I purchased this as a kit, earlier this month and am extremely pleased with the results (on an Canon R5). Just ordered a 3rd flash head so I can have background light while photographing flowers without sacrificing the 2 units on the ring for variable balance illumination. It must say something about the overall quality and performance of these ring flashes when someone as inexperienced as myself in macro photography started obtaining very pleasing results right away. :)
I purchased this system and certainly agree with your comments. The only issue I had was that I thought I was going to break the "foot" on the kit flash units when trying to initially move them into position. Once moved they were fine. The next two I purchased did not exhibit the same issue.
There are 2 screws at the base of spring loaded attachment clip/grip at flash base. By tightening you can increase the gripon mount ring of the flashes.
Hi Dustin, many thanks for your review and instruction. My kit has just arrived from Pixapro in UK. I now need to set aside time to learn and use the MF12 kit to advantage...
Thanks Dustin for a very succinct yet informative review. These look to be very versatile macro lights and I’m seriously thinking of getting a set now.
I know a guy that uses the Nikon macro flash system but he uses Wimberly brackets to mount it. It doesn't use the Nikon lens mounts. He has a lot of control where he puts the light.
@@DustinAbbottTWI I usually use my v860iii at 1/64 that’s about 0.7W. This macro for the same power you have to be at around 1/16. So logically thinking the power is the same and what you get is the same. I am talking about receptions in very dark and closed spaces. Also first dance. For example, using this in a dark place like dancefloor, to suck ambience you are at say iso2000 1/200 f2.5. Do you get what I mean?
Hey Dustin, thanks for yet another great review Are you aware if the MF12 speedlights can be controlled from a TT350S? Although I also do have the X-Pro controller, I was considering the possibility to use my TT350S instead with a reflector, in order to distribute more light from above I wish there was a mechanism build in the MF12, so that you could space it further away from the ring. Because as it stands, range for this system is kind of limited Was thinking this could be a solution for the Laowa 90mm x2, as the working distance for the x2 is really challenging to light up!
This is great timing - I was just about to go with a ringlight but this looks very flexible/expandable and reasonably priced. On a somewhat unrelated note, you mentioned TTL working well - I can’t get godox/flashpoint HSS TTL to work with my canon mirrorless bodies without firing full power (even after applying patches). Have you run into this on this flash or any other Godox/flashpoint model?
Thanks so much for that review. Do i understand this right that the flashes will work with any camera system like canon nikon sony and so on as long as you have the right trigger for your camera?
Hi Dustin, can you do a review of the Sony A7 iv sensor like you did with the A7r iii VS A7r iv (sensor wars)? Compare the A7 iv to the A7 iii on scharpness and noise. And maybe also throw in a comparison with the A7r iii and A7r iv. The sensor wars episode was for me your best episode! Excellent! And there are a lot of reviews on the A7 iv but the sensor performance is only briefly mentioned. And the results from those who did show performance are somewhat contradicting. Camera Labs has a comparison that shows the A7 iv to be much better on low light but other say there is no difference in IQ with the A7 iii despite the higher MP count. I wanted to upgrade to the A7 iv and had a pre order but did not take it. Maybe the A7r iv is the one to upgrade to despite it being noisier.
I have the cheaper (and non expandable) Yongnuo version of the macro twin lite arrangement. One "flaw" in both of these units (as far as I can tell from the specs) is no P-TTL compatibility. It is no big deal, as I run the camera in manual, and use the fractional flash power settings (1:1, 1/2, 1/4/1/8 power etc). I was hoping Godox would add this, since their two big non monolite flashes (that you have reviewed) CAN be purchased with P-TTL capability.
I think as long as you can get the P (Pentax) trigger, then you can use these with TTL. These are slave units, so they aren't cued to any particularly brand's TTL
Mr. Dustin, I don't suppose you've tried these out on an R5/R6? I've been seeing mixed reviews online regarding compatibility between Godox and the most recent canon mirrorless cameras.
I don't take Godox seriously anymore. Their products are so gelded, despite the seeming innovation going on. These lights are like the old Godox A1 technology repurposed; but, these are just boring flashes without bi-frequency wireless, and cellphone connectivity.
