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Review Summary
2014-02-18T19:00:00
Use for dental photography on every patient. Have two and they work very well.
CURTIS G.
2013-09-01T21:00:00
I use it for photographing coins, stamps for which it is ideal. For outdoor flash of flowers likewise excellent. Due to its low GN, the light fall off is rather severe with working distance. I use it with my 100mm f 2.8 macro lens, for which it was intended. My camera is a Canon rebel XSi. Photographic butterflies etc. is OK if you can get very close (i.e. 0.5 X scale for the 100 mm f 2.8 lens)
MARK G.
2013-08-09T20:00:00
I have used my MR-14EX extensively with the 100mm f/2.8L Macro and have been very impressed with the high degree of lighting control I can achieved with this flash unit. Both ETTL and manual settings are smooth and predictable. The left and right flash tube control is a nice feature that enables sculptural modeling of light on the subject. There are only two cons to report, as others have pointed out: the battery hatch is constructed poorly and difficult to open. Also, the control buttons are very small and sunk too deep into the face of the unit making them difficult to depress.
Camera G.

2013-06-10T21:00:00
I'm using this flash for general macro photography with my f2.8L 100mm. I first tried a cheap LED macro flash and was so disapointed that after a year of using it I invested in the MR-14X, it's build quality and performance make it well worth the price. One huge advantage to having this flash is less prep time with a tripod, those moving subjects are now caught with the macro!
Christopher M.
2013-02-08T19:00:00
Macro pics now look brighter
MarioP
2012-06-27T21:00:00
At the same time that I purchased this accessory, I purchased the Canon EOS 7d since I needed a digital camera, cropped-frame, with HD video capability for scientific research documentation purposes (I am a university professor). I preferred to stay with Canon since I already had an assortment of EF lenses and I have always been completely satisfied with Canon products. Most of the additional lenses and accessories I chose that were required for my work at this time (macro photography for specimens, location landscape documentation, laboratory training multimedia presentations) will all be usable in the future as I plan to invest in a full-frame Canon EOS within a few years. All of these accessories have met or exceeded my expectations! My only criticism of this unit is that you need different adapter rings for different lenses – it would be nice if Canon could develop a more-universal mounting system so that the MR-14EX could be used more quickly with different size lenses. Kudos also to Adorama, who has what must be the most extensive and impressive inventory I have yet to find online making one-stop shopping realistic (California does not have such a photography 'superstore'…). Packing was secure, shipping was fast, and personal contact service for advice was friendly and professional all the way. A wonderful experience – Thanks!
HAROLD R.
2012-02-12T19:00:00
Easy to use flash ring fits 58mm lens filter but need to buy adapter ring for all other sizes as this does not come with extra adapters. The flash is a true ring light and is somewhat diffused due to the white plastic. Can cause lens flair because it's so close to the surface of your lens. I need to use the hood with my Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens in order to open my camera aperature up for a good shot. Well made, very easy to use. If I were to buy over again, I would get the more expensive MR-24 instead. But, I still like this unit once I got the hang of it.
Psychobunny
2012-02-05T19:00:00
The MR-14 EX fits nicely to my 100mm macro lens and it's easy to use. An excellent outfit.
thpals
2012-01-14T19:00:00
Great for macro photography Well built Makes great photos
GEORGE M.
2012-01-06T19:00:00
This is a great ring flash. If you have the L series macro lens then you must also get the 67c adapter. I was online searching for a long time and saw few comments that you can not use a filter to protect the lens if you decide to use the ring flash. However in the end i was able to buy B + W 67mm UV (Ultra Violet) Haze Multi Coated (2C) Glass Filter #010 which has a front accessory thread, so that the adapter can be fitted on to the filter. Giving the configuration of lens--filter--adapter--ring flash. Hope this helps.
gozi
2011-12-03T19:00:00
All I can say is I wore one out and I'm on my second one in 8 years and not a complaint from me, works great all the time, period.
Toki

2011-09-17T21:00:00
Works great but needs the supplement power to back up.
BARRY S.
2011-05-07T20:00:00
I purchased this ring flash about 6 months ago. I was very excited to buy it. You can fire a secondary off camera flash to give a better depth to your photos and use it as a great fill flash, or use it "stand alone". Excellent for macro photography as you can adjust the strobes strength independently from each other, or just turn off one side if you wish. Overall, I don't go anywhere without it attached to my camera when shooting macro. If you are on the fence looking to purchase this flash...just do it.
Oscar

2010-06-29T20:00:00
I am totally satisfied with the outstanding performance of this product for macro work and I only wish I could have been able to post some images.
Private-I

