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Microstock Photography Forum - General => Photography Equipment => Lighting => Topic started by: litifeta on April 13, 2008, 20:36

Title: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: litifeta on April 13, 2008, 20:36

I have been looking at some cheap aftermarket ring flashes as a way of solving my ongoing fight with lighting.

I was wondering if anyone here used them, and the experiences they have to share.

Dave

Title: Re: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: Susan S. on April 13, 2008, 21:15

I have a Sigma ring flash (dedicated to Canon EOS). Works pretty well, but I don't do much stock stuff with it. I picked it up in a bankruptcy camera store auction very cheaply. I don't think it would get enough use to warrant paying full price - I find I get better more interesting light using an off camera flash - the ring flash is pretty flat front on lighting, even with the sides of the flash set at different strength - but at least the ring flash can be used as a combination of fill and a master to fire my Sigma DG super which is my main flash, so it's useful that way.

Title: Re: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: Phil on April 14, 2008, 18:05

ring flash gives a very flat light.  but it is supposed to be good for stamps, documents, teeth :) etc.  Many people prefer the nikon r1c1 style thingy with two flashes on the sides (I think there is a canon equiv.?). if you are in US promaster do a cheaper version that is sort of half way between the two, but I am not sure how well it works (I stopped looking at them when they didn't answer me emails as to whether the pentax version actually works :)

oh if you shoot pentax, there isn't any on the market (at all :(

Title: Re: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: araminta on April 15, 2008, 06:43

Quote from: clearviewstock on April 14, 2008, 18:05

Many people prefer the nikon r1c1 style thingy with two flashes on the sides (I think there is a canon equiv.?)

http://www.usa.canon.com/html/cameras_speedlite/mt24ex.html (http://www.usa.canon.com/html/cameras_speedlite/mt24ex.html)

I don't have one, but I've recently purchased an ultra-macro lens (Canon MP-E 65mm) and I think I will have to purchase one soon  :)

Title: Re: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: DanP68 on April 15, 2008, 07:34

The standard ring flashes do tend to produce a flat look.  I have never used the type with the flashes offset to each side, but they look interesting.  You'd have to think the lighting coming across from each side would create an image with more contrast and dimension.

Title: Re: Who uses a macro ring flash?
Post by: chumley on June 15, 2008, 19:29

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