear decision I ever made

it can work, it has limitations obviously, but try it and see what happens, try using a piece of a4 paper as a diffuser , cut out a hole for the lens to poke through
--
Jim

I suspect OP is wondering if "downgrading" to the X-T50 that has a built in-flash is a better workable solution than his current one with the X-T5 that does not have a flash. I might be wrong. The T5 has some advantages for macro over the T50, better buffer, shutter and FPS. Also, more importantly, a higher resolution and magnification viewfinder.

 

[Person9]

As others have said, the light from the popup flash by itself would probably be severely blocked by the lens. unless the working distance was fairly far away when using low magnification. But even then, the light would be harsh and very uninteresting.

If you did go with the X-T50, you would get much better illumination by attaching one of the very inexpensive teardrop-shaped diffusers, shown in the photo below. They fold up into a tiny pouch. The trick is to get the diffuser as far from the flash as possible, and tilted down, also as much as possible. But it still ain't a great solution.

But I concur with others; If you do want " to take my macro photography up a notch," go with your X-T5 with a nice little, relatively-inexpensive flash like the Godox TT350 (that's what I use on my X-T4), combined with the diffuse shown below.

In the future, if you do want to up your insect-photographing game, that flash is compatible with the popular "nus hood" type diffusers. Godox also sells a wireless TTL trigger that fits into the camera hot-shoe, so the flash can be held off the camera. But for now, just the flash for your X-T5 and the diffuser shown will make a big difference.

Lester Lefkowitz www.MacroPhotographer.net

 

[ERJenkins]

Thanks everyone - very clear and helpful advice.

I am convinced to move forward with my X-T5 and have ordered a diffuser.

One last question - I did get the Fujifilm EF-20 Shoe Mount Flash when I bought the X-T5 second hand from someone. that model does not sit in an elevated fashion so I assume it may not be viable for macro due to the lens shadow problem. I'll do tests when I get the diffuser but any thoughts on if this is a viable option or I really need the Godox TT350?

Cheers

 

[Stumblingfalk]

Thanks everyone - very clear and helpful advice.

I am convinced to move forward with my X-T5 and have ordered a diffuser.

One last question - I did get the Fujifilm EF-20 Shoe Mount Flash when I bought the X-T5 second hand from someone. that model does not sit in an elevated fashion so I assume it may not be viable for macro due to the lens shadow problem. I'll do tests when I get the diffuser but any thoughts on if this is a viable option or I really need the Godox TT350?

Cheers

I have several of these after shooting Fuji since they started the system. They are no better than a pop-up flash, about the same power and limitations. Sorry.

 

[Person9]

Yes, that little Fuji Ef-20 flash will be pretty useless.

To further complicate you life, Godox has a variant of the TT350 ($85), called the V350 ($159). Physical size and output power (guide number) is the same, but it uses Godox's proprietary Li-ion battery (spares $35). I understand that the Li-ion battery provides many more shots than AA batteries used in the TT350, and that the recycle time is somewhat faster.

If you do go with the less expensive model (as I have), and want to use rechargeable AA batteries, general agreement is that the Panasonic Eneloop Pro are the best. I haven't compared these to any other, but find them very reliable.

Lester Lefkowitz https://www.macrophotographer.net/

 

[jim mij]

Yes, that little Fuji Ef-20 flash will be pretty useless.

To further complicate you life, Godox has a variant of the TT350 ($85), called the V350 ($159). Physical size and output power (guide number) is the same, but it uses Godox's proprietary Li-ion battery (spares $35). I understand that the Li-ion battery provides many more shots than AA batteries used in the TT350, and that the recycle time is somewhat faster.

If you do go with the less expensive model (as I have), and want to use rechargeable AA batteries, general agreement is that the Panasonic Eneloop Pro are the best. I haven't compared these to any other, but find them very reliable.

Lester Lefkowitz https://www.macrophotographer.net/

+1, but for the price of the tt350 + batteries + charger your almost at the v350 price, so dont do what i did and then have to upgrade

 

[Stumblingfalk]

jim mij wrote:

+1, but for the price of the tt350 + batteries + charger your almost at the v350 price, so dont do what i did and then have to upgrade

If you happen to have a charger already, however....

GP RecyoPro Photoflash is another comparable and high quality rechargable AA option to the Eneloops. They are very good and you can probably get a pack for around 15 punds/euros/dollars. At least here a TT350 and good rechargeable AAs is less than half the price of a single V350. Love my V350 tho

 

[ERJenkins]

Thanks guys - V350 it is. Ordered a diffuser. Will update on how things go- cheers for the advice!

 

[Stumblingfalk]

Good luck!

Learn to put the flash in manual M-mode and 1/16 power, F/8 and 1/125-1/250th shutter. ISO 125-640. Up/lower ISO as the primary way to adjust exposure.

Use this as a starting point and learn from there.

 

[ERJenkins]

Great - will do thank you

 

[MacroRoy]

What diffuser did you go with?

 

[ERJenkins]

Just this simple one: Angler PSFD-100 Portable Speedlight Flash Diffuser

 

[ERJenkins]

Hi folks - just got all of the new kit and had a play around in my very small backyard in NYC. Not exactly great shots but I really love the new world the flash and diffuser set up opens up. Much better depth of field and magnification than I could have ever got with my old setup.

Looking forward to giving it a go over the coming months. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Sylvan120]

Hope you enjoy the new flash. I also love my V350. It seems to shoot forever before needing a recharge.
You found the Spotted Lanternfly nymph and adult. They came out real nice. This hobby of macro insect photography can become addictive so enjoy the ride!

 

[Ippe1966]

N° 1 and 2 are my favorits, nice colours and detail.

Just one tip.

Clean your camera sensor ;-)

 

[jim mij]

Congrats on your new setup. Your off to a great start.
Those insects in pic 1 and 3 are new to me, they have very interesting colours and details