Perhaps, though I wouldn't be surprised to see those features in the next generation. It seems to me that you are judging a product nearly 2 years old by the standard of the present. The industry changes very quickly.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Well I tested different kind of light products for macro shooting , from tubes (snoots) to ring lights, and also speed ligths on brackets and those cheaper ring lights are doing their job fine. Talking about quality of light and not the power. In the end I like one or two snoots with a grid the most, gives me more control on size and power of the light witch are about 20 dollar per speedlight
@@RS-Amsterdam i mean your cost for speed lights and lack of ability to keep a more compact setup changes the whole "bit expensive" argument. I've used the cheaper ring lights and although they work, they're not great for everything. Outdoors you have better versatility with this godox setup, no need for extra mounts or modifiers. I mean a snoot is great but if you're doing more nature, then walking around and trying to get fotos quicker for whatever reasons this godox setup is better for sure (even at this price)
I purchased this as a kit, earlier this month and am extremely pleased with the results (on an Canon R5). Just ordered a 3rd flash head so I can have background light while photographing flowers without sacrificing the 2 units on the ring for variable balance illumination. It must say something about the overall quality and performance of these ring flashes when someone as inexperienced as myself in macro photography started obtaining very pleasing results right away. :)
Glad to hear you are enjoying it.
I purchased this system and certainly agree with your comments. The only issue I had was that I thought I was going to break the "foot" on the kit flash units when trying to initially move them into position. Once moved they were fine. The next two I purchased did not exhibit the same issue.
I’m glad it is working out well for you.
There are 2 screws at the base of spring loaded attachment clip/grip at flash base. By tightening you can increase the gripon mount ring of the flashes.
Hi Dustin, many thanks for your review and instruction. My kit has just arrived from Pixapro in UK. I now need to set aside time to learn and use the MF12 kit to advantage...
Have fun!
Thanks Dustin for a very succinct yet informative review. These look to be very versatile macro lights and I’m seriously thinking of getting a set now.
My pleasure!
Thanks for the great review ~!
My pleasure.
Please can you advise how to remove the ring from the lens please?
It should be a matter of unscrewing the adapter.
I know a guy that uses the Nikon macro flash system but he uses Wimberly brackets to mount it. It doesn't use the Nikon lens mounts. He has a lot of control where he puts the light.
That's an interesting application.
Dustin, would this flash be a nice one for weddings, on a stand or clamps to flood the dancefloor?
There are better options if you want to light a space rather than do macro
@@DustinAbbottTWI I usually use my v860iii at 1/64 that’s about 0.7W. This macro for the same power you have to be at around 1/16. So logically thinking the power is the same and what you get is the same. I am talking about receptions in very dark and closed spaces. Also first dance. For example, using this in a dark place like dancefloor, to suck ambience you are at say iso2000 1/200 f2.5. Do you get what I mean?
Since you have to use a trigger I'm assuming you don't order this light by what camera brand you have like you do with something like the V1 or 685?
That’s correct. It’s your trigger that will need to be matched to the TTL of your camera.
Hey Dustin, thanks for yet another great review
Are you aware if the MF12 speedlights can be controlled from a TT350S?
Although I also do have the X-Pro controller, I was considering the possibility to use my TT350S instead with a reflector, in order to distribute more light from above
I wish there was a mechanism build in the MF12, so that you could space it further away from the ring. Because as it stands, range for this system is kind of limited
Was thinking this could be a solution for the Laowa 90mm x2, as the working distance for the x2 is really challenging to light up!
That's interesting.
This is great timing - I was just about to go with a ringlight but this looks very flexible/expandable and reasonably priced.
On a somewhat unrelated note, you mentioned TTL working well - I can’t get godox/flashpoint HSS TTL to work with my canon mirrorless bodies without firing full power (even after applying patches). Have you run into this on this flash or any other Godox/flashpoint model?
I was just using Canon TTL and HSS TTL on my EOS R5 an hour ago.
Great review, as always
Thanks again!
Thanks so much for that review. Do i understand this right that the flashes will work with any camera system like canon nikon sony and so on as long as you have the right trigger for your camera?
