Hot shoe flashes in macro photography: a complete guide

In macro photography, where subjects are often small and details are everything, lighting is a crucial factor that can make the difference between a flat image and a striking one. As photographers delve into this minute world, the challenge of lighting properly increases.

Although there are specific models of flashes for macro photography, shoe-mounted flashes are surely the most popular option, but are they really effective in macro photography? In this article we will explore their performances in depth: characteristics, advantages, limitations and how to optimize their use in this very specialized type of work.

What is a hot shoe flash?

A hot shoe flash is an external lighting device that is mounted on the top of the camera. It can emit light in different intensities and, depending on the model, can be adjusted manually or automatically based on the exposure of the scene.

Its main advantage is its versatility. While it is used in a wide variety of situations, from portraits to event photography, it can also be used in macro photography. However, the challenge in this discipline is that the distance between the flash and the subject is very short, and the hot shoe flash can cause overexposure problems and unwanted shadows if not used properly.

Features of the hot shoe flash light in macro photography

When we use a flash in macro photography, the size of the light source is relatively small compared to the subjects we photograph. In the case of the hot shoe flash, with its power and position above the camera, this translates into a direct and hard light that generates marked and poorly diffused shadows that are counterproductive when trying to highlight subtle details or textures. In portrait or product photography, the light can be bounced to achieve uniform or indirect lighting, but in macro photography, more precise control is required.

One way to do this is by using diffusers. With them, the light is dispersed, the harshness of the shadows is reduced and a more enveloping lighting is generated.

Advantages of hot shoe flashes in macrophotography

Despite the challenges posed by this type of direct light, the hot shoe flash offers several advantages that make it an extremely useful tool.

First of all, there is its accessibility. This type of flash is the most common and easiest to find on the market, with a wide variety of models to suit all budgets. Added to this is its portability. Hot shoe flashes are usually compact and lightweight, they can be easily transported and, more interestingly, quickly assembled or disassembled, which contrasts with the relative complexity of ring or dual flashes. This is especially useful in field photography, where it is always preferable to have a handy piece of equipment that makes things easier for us. Finally, its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of photographic scenarios, beyond macrophotography. Its ability to adapt to various situations makes it the preferred choice among those looking for a single tool that responds to multiple styles and needs.

For those who do not dedicate themselves exclusively to macro photography, the shoe flash is undoubtedly a more practical solution.

Disadvantages of the hot shoe flash in macro photography

Despite their undoubted advantages, hot shoe flashes have some drawbacks when it comes to the results we obtain with them. One of the main ones is the appearance of pronounced shadows that we have already discussed. Since the flash is mounted on the camera, the light is emitted from an elevated position very close to the subject, which causes hard and unnatural shadows.

Another common drawback is flat lighting. When all the light comes only from the hot shoe flash, the subject tends to lose three-dimensionality, since uniform lighting eliminates the subtle shadows that create volume. As a result, images can appear two-dimensional and lacking in texture.

In addition, the hot shoe flash offers limited directional control capacity. Although some models allow you to tilt or rotate the head to adjust the angle of the light, in macro this flexibility is not always sufficient. To properly illuminate small objects from specific angles, it would be ideal to use external flashes, which is an added complication.

Finally, the shoe-mounted flash can also generate unwanted reflections on shiny surfaces. When photographing reflective objects such as jewelry, shiny-bodied insects, or certain plants, the risk of overlighting is high.

Modifications and accessories

One way to overcome the limitations described above is to use certain accessories.

Diffusers

Diffusers are one of the most common, effective and inexpensive accessories. They are placed on the head of the flash and help to soften the light, reduce harsh shadows and generate more enveloping lighting.

Reflectors

These allow us to redirect the light. Instead of shining it directly on the subject, we can bounce the light from the flash off a white or reflective surface to create indirect light that hits the subject more softly and at a different angle, giving us more control over the shadows.

