Just started playing around with the new Macro flash from Canon the MT 26EX RT. I have used the MT24 extensively for the past few years.
Packaging: same Canon box, comes with pouch with small tab of velcro closure instead of the run around zipper. Access is quick with the velcro tab, but the pouch is less secure when closed. Pouch will go on the closet anyway, so does not matter.
Mounting ring: no changes, except for the labeling as 26EX RT, instead of 24EX.
Main unit: about 20% smaller, which is welcome, making rigs less top heavy. Completely re-designed interface, but main functions are still the same. ETTL vs. manual, ratio control, power control. New also HSS, and RT function. Easy to find my way around without reading manual. Buttons are raised, so easier to press than on 24. This is important in macro, because exerting force on a cantilever (flash unit is high above tripod socket) will cause rig to move and framing/focusing changes. And yes, I use heavy RRS 34L tripod and BH55, all locked down.
Flash heads: re-designed, a tad smaller. The new Canon diffuser have small hooks that secure them onto the heads, so they are unlikely to accidentally slip off. The old Stofen diffusers still fit as well. The canon diffusors are possibly 1-2 mm less tall, so give a bit more freedom in positioning the heads. The Canon diffusers seem to be a bit more opaque, which is good for diffusion, but you lose some light.
Focusing light is brighter and a bit more blue, no surprise LED vs incandescent. The focusing light button is easier to press than on the old unit, as the button protrudes from the black plastic box, and is not sunken in.
In practice, the 1/512 power setting is a great addition, particularly for the z-stackers at f/2.8 on the MPE 65. I went right down to the lowest setting for the first couple of stacks. I can aim the heads right at the specimen, and do not have to use ND gel filters to reduce light output. I hope this will also help with reducing wear on the unit. I completely fried a MT24 after some 20K flashes. Will still keep the 24 around for outdoor, where I generally stop down, but for studio z-stacking the 26 rules.
Bottom line: if macro is your thing, the MT 26EX RT is a worthy upgrade. If not, the 24 will do just fine a while longer.
Packaging: same Canon box, comes with pouch with small tab of velcro closure instead of the run around zipper. Access is quick with the velcro tab, but the pouch is less secure when closed. Pouch will go on the closet anyway, so does not matter.
Mounting ring: no changes, except for the labeling as 26EX RT, instead of 24EX.
Main unit: about 20% smaller, which is welcome, making rigs less top heavy. Completely re-designed interface, but main functions are still the same. ETTL vs. manual, ratio control, power control. New also HSS, and RT function. Easy to find my way around without reading manual. Buttons are raised, so easier to press than on 24. This is important in macro, because exerting force on a cantilever (flash unit is high above tripod socket) will cause rig to move and framing/focusing changes. And yes, I use heavy RRS 34L tripod and BH55, all locked down.
Flash heads: re-designed, a tad smaller. The new Canon diffuser have small hooks that secure them onto the heads, so they are unlikely to accidentally slip off. The old Stofen diffusers still fit as well. The canon diffusors are possibly 1-2 mm less tall, so give a bit more freedom in positioning the heads. The Canon diffusers seem to be a bit more opaque, which is good for diffusion, but you lose some light.
Focusing light is brighter and a bit more blue, no surprise LED vs incandescent. The focusing light button is easier to press than on the old unit, as the button protrudes from the black plastic box, and is not sunken in.
In practice, the 1/512 power setting is a great addition, particularly for the z-stackers at f/2.8 on the MPE 65. I went right down to the lowest setting for the first couple of stacks. I can aim the heads right at the specimen, and do not have to use ND gel filters to reduce light output. I hope this will also help with reducing wear on the unit. I completely fried a MT24 after some 20K flashes. Will still keep the 24 around for outdoor, where I generally stop down, but for studio z-stacking the 26 rules.
Bottom line: if macro is your thing, the MT 26EX RT is a worthy upgrade. If not, the 24 will do just fine a while longer.