Ring Flash

[mattchewone]

Are the ring flash adapters which fit on top of flashes any good? Am getting a macro attachment for my lens and was thinking it might be better to have a ring flash to get an even flash as to not get shadows.

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks

 

[Michael Sewell]

For Macro work, something like the Sigma EM-140 is a good option.
Having said that, you can get better creative results with a couple of off camera speedlights, allowing you to precisely control the light and bring out the texture etc.

Basically used like studio lighting in miniature

 

[mattchewone]

I was thinking something along the lines of one of these as they are a relatively cheap but look quite effective! - http://www.ray-flash.com/rayflash/index.php

 

[Michael Sewell]

TBH, I knew what you were alluring to, I was just hoping to avoid it.
It produces light, but unlike the Sigma, you can't switch off half of it to create a more creative feel to the image with shadows. Basically, the image will look flat.

See if you can borrow one to try. I'm sure you'll see what I mean.

 

[Michael Sewell]

Mind you, if it's cheap enough, get it. You can have a play for the macro stuff, and still make use of it in other areas

 

[mattchewone]

Ahhh I see what you mean, i'll look in to the sigma. Thanks for your help!

 

[HoppyUK]

I like those ringflash adapters. They have their uses but they are not even all round. Mine is the original RingFlash Adapter which is brighter at the top; the RayFlash is brighter at the bottom.

I've used it well for both portraits and macro, which you can do because of the wide range of power from something like a 580EX gun (although you lose a lot of light) but a pukka ringflash, either macro or studio type, is better at one or the other.

You can vary the light easily enough with a bit of black card and BluTack blocking bits off.

Marumi is another cheaper macro ringflash option.