Ring/Macro Flashes

[NickHopkins]

Hi Guys,

Can someone please explain the function of a ring flash? I'm still very much a learner, and the only time I've used a flash is the pop up flash. I understand how a ring flash attaches, but what are the major benefits? I really enjoy macro photography, but find it difficult/frustrating getting enough light into the lens, slow exposures seem to be a common problem for me. Would the use of a ring flash help that problem? Does the ring flash allow you to obtain quicker exposures then if one wasnt attached? Also, I find a lot of my shots have a similar look to them, would a ring flash help me take a bit more creative control over the lighting?

Any advice would be most grateful.

Thank you

Nick

[OldBoy]

A ring flash sits around the end of the lens and gives a more even light around the subject. Most flash give a speed of 1/250 second which should be fast enough for most close-ups.Without any flash then you need good light for macro shots or a higher ISO but that may introduce noise.

[NickHopkins]

Hey oldboy, many thanks for the reply.

I've looked at a few of these flashed, I'll be quite honest some of the numbers in the specs don't mean much to me, for instance this one has an attractive price given I'm on a limited budget, but when it says "The flash has a 14m (100ISO) guide ", what does that mean? :-s

Thanks again!

[ether]

Originally Posted by NickHopkins

Hey oldboy, many thanks for the reply.

I've looked at a few of these flashed, I'll be quite honest some of the numbers in the specs don't mean much to me, for instance this one has an attractive price given I'm on a limited budget, but when it says "The flash has a 14m (100ISO) guide ", what does that mean? :-s

Thanks again!

The number quoted by the flash manufacturer is an indication of how powerful it is but you should treat it with suspicion as they are almost always over exaggerated on cheap guns
Look here for more techie stuff

http://www.steveszone.co.uk/techno_guide_number.shtml

While a ring flash certainly will help you get more light on your subject and the speed of the flash means quicker shutter speeds up to your cameras max sync speed it will not help with making your shots creative as it tends to provide flat lighting and in any case all your shots will look just the same.
Try using your ordinary flash gun off camera with a reflector for a bit of modelling


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