Twin flashes in macro photography: total control of lighting

One of the biggest challenges we face in macro photography is lighting. Because of the close proximity between the lens and the subject, shadows can become a major obstacle, and the available light can be insufficient to achieve proper exposure.

This is where macro photography flashes, such as twin flashes, come in. In the next post we will take a closer look at what a twin flash is, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages, and how it can help us improve our photos. We will also look at why many professional macro photographers prefer this type of flash to get more precise control of the light in their shots.

What is a twin flash?

A twin flash is made up of two independent flash heads that are placed around the lens, usually on a bracket or clamp that holds them in position. Unlike a ring flash, which emits a uniform and enveloping light, a twin flash allows greater control of the direction of the light, and its two heads (some equipment allows the use of more than two) can be adjusted in angle, distance and power to adapt very precisely to the specific needs of each scene.

Although the twin flash is usually used mounted directly on the lens, it can also be used on an external bracket. This design makes it an extremely versatile and flexible tool.

Characteristics of the light of a twin flash

As mentioned, one of the main characteristics of the twin flash is that it allows much more precise directional control. While the ring flash tends to create a very uniform light, which can sometimes be flat, the twin flash allows you to create volume and controlled shadows.

Using a twin flash also allows us to adjust the power of each of the heads to create a contrast between light and shadow, which is very useful for highlighting specific details. This is especially useful when photographing objects with complex textures or reliefs.

Finally, the twin flash allows us to create different lighting effects depending on how we position the heads. If we place them close to each other and in front of the subject, we will obtain a softer, more enveloping light, similar to that of the ring flash. If we separate them or tilt them from different angles, we can generate a directional lighting effect that adds depth.

Disadvantages of Twin Flashes

Despite all its advantages, twin flashes are not without their drawbacks, especially for those who are just starting out in macro photography or are looking for a simple, lightweight solution:

• Learning curve: Unlike a ring flash or a hot-shoe flash, which can be more intuitive to use, twin flashes requires some practice. Working with two independent light sources means that the photographer must learn to balance the power and direction of each head to get the desired results. It’s not that complicated, but it can be a challenge for those who are not familiar with the basic principles of lighting.
• Weight and size: Twin flashwa tends to be bulkier and heavier. This can be a drawback if we need to move around a lot or if we work in the field with additional equipment. Even though flash heads are generally compact, the brackets and clamps that hold them can add weight and, above all, complicate handling.
• Cost: Twin flashes are often more expensive due to their advanced design and the light control features they offer. While they can be a great investment for photographers looking for maximum quality and control, they may not be the best choice for beginners or hobbyists on a budget.
• Unwanted shadows: While controlled shadows are a benefit, there is also the risk of creating unwanted shadows if the light is not properly adjusted. If the flash heads are not positioned correctly, or if the power of one is significantly higher than the other, we can end up with overly pronounced shadows that ruin the detail or composition of the image.

Ideal Applications for Twin Flashes in Macro Photography

• Photography of insects and small animals: This is one of the areas where twin flashes shines (sorry for the pun). Many of these subjects have reflective, furry or textured surfaces that can create complex shadows. With a twin flash, we can adjust the direction and power of the light and more accurately illuminate the finest details and prevent them from being washed out by overly harsh lighting. In addition, since it is possible to control the intensity of each head, we can create a light that highlights the three-dimensional characteristics of the subject without losing the naturalness, something difficult to achieve with other types of flash.
• Photography of small products: Here, light control is essential. If we photograph jewelry or watches, for example, a twin flash allows us to evenly illuminate both sides of the product or create soft contrasts that highlight the design and shapes without generating overly strong reflections.
• Photography of flowers and plants: These subjects often have a wide variety of shapes, colors and textures. Flowers with delicate petals or shiny surfaces can lead to problems with overexposure or unwanted shadows. Here, the ability to adjust the light from different angles is particularly useful.
• Scientific documentation: This type of work often requires capturing extremely small details, such as microscopic structures or biological textures, and accurate lighting is key to ensuring the image is informative and clear.

Comparison with other types of flashes in macro photography

Twin flash vs. ring flash

Ring flash emits light from all angles around the lens, creating even, shadow-free illumination. This type of light is suitable for situations where even exposure is needed without volume details, such as in dental photography or some scientific images.

In comparison, twin flashes offers greater control of shadows and directional light, allowing for depth and volume in the image. While ring flash can make images appear flat, twin flashes adds three-dimensionality.

• Learn more: Ring flashes: soft, shadowless light

Twin flash vs. hot-shoe flash

The hot shoe flash, on the other hand, is the traditional flash that is mounted on the top of the camera. Although it can be used in macro photography, its biggest limitation is that it tends to produce pronounced shadows and does not provide as direct illumination as that obtained with a twin or ring flash.

In comparison, twin flashes gives us much more precise control over the light, since we can adjust it specifically for macro photography. The possibility of illuminating from different angles is key in small subjects where the harsh shadows of the hot shoe flash can hide important details.

• Learn more: Hot shoe flashes in macro photography: a complete guide

Twin flash vs. LED lights

LED continuous light is another popular choice for macro photography. Unlike flashes of any kind, LED light 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.