2010-04-24T21:00:00
This ring flash is very useful for macro photography, it is easy to use and is very helpful when the insect is in the shadows. The only con ,the 72c and 67c ring adaptors are not included.
sspike
2010-02-20T19:00:00
This is mostly for very detailed close-up work.
RocktMn83
2010-01-09T19:00:00
good for all around use. the ratio feature is very useful. fill light and the second curtain synch are great features. the ability to use the flash off the lens (handheld) and the modeling light makes the flash a very versitile tool.
jude
2009-09-30T21:00:00
I love this flash. Macro work is my specialty and this allows perfection to every shot. It's great as a filler light indoors and outdoors. I use it on my pet photography and nature shots. I don't attach the flash to the lens though, as I like to have more control of where the flash is directed, so I hold it where I want it. It gives it less of a "flash" look and more of a natural look. I love the lamp for night shots, even though the bugs don't! I find the recycling time slows way down after several uses. I don't know if it's the type of battery I'm using or if it's the flash. I love this flash though, and would never go without it again!
Rebekah's P.
2009-08-08T21:00:00
Very good flash. I gave it a 4 for night time flash. Many small critters come out at night, and my results are not always consistent. However, the modeling lamp is great for macro work. Since the camera body and flash work together, is it the flash or camera? I sometimes find over exposure. Since I have used it as fill flash for daylight use, it deserves 5 stars for macro shadow fill control. It definitely controls the shadow nuances without producing way too much contrast. I have not used it for life-size or greater magnification. Some like to use the camera as a microscope, so read their reviews. Don't forget there is almost no depth of field, and for nighttime use its too much pain to use a tripod for extreme closeups. The good part about the macro flash is it makes 1/2 life size photos easy to do, hand-held. Despite the critique I'm not getting rid of it, as my macro work has improved with it. I've never had any problems with Canon, and that's it.
Sandia K.
2009-02-15T19:00:00
This is the gear we are recomended to buy for our postgraduate careers at the Central University of Venezuela. I am an Oral Medicine 3rd year Ms degree resident and you would not belive the pictures of the mouth I have taken. Combining this item with my macro 100 and my Rebel camara I have never had issues on the quality of the photos. I also enjoy out door macro photography and it does just fine. Never the less some sugestions to the fabricants in case they read this: 1- The focusing light could be a bit stronguer and have an option to have it re-light once the shot has been taken for immediate re-focusing with out having to turn on the lamp again. 2- Have you thought of a high lasting battery pack (but not excuding the 4AA batteries it takes)?. That's it folks, if you Canon guys take this in account I hope you remember me jejeje.
Dr M.
2007-02-11T19:00:00
I am into Macro Photography in a big way and with this flash now, I never case shadows on the subject and the shots come out with beautiful lighting.
Chris
2007-02-04T19:00:00
Has given a whole new perspective to macro photography.
Johnsal
2007-02-04T19:00:00
Have taken many pics with this flash, mostly macros of flowers, bugs , and espatially rock & mineral samples
Rat M.
Ring Lite, twin circular flashes tubes, and separate Controller Unit
E-TTL, TTL, Manual
Guide Number 14/46 (at ISO 100, m/ft.)
Auto Distance Range 16.4' (based on 100/2.8 macro & ISO 100 film)
Auto f/Stops TTL automation at all F-stops
80° in both vertical & horizontal angles
7 seconds (full power w/ alkaline batteries)
4 seconds (full power w/ Ni-Cd batteries)
4 AA batteries in Controller (Alkaline, NiCd, Lithium and Ni-MH type AAs are OK)
Optional : External battery packs Compact Battery Pack CP-E2, Transistor Pack E.
Control unit: 2.9 x 5.0 x 3.8" (WxHxD)
Flash ring: 4.4 x 5.0 x 1.0" (WxHxD)
Control unit: 0.63 lb
Flash ring: 0.26 lb
Control in E-TTL Mode: FP sync, FE Lock, Flash +/- compensation, Flash Exposure Bracketing.
Control in Manual Mode: Flash +/- compensation, Flash Exposure Bracketing.
Ratio Control in Manual: L:R tubes (A:B) in full steps over 1/1 1/64 range
Setting Method: LCD panel on Controller Unit (illuminated), similar to 550EX Speedlite
Custom Functions: Seven on the MR-14EX (in addition to any in camera), set on flash LCD.

Capturing small subjects – insects, flowers, stamps, coins and so on – requires careful attention to the technical aspects of photography: focus, lighting, sharpness, depth-of-field, exposure and composition. Close-up photographs offer us a unique view of our world.

I’ve had the good fortune to photograph animals in Africa, Thailand, the Galapagos, South and Central America. For those of you who are new to wildlife photography, as well as for those who simply want to get better pictures at a local zoo or wildlife park, here are my top tips for getting good...

You're inspired to go out there and capture the world in miniature...now all you need's the right stuff. Here are the essentials--lenses, lighting, and accessories--that will help you produce that macro magic.

The Canon MR-14EX Ring Lite for close-up and macro shooting is loaded with features and capabilities. Now with Canon's E-TTL, it takes full advantage of the flash performance of the EOS-1v, EOS-3, and other E-TTL cameras. Circular twin flash tubes can fire at even power, or varied between them over a six-stop range, and one or more 550EX Speedlites can be used as wireless slaves along with the MR-14EX. The controller unit now has an illuminated full-info LCD panel and its accepts optional hi-capacity battery packs.
Professional close-up flash photography becomes as easy as normal AE shooting when the MR-14EX is mounted onto any EOS system camera that supports E-TTL metering (i.e., Type-A EOS cameras). The E-TTL system emits the perfect amount of light, optimally balancing flash output and ambient light to ensure a natural balance. The MR-14EX also has advanced features such as High-Speed Sync (FP flash), Flash Exposure Lock (FEL), a Flash Exposure Compensation (up to +/- 3 stops) and Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB, up to +/- 3 stops in 1/3-stop or 1/2-stop increments).
When the MR-14EX is used with a Type-B EOS camera that does not support E-TTL autoflash control (e.g., EOS 1N, 5, 10), TTL autoflash control is used. In this case, Flash Exposure Compensation, FEB and manual flash exposure controls are available.