Comparing hot shoe flash to other types of macro lighting

Hot shoe flash vs. ring flash

A ring flash surrounds the camera lens, providing a full-length light without harsh shadows. Unlike a shoe-mount flash, a ring flash produces more even lighting, which can be ideal in situations where aesthetic image quality is secondary, such as medical photography, and particularly dental photography. Outside of that realm, some photographers find that a ring flash produces light that is too flat and lacks depth, which is problematic if you want to highlight textures or create a three-dimensional feel.

A hot shoe flash, on the other hand, offers more flexibility in terms of directional control of light and is a useful tool in almost all genres of photography. For those who do not exclusively focus on macro photography, a hot shoe flash is undoubtedly a more practical solution.

• Learn more: Ring flashes: soft, shadowless light

Hot shoe flash vs. twin flash

Twin flashes allow for greater control over lighting, as they have two heads that can be positioned independently around the subject. This offers the ability to create more controlled light and shadow, improving three-dimensionality and eliminating the harsh shadows of hot shoe flashes.

However, twin flash systems are typically more expensive and less portable. At the same time, while they provide more targeted and patterned light, they are more complex to set up, which is exactly what photographers who need quick, portable solutions for outdoor or on-the-go shoots are not looking for.

• Learn more: Twin flashes: total control of lighting

Hot shoe flash vs. LED lights

Continuous LED lights areanother popular choice for macro photography. Unlike flashes of any kind, LED lights allows you to see how your subject is illuminated in real time, making it easier to set exposure parameters before shooting.

However, LEDs tend to be less powerful than flashes, which can be problematic if you’re shooting at small apertures (necessary to have sufficient depth of field) or in low-light environments.

Recommended Applications of Shoe-Mounted Flash in Macro Photography

While hot shoe flashes can be used in many situations, they are particularly well suited to outdoor macro photography, where you will likely want an additional light source without the need to carry around bulky equipment. Thus, in insect photography, where subjects tend to move quickly and in low-light environments, it will help you freeze motion and capture fine details. In flower, mushroom or other natural photography, you will also encounter variable light conditions or shaded areas. In both cases, it will be particularly useful when shooting with closed apertures in search of a greater depth of field.

Tips for Using a Hot Shoe Flash in Macro Photography

The shoe-mounted flash may seem like a simple tool, but mastering it takes practice. Here are some final tips to get the most out of it:

• Experiment with different diffusers: There are many types of diffusers on the market, from the simplest to more sophisticated versions. Try different ways of diffusing the light to see which one best suits your style of photography.
• Control the distance: In macro photography, a small change in the distance between the flash and the subject makes a big difference in the intensity of the light. Always keep an eye on this variable and adjust the flash power accordingly.
• Try different angles: Don’t limit yourself to shooting with the flash mounted directly on the camera. Use brackets or remote triggers to experiment with different angles of light and discover how they impact the shadows and details of your subjects.
• Don’t forget about the environment: Even if you’re focusing on a small subject, the environment can play an important role in your composition. Make sure that the light you are using not only flatters the subject, but also maintains a good relationship with the background, avoiding glare or overexposed areas.

Hot Shoe Flashes for Every System

The following compilation covers the flash options available for the main mounts. Please note that specifications may vary slightly depending on the versions and firmware updates of the equipment, so we recommend always checking the latest features, checking compatibility and reading customer reviews.

Sony

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Sony

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Sony HVL-F46RM	46	2.0-2.5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	4x AA	$$$$
Sony HVL-F60RM2	60	1.7-2.5 s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	4x AA	$$$$
Neewer Z1-S	60	1.5 s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batería litio	$$
Neewer Z2-S	60	1.5 s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batería litio	$$
Neewer Z760-S	58	3 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	B	4x AA	$
Neewer TT560	38	3 s	18-55mm	No	No	B	4x AA	$
Neewer NW620	58	3 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	B	4x AA	$
Godox TT350S	36	2.2 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	2x AA	$
GODOX TT560II	38	2.9 s	18-55mm	No	Yes	B	4x AA	$
Godox TT600S	60	2.6 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	4x AA	$
Godox TT685IIS	60	2.6 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	4x AA	$$
Godox V860III-S	60	1.5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batería litio	$$$
Godox V1-S	76	1.5 s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batería litio	$$$
Godox V1Pro S	76	1.5 s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batería litio	$$$
Yongnuo YN560 IV	58	3 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	4x AA	$
Yongnuo YN320EX	31	2.5 s	24-50mm	Yes	Yes	B	2x AA	$
Meike MK-320S Mini	32	5 s	24-50mm	Yes	Yes	B	2x AAA	$
Photoolex	35	3 s	24-105mm	No	No	B	4x AA	$

