Ring flash?

[Alan Bowness]

Hi All
Have you got one of this type of ring flash( Canon MR14 EX Macrolite)?
If so what are they like,is it worth the money for macro shots?
I would like to use it out in the field, if you can.
Cheers Alan.

[glsammy]

Hi Alan.

I've got the Sigma equivalent, apart from the price that is! An excellent tool that I like a lot. The flash is adjustable to whatever levels you like, mine has two tubes, both independantly controllable, down to 1/32 power ratio. You can even switch one of the off if you want to, although I've never felt the need to do so. It does help to have both tubes at different power settings.
When out in the field, once I get a flash setting I like I can vary the effect by adjusting the cameras ISO setting, to either blacken the background, or the other way to lighten it. I find this method very easy to do, far easier than always adjusting the flash levels.

This is an example shot, at 1/200sec F16.0. ISO 200.

[Alan Bowness]

Thanks Graham for your reply.
Have you shot any dragonflies with your ring flash?
If so what do the wings look like?
Cheers Alan.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Alan Bowness

Thanks Graham for your reply.
Have you shot any dragonflies with your ring flash?
If so what do the wings look like?
Cheers Alan.

Yep, plenty! Here's a few examples:











The effect I want is to try and make it look almost as if you haven't used one!

[Hoppingmad]

Graham

Congratulations on such wonderful pictures. They are an inspiration as is the ring flash. Will be looking into that one.

Debbie

[Interpreter]

Isn't it great to be able to control your lighting. Terrific shots, by the way.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Interpreter

Isn't it great to be able to control your lighting. Terrific shots, by the way.

Yep, that's the real benefit of the ring flash, especially when dealing with smaller subjects. You can get as close as you like, up to the 1:1 (and even closer with extensions tubes.) of the lens and still have good overall lighting.

[Alan Bowness]

Originally Posted by glsammy

Yep, plenty! Here's a few examples:











The effect I want is to try and make it look almost as if you haven't used one!

Thanks Graham for posting your shots of the dragons with the ring flash.
Looks like i might invest in one.
Many thanks Alan.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by Alan Bowness

Thanks Graham for posting your shots of the dragons with the ring flash.
Looks like i might invest in one.
Many thanks Alan.

You wont regret it Alan. Obviously I can recommend the Sigma one, the EM 140DG. It offers all the flexibility you could possibly want, with some quite exotic settings to cover situations like multi exposures, high speed flash etc. It comes with two different attachment rings, but others are available for just about any macro lens you may have, providing it's got a threaded end!

[kshotton45]

Graham, 2 questions, how do you get the little beggars to stay where they are whilst you set up?
Do you handhold or use a tripod?
I've just recieved my Sigma 150mm f2.8 Macro and shall be trying it out this weekend.

Those were great photos by the way.

Keith.