Question Macro Strobe Setup Advice: Dual Backscatter MF-2 vs. MF-2 + HF-1 Combination?

[MrTW]

For context: I'm exclusively focused on macro photography and have no plans to move into wide-angle or video anytime soon.

In the past, I used to carry a Sea & Sea YS-D2, but rarely used it for macro; mainly because I never fully learned how to get the most out of the strobe. Eventually, the YS-D2 flooded, and I switched to the Backscatter MF-2, which I really like for its portability, price, and performance.

Now, I’m considering adding a second strobe. While the MF-2 is serving me well, I’m unsure if a second MF-2 would add much benefit beyond occasional creative lighting stuff (backlighting, remote flash, etc.).

I’ve also looked at the Backscatter HF-1 as a potential second strobe, but I’m not sure if pairing an HF-1 with the MF-2 makes sense for macro-only use, or if it would be overkill and an overall odd combination.

Any recommendations for a secondary strobe to complement the MF-2? My main priorities are portability (most important) and cost.

 

[BoltSnap]

no plans to move into wide-angle

Out of curiosity, why so? Local environment or something else?

 

[hedonist222]

Now, I’m considering adding a second strobe. While the MF-2 is serving me well, I’m unsure if a second MF-2 would add much benefit beyond occasional creative lighting stuff (backlighting, remote flash, etc.).

You've answered your own questions, twice.

Do you need a second strobe?
Only for occasional creative lighting.

Which strobe to complement your mf2 considering portability and price and no wide angle?
The mf2.

So, you've got to decide if the cost of a second mf2 (or mf1) for occasional creative lighting is worth the money to you considering the above.

I suppose you could try the idea out by buying a used mf1/2 and selling it if you need to.

 

[MrTW]

Out of curiosity, why so? Local environment or something else?

I have never really been interested in WA photography. In parts due to avoiding to lug around large lenses and domes, plus different set of strobes. That might change one day but hasn't yet for the last close to 10 years of macro photography...

The only exception to that might be a MWL-1 though.

 

[MrTW]

You've answered your own questions, twice.

Do you need a second strobe?
Only for occasional creative lighting.

Which strobe to complement your mf2 considering portability and price and no wide angle?
The mf2.

So, you've got to decide if the cost of a second mf2 (or mf1) for occasional creative lighting is worth the money to you considering the above.

I suppose you could try the idea out by buying a used mf1/2 and selling it if you need to.

Yes, you’re correct - it seems I’ve partly answered my own initial questions.

That said, I’m now wondering whether the HF-1 would complement the MF-2, or if it’s more of an “either/or” situation rather than both being used effectively together.

While having a second MF-2 for remote or other creative lighting could be nice, it’s not really essential. I’m more curious now if the HF-1 would offer larger advantages over simply adding a second MF-2?

(to BoltSnap's comment above - maybe for future leverage with the MWL-1)

 

[davehicks]

My standard macro configuration is an HF-1 plus and MF-2+Snoot. I typically use the MF2+Snoot as the primary strobe and the HF-1 for fill or back lighting.

On occasion the HF-1 becomes the primary and I use its high-speed refresh rate to take 3 frames per second on an active subject. A good example is a little SweetLips fish that rapidly wiggles about. Shooting a bunch of frames helps get a good posture for the fish.

I made a set of macro restrictors for the HF-1 that I typically use when set for macro.

Backscatter HF-1 Bumper & Reduction Ring (38+60mm) by awkward_swine MakerWorld: Download Free 3D Models

Boost MeIf you like this design, please give it a Boost to help support my 3D printing habit. It will be greatly appreciated.[Updated: There is now a 60mm (flat) and a screw on 38mm (cone) ring available. The 60mm ring slips over rubber bumper ring that lives permanently on the strobe.] This is...

makerworld.com

 

[bvanant]

I think the answer depends on what camera/lens sets you are using. For me 2 x MF-2 is the first approach, better control of shadows etc. If you are running a big full frame system then an HF-1 might be fine, if you are shooting a smaller system, then the HF-1 might be too big.
Bill

 

[Searcaigh]

I've been experimenting with two MF1s recently, which I originally bought a few years back as a back up to my YSD2s when traveling, and they did get used when one of my YSD2s stopped working on a trip to Sulawesi!

I was doing a lot of snooting with one and during ADEX in Singapore I picked up a filter set and started doing some creative lighting recently.

 

[MrTW]

I think the answer depends on what camera/lens sets you are using. For me 2 x MF-2 is the first approach, better control of shadows etc. If you are running a big full frame system then an HF-1 might be fine, if you are shooting a smaller system, then the HF-1 might be too big.
Bill

Good point!

I am using a Sony a7rv with a Tamron 90mm and a Sony 90mm as backup. Shooting mostly with a MFO-1 but just now got a dual flip and will switch between the MFO1 and a SMC-3 going forward.

 

[MrTW]

I've been experimenting with two MF1s recently, which I originally bought a few years back as a back up to my YSD2s when traveling, and they did get used when one of my YSD2s stopped working on a trip to Sulawesi!

I was doing a lot of snooting with one and during ADEX in Singapore I picked up a filter set and started doing some creative lighting recently.

This is excellent! Are you using a muck stick for the second strobe or attached to the housing?