p.1 #1 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
I am traveling to the Amazon in Brazil and inquiring regarding the usefulness of a flash with the Olympus OM-1 MKII and 90mm macro lens. Would the flash enhance capture of small insects/creatures and fauna, especially with the use of focus stacking. I suspect that I would need a flash with a rapid recycling time in this situation. There are nighttime excursions where I believe the flash would be helpful. I wonder whether daytime use is needed.
I wii also have the 150-400mm lens for other wildlife related photography.
p.1 #2 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
I've found the Godox V860 lll works well. It definitely brings out colors and detail. I'm still trying to get used to it though as I've never used flash for any wildlife photos except small bugs. I'm struggling with the bulkiness of the setup but that's the tradeoff I guess.
Gary
p.1 #5 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
I've used dual MF12 macro flashes with the R2 nano trigger--Flashpoint version trigger. The focus bracket on the OM-1 is a tad slow with these flashes but much better on the Mk11---got to try when a friend was visiting. I had to use on non zero flash recharge time but 0.1 sec seemed fine. I did not use that exact lens but a PL 100-400 with T132 CU diopter. The flash is wireless and light and the trigger teeny with decent interface. Might be a bit tricky to handhold more than 5 or 6 shots. Be sure to tell the trigger that the flash is close---separate item in the menu. HTH.
p.1 #7 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
aryaah wrote:
I am traveling to the Amazon in Brazil and inquiring regarding the usefulness of a flash with the Olympus OM-1 MKII and 90mm macro lens. Would the flash enhance capture of small insects/creatures and fauna, especially with the use of focus stacking. I suspect that I would need a flash with a rapid recycling time in this situation. There are nighttime excursions where I believe the flash would be helpful. I wonder whether daytime use is needed.
I wii also have the 150-400mm lens for other wildlife related photography.
Thank you.
I've used several setups in the Amazon for the small critters. One is a medium softbox, of which there are many kinds, but the more oval-circular types are better to avoid the corner reflections in the eyes. That is best for when you want the light off camera angle and the larger macro subjects.
I also have the AK flash diffuser setup for the smaller subjects. There are several similar ones, though the AK is nice in being a comprehensive system that you can configure for varying degrees of lighting. I don't use the modeling light.
I'm not a big fan of the twin flashes on the ring.
Whatever you use, be sure to practice at home to get the lighting to your liking.
p.1 #8 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
EB-1 wrote:
I've used several setups in the Amazon for the small critters. One is a medium softbox, of which there are many kinds, but the more oval-circular types are better to avoid the corner reflections in the eyes. That is best for when you want the light off camera angle and the larger macro subjects.
I also have the AK flash diffuser setup for the smaller subjects. There are several similar ones, though the AK is nice in being a comprehensive system that you can configure for varying degrees of lighting. I don't use the modeling light.
I'm not a big fan of the twin flashes on the ring.
Whatever you use, be sure to practice at home to get the lighting to your liking.
p.1 #9 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
The STF-8 was hard to get for a while but is available from OM System for $88.00 right now. I have one and for macro nothing beats it. Works perfectly with the 90mm.
p.1 #11 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
I’d also recommend testing your flash setup at home before heading to the Amazon. With macro work, especially on insects or small fauna, the angle and diffusion of light can make a huge difference. A ring flash or dual MF12-style setup is great for even lighting, but sometimes a small softbox or diffuser on a single flash can give more natural highlights and avoid harsh reflections. Rapid recycling is key if you plan to handhold focus-stacked shots, and I’d practice stacking with your OM-1 MKII to get a sense of timing.
For daytime, a flash can still help fill shadows and bring out colors, especially in dense foliage where light can be uneven. For night excursions, it’s almost essential for freezing motion and capturing detail.
If you can, consider the STF-8 or AK-style diffusers—they’re compact, versatile, and really suited for macro fieldwork.
p.1 #12 · Flash options for Macro using Olympus 90 mm Macro lens
For my OM system OM-1 MKII + OM system 90/3.5 Macro Pro IS lens, I use the new
Godox V480 O flash, which also supports focus stacking and focus bracketing at 25 frames per second in manual mode.
