Macro Ring Flash

[dorseteye]

I'm thinking about getting a ring flash for macro photography.
Has anyone any suggestions / advice? I have a Canon 40D at the moment but am hoping to upgrade to a Canon 5D Mk II soon.

Thanks,
David

[Ollie]

Hello David and a warm welcome to WAB.

I was going to buy a ring flash for macro work but in the end I decided to use my existing flash unit a Canon 580 EX 11 with a Lambency diffuser instead.

I am more than happy with the results I get using this set up.

Here is a photo taken with the flash and diffuser and there are many more examples in my Gallery.



Here is a photo of my macro flash set up showing the flash and diffuser mounted on an off camera bracket.



I've nothing against a ring flash but the flash with Lambency diffuser works equally as well for me at least

[pressld2]

Hi David and welcome from me too!

There was a thread recently where we swapped details of our macro set-ups (on an "I'll show you mine if you show me yours" basis ) and you can see it here: Photos of your macro setups

Quite a few people use bracket mounted flash instead of ringflash, including some of the best macro-merchants on WAB (Olllie included in that category).

Dave P.

[DaiTheDragon]

I use a Sigma ring flash. One advantage over a normal flash is that when you get to within a few inches the light is more balanced.

Dai

[dorseteye]

Thanks Roger, Dave and Dai ... I will probably be asking for more advice in the near future.
Best wishes,
David