Macro ring flash, ring lite, or flash bracket
 

I bought a Tamron 90mm macro to go with my Canon 400D which so far has produced some great results. However to get more dof out of this set up I would like to add some lighting. Any recommenations about the difference between ring lites and true flash. With the huge price saving is it worth getting the ring lite or does this severely limit the capabilities? Or would even a flash bracket with seperate flash unti produce good results?
Any comments would be welcome

"difference between ring lites and true flash." Not quite sure I understand this, the MR-14EX has two flash heads, one on either side.

Having bought the Tamron (or the Sigma) and not the Canon macro, I'm afraid that using a macro flash is a bit of a no no. The weight of the flash head on the end of the lens will either cause the focus to be so slow that it's unuseable, or the motor will stall altogether (particluarly if you're right over your subject and it's trying to retract the lens). I've experienced this using the MR 24EX which is much lighter than the ring flash, I bought the Canon macro because it is internally focussed.

Macro without flash is virtually impossible, especially at this time of year, I hear the cries of 'I do OK without a flash' but I guess it all depends on the quality you expect from your images. Flash sync at 1/250th (or 1/200th) makes a much sharper image than trying to get a shot at 1/100th or slower.

A flash bracket to use a normal flash gun as a macro is an option, but remember that it's a single light source (as opposed to two with macro flash), and that the brackets, when you can find them are not cheap. You must avoid brackets which fix to the hotshoe as they will put a lot of stress on it, that leaves the tripod mount as the only robust point.

If you have a flash extension cord, it is possible to hold the flash above the lens and hold the camera in the other hand, I know it's not ideal, but it will give you an idea of the results you are likely to see, and it won't cost you anything (assuming you have the cord.)

Thanks for your advice Flake, particularly the bit about weight of flash head. Its not something I had thought about.
If you use the tripod mount for a bracket, would you still be able to attach it to a tripod?
As I want to be able to shoot insects I do want to hover nearby with a hand held flash gun.

Try these, but I have a feeling the price might be prohibitive.
[url]http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/closeup-macro-flash-brackets.html[/url]

[url]http://www.photomacrography.net/photomacrography/Product_Reviews/KirkBracket/kirkbracket.htm[/url]

The cheapest way is to buy an off camera flash cable (Canon OC-E3) a lookie likey will do from Ebay at about £20, you can then hand hold the flash and still have a TTL exposure. It's the cheapest way to a macro flash experience and you will be able to use it for other types of photography

If you look at my gallery and the front flash that I designed. It consists of a T bracket with the two flash strobes either side of the lens. I am thinking of making a bracket with a third flash above the lens. Gad sir you are a genius