Ring Flash

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FastGlass

Senior Member
Looking on getting a flash for macro shooting. Need someone to point me in the direction of a nice quality unit that supports I-TTl.
 
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Bill16

Senior Member
I haven't had a ring flash, so I don't know what would be the best. I've been using my SB-800, but soon I want to try Scott's homemade defuser idea. I got most of what I need, and just need to make it.

But the ring flash has always interested me. I think there is one I can hook to my SB-800, but I'm not sure. :)
 
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skene

Senior Member
Just curious as why you would want a ring flash for ttl shooting? For doing macro you would want to keep it a bit more under your own control.
But if you must...

you can probably try this as an inexpensive tester... Error
 
J

J-see

Senior Member
Instead of a flash, I ordered some of Manfrotto's led lights. They're constant (day)lights with a dimmer. I'm not sure how I'll get it going but I reason that if a split second of light does the trick in macro, an hour of light should do it too.
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
If buying again this would be of interest to me

Nikon-R1.jpg
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
skene said:
Just curious as why you would want a ring flash for ttl shooting? For doing macro you would want to keep it a bit more under your own control.
But if you must...

you can probably try this as an inexpensive tester... Error
Click to expand...

There's quite a use for portrait photography with a ring flash, too... at least I would think so, seeing a lot of the video shots and photos that are out there these days. Would it be a similar ring flash that would create those amazing circular catch lights in the eyes?
 
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skene

Senior Member
Pretzel said:
There's quite a use for portrait photography with a ring flash, too... at least I would think so, seeing a lot of the video shots and photos that are out there these days. Would it be a similar ring flash that would create those amazing circular catch lights in the eyes?
Click to expand...

Just a bit different but similar. The macro ring flash, when the flash goes off it can/will isolate the subject when shooting at wide open, whereas if you have the ability to manually control the light you can create the same effect. However it may need to be distanced from the lens for the more circular effect to take place, so there would be no excess light bleeding into the lens if you are shooting at slower speeds (maybe more towards LED lighting vs flash bulb).
 
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aroy

Senior Member
I think that ring flash has had its day, except for situations when you want a compact solution. For macro the flash shown a few post ago is the way to go.
R1C1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight System from Nikon
This is available in two kits - with and without the wireless commander. The system can accommodate upto 8 sb-R200 speedlights, four on the lense ring and others free roaming.

For macro this may be a better solution, as unlike the ring, you can rotate and shift the SB-R 200 units to give optimal light (normally left, right and the top) so that you have minimal (if at all shadows). For portraits you can position two units one on each side of the subject (slightly behind if required) and one unit directed or bounced. Here are some reviews

Nikon R1C1 Flash System
Nikon | Imaging Products | Digitutor | Close-up Speedlight Commander Kit R1C1
Tutorial: Nikon R1C1 Close-up Speedlight System (Professional Photographer Magazine Web Exclusives)
Nikon India Private Limited - Learn & Explore
 
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