Canon

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Canon

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Canon Speedlight 430EX II	43	0.1-3.7 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$$
Canon Speedlite EL-100	26	5.8 s	24mm	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$$
Canon 270EX II	27	3.9 s	28-50mm	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$$
Canon 430EX III RT EU16	43	0.1-3.5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$$
Godox TT350C	36	0.1-2.2 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT520II	33	1-2s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
GODOX TT560II	38	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT600	60	0.1-2.6 s	20-200mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox V860III-C	60	1.5 s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Neewer TT560	38	3 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
NEEWER NW620	62	3 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW635II-C	58	3 s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW-670	58	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
NEEWER Z1-C	60	1.5 s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$
NEEWER Z2-C	60	1.5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$
NEEWER Z760-C	76	1.5 s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Meike MK-320C	32	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Meike MK430	43	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Meike MK950II	58	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Metz Mecablitz 44 AF-2	44	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$$
Yongnuo YN560 IV	58	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Photoolex	50	0.1-5 s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$

Nikon

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Nikon

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Nikon SB-700	38	2.5-3.5s	24-120mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$$$
Nikon SB-R200	10	5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries CR123A	$$
Godox TT350N	36	0.1-2.2s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT520II	33	1-2s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT560II	38	2.5s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT600	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT685II-N	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Godox V1 Pro N	76	1.5s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Neewer NW620	35	0.3-5s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW635II	58	0.1-2.9s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW645II-N	60	0.1-2.9s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Neewer NW700-N	60	0.1-2.9s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer TT560	38	2.9s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer Z1-N	76	1.5s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Neewer Z2-N	76	1.5s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Neewer Z760-N	76	1.5s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Voking VK750II	58	0.1-5s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Yongnuo YN560 IV	58	3s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Photoolex	50	5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$

Fuji

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Fuji cameras

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Godox TT350F	36	0.1-2.2s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT600	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT685IIF	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Godox V860III-F	60	1.5s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Godox V1 Pro-F	76	1.5s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Godox V1 Round Head	76	1.5s	28-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Lithium battery	$$$
Neewer TT560	38	2.9s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW620	33	2.8s	Fixed	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Yongnuo YN560 IV	58	3s	24-105mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Photoolex	50	5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$

Panasonic Lumix

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Panasonic Lumix

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Panasonic Lumix DMW-FL200L	20	5s	12-100mm	Yes	No	B	Batteries AA	$$
Godox TT350o	36	0.1-2.2s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT520II	33	1-5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT600	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT685II-O	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Meike MK-320P	32	0.1-5s	Fixed	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Neewer TT560	38	2.9s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW620	33	2.8s	Fixed	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Photoolex	50	5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$

Olympus

Comparison table of hot shoe flashes for Olympus

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Model	GN	RT	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy	Price
Olympus FL-LM3	20	3s	14-42mm	Yes	No	B	Lithium battery	$
Godox TT350o	36	0.1-2.2s	24-105mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT520II	33	1-5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT560II	38	0.1-5s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT600	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Godox TT685II-O	60	0.1-2.6s	20-200mm	Yes	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$$
Meike MK-320P	32	0.1-5s	Fixed	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Neewer TT560	38	2.9s	Fixed	No	Yes	S/T	Batteries AA	$
Neewer NW620	33	2.8s	Fixed	Yes	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$
Photoolex	50	5s	Fixed	No	Yes	B	Batteries AA	$

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