Techniques and tips to get the most out of twin flashes

• Positioning the flash heads: If we place them close together and directly in front of the subject, the light will be soft and enveloping, but if we separate them and tilt them, we can create more dramatic directional light effects. It is often useful to experiment with different positions to find the right balance between light and shadow depending on the type of subject we are photographing.
• Using diffusers: Recommended when you want to soften the light and avoid harsh shadows. These modifiers help to distribute the light more evenly, which is a great help in preserving subtle details, such as in flower photography or delicate textures.
• Adjusting the power: A common mistake is to illuminate both sides with the same intensity, which can result in a flat image. By adjusting the power of one flash to be weaker than the other, we can create soft shadows that add depth to the image without overexposing any part.
• Balancing light on complex backgrounds: When working with complex backgrounds, it’s easy for the subject to become underexposed or for the background to visually compete with the main object. Using twin flashes allows us to direct the light so that the subject is well lit while the background remains dark or softly lit.

Twin flashes by System

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

Sony

The Godox MF12-DK1 stands out for its flexibility and portability, allowing multiple light heads to be placed around the lens to illuminate from custom angles. It’s an excellent choice for those looking for detailed control over the lighting of small, complex subjects. The Godox MF12-K2 offers a similar, though significantly cheaper, solution.

The Meike MK-MT24S is a relatively inexpensive system comprised of two separate heads that allow complete control over the direction of light.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Sony cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Model	Tipo	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	ADI/P-TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery
Meike MK-MT24S	Twin	10	2.5 s	N/A	ADI/P-TTL	Yes	N/A	4x AA

Canon

Twin flashes allow you to control the direction of light with great flexibility and set creative and dynamic settings. The Canon MT-26EX-RT is the paradigmatic example, as it offers individual control of the two flash heads and compatibility with the Canon radio frequency system, facilitating advanced wireless configurations. Professional photographers looking for precision and versatility in complicated macro scenes, or in product or nature photography, will find in this model the best twin flash for Canon. On the other hand, the Godox MF12 is presented as a much more affordable and extremely portable option. Its modularity and the possibility of mounting it in various positions around the lens make it a perfect choice for the amateur photographer looking for freedom of configuration and quality of lighting at an affordable price.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Canon cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Model	Type	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Canon MT-26EX-RT	Twin	26	0.1 – 5.5 s	N/A	E-TTL II	Yes	N/A	4x AA
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	E-TTL II	Yes	N/A	Lithium battery

Nikon

The Nikon R1C1 is an advanced system that stands out for its ability to mount multiple wireless flash units around the lens. This allows for precise control over lighting, which is ideal for photographers looking for total flexibility, especially outdoors or in situations where ambient light is not suitable. Its integration with Nikon’s i-TTL system ensures accurate and automatic exposure, which is a great help in macro photography of unpredictable subjects such as insects.

Meanwhile, the Godox MF12-K2 offers a modular system with two compact flashes that can be adjusted to illuminate from different angles. Its small size and the possibility of adding more units make it very versatile, especially in environments where the photographer needs mobility without sacrificing control over light. For those who require even more flexibility, the Meike MK-MT24 is also a very complete twin system, with two adjustable heads and a more accessible price, and an option to consider for those looking for an economical but functional alternative.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Nikon cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Model	Type	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Nikon R1C1	Twin	10	2.5 s	N/A	i-TTL	Yes	N/A	4x AA (every flash)
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	i-TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery
Meike MK-MT24	Twin	10	2.5 s	N/A	i-TTL	Yes	N/A	4x AA

Fuji

The Godox MF12-K2 is a highly versatile option, with two flash heads that can be adjusted around the lens, allowing you to illuminate your subject from different angles and gain precise control in complex macro situations, such as capturing textures or moving subjects. The Godox MF12-K4 takes this flexibility a step further, offering four flash units, providing even wider coverage and complete control over shadows and lighting. With this setup, photographers have the ability to create much more complex lighting schemes, achieving wraparound or directional lighting depending on what the shot demands. It’s perfect for anyone who requires even but flexible lighting, such as product photography.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Fuji cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Model	Type	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery
Godox MF12-K4	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery

Panasonic Lumix

The Godox MF12-K2 is a highly versatile option, with two flash heads that can be adjusted around the lens, allowing you to illuminate your subject from different angles and gain precise control in complex macro situations, such as capturing textures or moving subjects. The Godox MF12-K4 takes this flexibility a step further, offering four flash units, providing even wider coverage and complete control over shadows and lighting. With this setup, photographers have the ability to create much more complex lighting schemes, achieving wraparound or directional lighting depending on what the shot demands. It’s perfect for anyone who requires even but flexible lighting, such as product photography.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Lumix cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Model	Type	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery
Godox MF12-K4	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery

Olympus OM System

The Olympus STF-8 stands out for its dust and splash-proof construction, making it ideal for working outdoors, even in difficult conditions. In addition, its ability to adjust the power of each head independently allows for absolute control over lighting, which is a great help in capturing subtle details and creating three-dimensional effects.

The Godox MF12-K2, on the other hand, is a considerably cheaper alternative that offers a versatile configuration with two compact and easily adjustable flashes around the subject. As in the previous case, this modular system allows lighting from different angles, and is an excellent option for photographers looking for flexibility in macro lighting. In the same vein, the Godox MF12-K4 expands this versatility by including four flash units, which provides even more control over light and allows for uniform or dramatic lighting according to the photographer’s creative needs.

Comparison table of twin flashes for Olympus cameras

Slide the table to the left (smartphone)

Flash	Type	NG	TR	Zoom	TTL	Slave	Head	Energy
Olympus STF-8	Twin	8.5	4 s	N/A	TTL	Yes	N/A	4x AA
Godox MF12-K2	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery
Godox MF12-K4	Twin	16	1.7 s	N/A	TTL	Yes (X-System, 2.4GHz)	N/A	Lithium battery

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