topic Re: macro flash in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

macro flash

joecarquest — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 02:39:57 GMT

I have a canon t6. Is there a way of stoping the flash from firing in macro mode.

I shoot a lot of aquariums hate the flash on the glass.

Or should I use electral tape on it.

Re: macro flash

kvbarkley — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 02:44:10 GMT

Don't use macro mode. It does not really do anything.

Re: macro flash

joecarquest — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 02:45:58 GMT

is there a beter mode that works

Re: macro flash

Waddizzle — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 12:46:11 GMT

@joecarquest wrote:
is there a beter mode that works

Use "P" mode. Macro photography is more about the lens than the exposure settings in the camera.

Re: macro flash

ebiggs1 — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 15:31:32 GMT

"Don't use macro mode. It does not really do anything."

This is good advice and true. However, "Use P mode", is a bit simplistic. P mode is a good all around place to start. You will also need to experiment with the ISO setting. Let's try 400 to start but be prepared to adjust it if needed.

A better but more involved way is to use Av. This fixes the aperture of your lens. You need to understand how DOF effects the shot but this can be a dramatic way to enhance your aquarium photos. Av allows the T6 to still measure exposure while leaving the SS automatic. Set your ISO, as it still needs to be set, but be prepared to change it if needed. Without actually seeing the aquarium I can not give exact settings. This is where bracketing is your friend. In other words try different settings.

Most likely you don't need a flash as most aquariums have lights but again you never know until you try.

Re: macro flash

ebiggs1 — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 15:33:33 GMT

"Or should I use electral tape on it."

No don't do that but you can use that tape to cover the green square on your mode dial. Never use that!

Re: macro flash

Waddizzle — Sun, 14 Apr 2019 19:19:05 GMT

@ebiggs1 wrote:
"Don't use macro mode. It does not really do anything."

Without actually seeing the aquarium I can not give exact settings. This is where bracketing is your friend. In other words try different settings.

Most likely you don't need a flash as most aquariums have lights but again you never know until you try.

Of course, Ernie is correct. Using Av mode is better than using P, but it requires more info about the shooting conditions. We cannot really advise on what exposure settings to use. We do not even know what lens is being used.

I think the OP needs to learn a lot more about the camera and basic photography. Macro photography is a specialized branch of photography. Photographing fish in an average home aquarium does not require a macro lens.

But, photographing fish in an aquarium may require a lens with a short MFD, Minimum Focusing Distance, so that you can bring the lens very close to the glass, which will help minimize the effects of the glass on the final captured image.

Otherwise, you will wind up backing away from the glass to the point where room reflections off of the glass could become a factor. I suspect that this will be the case, seeing how the initial complaint is about reflections of the flash off of the glass.

You might need a darkened room, or at least no light sources behind you, like an uncovered window, to reflect off of the glass.

Re: macro flash

joecarquest — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 00:49:29 GMT

I shoot this tipe of aquarium, Aquarium of the Pacfic, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Monterey Bay Aquarium. Most places have the tanks bright and the guest areas darker. I put my camera lens up aganist the glass of the tanks to elimanate glare off the glass.

Re: macro flash

ebiggs1 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:10:34 GMT

These are nice. If they satisfy you, great.

If you would like to see if there is something even better, do the exposure bracketing.

Put the black tape over the macro and green square selections on the mode dial. And, very most important shoot Raw file format and do post editing. Experiment with the suggestions given above.

Re: macro flash

joecarquest — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 14:50:48 GMT

Thanks for the great advice. I will experiment with the settings and shoot in raw mode. I will put the tape on the dial too.

Re: macro flash

ebiggs1 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 15:18:45 GMT

Good luck and do share some more shots with us.

Re: macro flash

Wolfie0827 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 16:07:27 GMT

One other suggestion that I haven't seen yet, Use a CPL fillter to help with eleminating most aspects of the glass showing in the shot.

Re: macro flash

Waddizzle — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 16:21:38 GMT

“One other suggestion that I haven't seen yet, Use a CPL fillter to help with eleminating most aspects of the glass showing in the shot.”

A CPL will not do anything for the glass, only light.

Re: macro flash

Wolfie0827 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 16:49:08 GMT

Sorry, should have been a little clearer in my post, I meant relfections and glare on the glass can be toned down and/or eliminated by using a CPL which in some cases can make it appear as if there isn't any glass there at all.

Re: macro flash

ebiggs1 — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 19:18:23 GMT

You have the right idea experiment and bracket. Raw and post!