Review on Canon MT 24EX Macro Digital Cameras by Aaron Richardson

Yes, it's a top flash, but Canon definitely makes it difficult to use with anything other than the standard macro lens. I switched from an Opteka RL-600 E-TTL II Macro Twin Ring Lite Flash and the transition was disappointing. First, Opteka fits any 77mm filter size and offers adapters for smaller lenses. Opteka's downsizing adapters fit almost every lens. This Canon has a filter size of just 58mm which means large lenses will be blocked by the ring and this is a really bad design choice. This setting can be used as fill flash on many lenses, not just macro photography, if the design allows. Knowing this, I assumed it would still fit in any lens with a 58mm filter size. Not so. It only fits the original macro lens without L and IS 100mm. (To attach an "L" macro lens you'll need to buy a $40 adapter, which is a little more than a zoom ring, which should only be around $5.) I assumed it came with Tamron's new 90mm Macro VC lens would fit. because this lens has the same 58mm filter size as Canon's original 100mm macro lens. But no, the clamps on this ring are for Canon ONLY. I had to buy another $15 adapter which then allows it to be used with any lens with a 58mm filter. There are two main modes: ETTL mode, which automatically adjusts the flash brightness, and manual mode, which allows you to adjust the brightness. ETTL mode makes it easier to get started as you can adjust the flash compensation on your camera. However, it is difficult to find the right balance between flash and background light. You need to experiment and get comfortable with your camera's M (manual) mode. The main problem with macro flash is that the fall off is very abrupt and at the default settings you end up with a well lit subject with a very dark or even completely black background. This might be what you need for some photos, but you'll quickly tire of this look as it doesn't look natural at all. In addition, the light from the flashes is too bright and you end up with a very sharp, but very artificial photo. There are two ways to improve this and get more engaging, natural photos. The first is to use a diffuser to soften the light. I received several custom orders from the UK on an auction site. Second, you need to find a way to light the background. There are several possibilities for this. You can remove one of the flashes and point it at the background manually. It's difficult with two hands. You can use sunlight, an auxiliary flash, or a light on a tripod to illuminate the background. You can use a slower shutter speed to capture more background light. You can increase ISO and decrease flash compensation. You can also add some fill light to the post. Or you can use a combination of these. There are all the techniques you need to learn yourself to achieve the look you want. Take the time to set it up, adjust exposure and backlight manually. I don't like the fact that Canon is forcing you into a very limited choice of lenses, but now that the Opteka RL-600 is no longer available it's basically the only true dual light flash available from Canon .