That's correct.
Hi Dustin, can you do a review of the Sony A7 iv sensor like you did with the A7r iii VS A7r iv (sensor wars)? Compare the A7 iv to the A7 iii on scharpness and noise. And maybe also throw in a comparison with the A7r iii and A7r iv. The sensor wars episode was for me your best episode! Excellent! And there are a lot of reviews on the A7 iv but the sensor performance is only briefly mentioned. And the results from those who did show performance are somewhat contradicting. Camera Labs has a comparison that shows the A7 iv to be much better on low light but other say there is no difference in IQ with the A7 iii despite the higher MP count. I wanted to upgrade to the A7 iv and had a pre order but did not take it. Maybe the A7r iv is the one to upgrade to despite it being noisier.
I'm still waiting to get an a7IV, but I won't have all of those cameras on hand to compare to.
I have the cheaper (and non expandable) Yongnuo version of the macro twin lite arrangement. One "flaw" in both of these units (as far as I can tell from the specs) is no P-TTL compatibility. It is no big deal, as I run the camera in manual, and use the fractional flash power settings (1:1, 1/2, 1/4/1/8 power etc). I was hoping Godox would add this, since their two big non monolite flashes (that you have reviewed) CAN be purchased with P-TTL capability.
I think as long as you can get the P (Pentax) trigger, then you can use these with TTL. These are slave units, so they aren't cued to any particularly brand's TTL
Great review!
Glad you enjoyed it
hi.. can i use this 100-105 mm macrolenses
I don't see why not.
Is it better than the mieke twin flash?we need a comparison please
I'm afraid I've moved on to other projects. Sorry.
If I use the v860III as a master, will these devices work as a slave, properly?
Mr. Dustin, I don't suppose you've tried these out on an R5/R6? I've been seeing mixed reviews online regarding compatibility between Godox and the most recent canon mirrorless cameras.
I have used it on the R5. I'm not having any problems with TTL.
They work perfectly on my R5. I'm using them with my Laowa 100/2.8, and they work great.
Fantastic, thanks fellers! Out of curiosity, which Godox trigger do you use?
I used the Godox X2C bhpho.to/3xSi4Sr. The XPro is also a great choice (about $20 more)
@@DustinAbbottTWI Excelsior!
Hello one question, This little flash works with high speed sync?
Yes it does.
No, the MF12 Macro flashes don’t have high speed sync!
Hi Dustin,
I was wondering if you will be releasing a review of the new Samyang 50mm 1.4 FE II ?
Great video as always
Great news. I just heard from Samyang that they are sending me one next week.
@@DustinAbbottTWI amazing can’t wait. Looks like a great value 50mm
I can’t remove mine now , it’s like stuck
That's unfortunate. There's probably a way to extricate it. You might want to reach out to Godox for instruction.
I don't take Godox seriously anymore. Their products are so gelded, despite the seeming innovation going on. These lights are like the old Godox A1 technology repurposed; but, these are just boring flashes without bi-frequency wireless, and cellphone connectivity.
Perhaps, though I wouldn't be surprised to see those features in the next generation. It seems to me that you are judging a product nearly 2 years old by the standard of the present. The industry changes very quickly.
Bit expensive, if you google for a ring flash/light there is enough for less money
In my experience there are cheaper options than Godox products, but almost never better products for less money.
@@DustinAbbottTWI Well I tested different kind of light products for macro shooting , from tubes (snoots) to ring lights, and also speed ligths on brackets and those cheaper ring lights are doing their job fine. Talking about quality of light and not the power. In the end I like one or two snoots with a grid the most, gives me more control on size and power of the light witch are about 20 dollar per speedlight
@@RS-Amsterdam i mean your cost for speed lights and lack of ability to keep a more compact setup changes the whole "bit expensive" argument. I've used the cheaper ring lights and although they work, they're not great for everything. Outdoors you have better versatility with this godox setup, no need for extra mounts or modifiers. I mean a snoot is great but if you're doing more nature, then walking around and trying to get fotos quicker for whatever reasons this godox setup is better for sure (even at this price)