How versatile is a Ring Flash.
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Tyke Tiler
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Good question
I primarily use ringflash for fill light, when combined with quality diffusion/modification/shaping, the softness and light quality is fantastic.
On axis fill can be very handy when going for a much more dramatic lighting plan as it allows more extreme angles with key and rim lights.
Then of course there's using the ringflash as your key/main, this grants a very distinctive look, one that has minimal preference for me personally.
I liken it to fish eye lenses - cool and interesting look but not generally useful.
Apologies but this is all I have
I've also used the ringlfash as a key light for some smaller product work, this was diffused with a softlight reflector though as direct and un-diffused it can be a little too hard for my tastes.
Profoto D4 ringlight, AcuteB 600R and softlight reflector.
So to conclude, it has some great applications, but something that goes a little further down the list of priorities when your starting to acquire lights or make an investment into higher spec gear.
I primarily use ringflash for fill light, when combined with quality diffusion/modification/shaping, the softness and light quality is fantastic.
On axis fill can be very handy when going for a much more dramatic lighting plan as it allows more extreme angles with key and rim lights.
Then of course there's using the ringflash as your key/main, this grants a very distinctive look, one that has minimal preference for me personally.
I liken it to fish eye lenses - cool and interesting look but not generally useful.
Apologies but this is all I have
I've also used the ringlfash as a key light for some smaller product work, this was diffused with a softlight reflector though as direct and un-diffused it can be a little too hard for my tastes.
Profoto D4 ringlight, AcuteB 600R and softlight reflector.
So to conclude, it has some great applications, but something that goes a little further down the list of priorities when your starting to acquire lights or make an investment into higher spec gear.
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Garry Edwards
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That's a brilliant answer - probably the first time we've ever completely agreed
HoppyUK
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Usual rubbish images from Tomas 
Most ringflashes are not very versatile at all. They're for macro, and they're great for that, but are too small and feeble for anything more than a few feet away.
Then there are the serious studio jobbies, which Tomas has demonstrated so well, but they're far too powerful for macro.
Perhaps somewhere inbetween are the ringflash adapters like the RayFlash, or the RingFlash Adapter that I use with a Canon 580EX. The gun is really key to that, as it's got enough power to for a modest portrait of fashion job (just about) but runs down to 1/128th power for close-up.
Arguably it's a bit of a jack of all trades etc - not powerful enough for professional studio work, and not ideal for really close macro over 1:1 - but it gets me by.
Most ringflashes are not very versatile at all. They're for macro, and they're great for that, but are too small and feeble for anything more than a few feet away.
Then there are the serious studio jobbies, which Tomas has demonstrated so well, but they're far too powerful for macro.
Perhaps somewhere inbetween are the ringflash adapters like the RayFlash, or the RingFlash Adapter that I use with a Canon 580EX. The gun is really key to that, as it's got enough power to for a modest portrait of fashion job (just about) but runs down to 1/128th power for close-up.
Arguably it's a bit of a jack of all trades etc - not powerful enough for professional studio work, and not ideal for really close macro over 1:1 - but it gets me by.
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kiteninja
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Tomas you've hit the nail on the head .
Hoppy, I was directing this more towards the studio end rather then the macro.
I just acquired myself a Safari Ring Flash, Personaly i like what it does on axis just looking at other ideas as to how to use it.
. Hoppy, I was directing this more towards the studio end rather then the macro.
I just acquired myself a Safari Ring Flash, Personaly i like what it does on axis
just looking at other ideas as to how to use it.
Tyke Tiler
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I actually agree with you as much as I disagree with you mate, I guess I don't verbalise the agreements as much as I should. Usual rubbish images from Tomas
The serious jobbies can sometimes be too powerful even on the lowest power for portrait work let alone very close proximity work like macro.
The weight of the things as well
I never used tripods much before getting the ringflash, now I'll use it every time the RF comes out.I've used a Rayflash and I agree, it's certainly worthwhile, the Orbis looks good too.
The O flash and the other very, very cheap things 'from the China', are a waste though. Avoid them like the plague.
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A most useful thread which I hadn't found. I have just bought a Lencarta ring flash and really like it but have not had chance to have a play yet (and I'm stuck in bed now just reading etc). Looking forward to messing with it
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Cant add much to this thread, except 1. I want a ringflash, and, 2.Tomas' photos are stunning!
Dean
Tomas's third photo is absolutely stunning and I love it !!