Hi guys
You were all so helpful last time I thought I would do a bit of brain picking again. It appears to me that to light a macro subject, that needs lighting, there are two options, (1) twin flashes from the hot shoe and (2) a ring flash for macro.
If this is the case then which is preferable. I think that I will be shooting insects etc in plants and bushes and just may need a bit of light. I also expect to be using my Sigma 105 though I have taken on board your previous comments and am on the hunt for a 50mm lens.
If it a case of number (1) being preferred do you make up the kits ad hoc
and if so some suggestions on kit to use would be of a real help.
Also can I use the x sync from the camera to fire off the lights as you would do in a studio. So many questions and so much to learn. HELP

Hi Don
As things stand I do not have any specialized macro lighting. I was considering a twin flash set up or maybe a macro ring flash. I would be obliged if you can offer some guidance on that front. I do have a prety reasonable studio set up lighting wise in as much as I have in interfit kit but to date I have only used this indoors though if its dry I see no real problems for the garden.

Many thanks to all you guys who have been so kind with your advice all of which is invaluable.Pentaxophile and paullucas have both got really terrific if not terrifying images. Right now wifey is under a blanket in case a spider should appear. Once again many thanks for the advice and I think I will be looking forward to my macro times. Just got to get a macro ring flash now but that will take some negotiation.

Many thanks guys. I do have a Sigma 105 already thanks to a long suffering wife and Xmas. I am really not at all sure exactly what I will be shooting. regrettably I am a bit crocked around the knees so dont get about as much as I used to (wifey pleased about that too)so I reckon that still lifes will be more in the frame than insects but who knows. With a handful of painkillers many things are possible. I do appreciate all you offerings.

I am currently doing a digital photo. course and have nominated macro as my next subject to produce a portfolio from. I use a K20, which I am very happy with, usually use it it in "manual" and am looking for advice on what lens would be best suited for my macro task and where are the best prices for these. Any help would be very welcome. Many many thanks in anticipation.

Hi Ken
I had a quick look at "Nightsong ..." on Amazon and I reckon it is right up my street. It is rather sad that I can remember the trams in Glasgow. The big event was a tram ride to Hoganfield Loch. Don't even know if it is still there. Maybe if its not its fate because if only it could speak!!! oh well never mind. Where abouts in Glesga are you. May be best if you reach me on [email protected] If we carry on like this we will only block up the good services of Pentax user.

Cheers

Ian

Many thanks guys for your prompt rersponce. Peter, what a star you are. I tried your suggestion and bingo straight in. Many thanks. Also gartmore your suggestion was equally good and it is all fully loaded. Peter I guess both Gartmore anf myself envy you a bit being in Murcia. Its cold here and b****y freezing in Glasgow which I know well being an exiled born and brought up Glaswegian and proud of it. Once again many thanks.

I have loaded the software onto my pc which has XP pro as an operating system. Shooying tethered is all good. Now to my laptop which runs Vista as operating system and when i tether my camera it just does not recognise the camera nlet alone any of the images. Has any-one else got this prob and if so how can we get around this anomally. By the way both computers are fully updated. Hope some-one out there can help

Hi Guys
Many many thanks for all the info. I think I am getting there. Brian how is the Kingdom and as for Virginia is that something to do with Virgins? Seriously though many thanks, so kind of you to take the time.

I am trying to setup my laptop to allow me to shoot tethered to the laptop via a "watched file" in Lightroom 2 but when I connect the lead from my camera to the usb the shutter locks and will not allow me to shoot. What do I have to do to be able to shoot tethered and check the results instantly, well near, in Lightroom.