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"difference between ring lites and true flash." Not quite sure I understand this, the MR-14EX has two flash heads, one on either side.
Having bought the Tamron (or the Sigma) and not the Canon macro, I'm afraid that using a macro flash is a bit of a no no. The weight of the flash head on the end of the lens will either cause the focus to be so slow that it's unuseable, or the motor will stall altogether (particluarly if you're right over your subject and it's trying to retract the lens). I've experienced this using the MR 24EX which is much lighter than the ring flash, I bought the Canon macro because it is internally focussed.
Macro without flash is virtually impossible, especially at this time of year, I hear the cries of 'I do OK without a flash' but I guess it all depends on the quality you expect from your images. Flash sync at 1/250th (or 1/200th) makes a much sharper image than trying to get a shot at 1/100th or slower.
A flash bracket to use a normal flash gun as a macro is an option, but remember that it's a single light source (as opposed to two with macro flash), and that the brackets, when you can find them are not cheap. You must avoid brackets which fix to the hotshoe as they will put a lot of stress on it, that leaves the tripod mount as the only robust point.
If you have a flash extension cord, it is possible to hold the flash above the lens and hold the camera in the other hand, I know it's not ideal, but it will give you an idea of the results you are likely to see, and it won't cost you anything (assuming you have the cord.)
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