A couple of further observations:
If the subject will focus in normal mode even though you are close, why bother going to macro mode? There seems to be little difference in the minimum shooting distance to the subject between macro mode and normal mode with 24 -50 mm focal lengths. I noticed no difference in image quality. In my opinion, unless you cannot focus in normal mode there is no reason to switch to macro mode.
I use a single strobe and video light and have considered buying another strobe. One of the main reasons for going to another strobe would be to reduce shadows in pictures. I've been reading one of Martin Edge's books and he suggests sticking with one strobe until you have learned to use it well and learned its limitations. He points out that shadow can enhance a photo by adding depth of field. That corresponds with what I've noticed on some of the photos I like. Photos without shadow can appear flat. I tried using the video light to soften the shadows cast by the strobe. For a while I didn't think it made much difference. But that was only at the higher shutter speeds. As exposure time is increased the effects of the video light became much more evident and at the very long exposure times can cause the photo to become overexposed.
If the subject will focus in normal mode even though you are close, why bother going to macro mode? There seems to be little difference in the minimum shooting distance to the subject between macro mode and normal mode with 24 -50 mm focal lengths. I noticed no difference in image quality. In my opinion, unless you cannot focus in normal mode there is no reason to switch to macro mode.
I use a single strobe and video light and have considered buying another strobe. One of the main reasons for going to another strobe would be to reduce shadows in pictures. I've been reading one of Martin Edge's books and he suggests sticking with one strobe until you have learned to use it well and learned its limitations. He points out that shadow can enhance a photo by adding depth of field. That corresponds with what I've noticed on some of the photos I like. Photos without shadow can appear flat. I tried using the video light to soften the shadows cast by the strobe. For a while I didn't think it made much difference. But that was only at the higher shutter speeds. As exposure time is increased the effects of the video light became much more evident and at the very long exposure times can cause the photo to become overexposed.
