Looking for a macro ring light for 100mm L

[KKCFamilyman]

Anyone have an inexpensive suggestion?

 

[Loswr]

Backing up a step...why a ring light? Generally speaking, they're great for documentary type shooting (dentists often use them), not as good for creative shooting because they deliver pretty flat lighting, even with the better ones that have two flash tubes which can be independently controlled to ratio the lighting.

 

[Eldar]

I agree that there are better light alternatives than a ring flash. But when I´m out in the fields/woods/mountains I find the Canon MR-14EX TTL Macro Ring Lite Flash to be the practical alternative, due to size. the light is a bit flat, but still acceptable. The MR-24 is better, but bigger and $300 more. Next in line would be a RRS rig with multiple speedlites. But since you´re asking for an inexpensive alternative, none of these are probably not what you´re after.

I have seen adds for really cheap third party ring flashes, but I have never used one. In general I am a bit skeptical to these cheap alternatives, but it might be that some of them work.

 

[Janbo Makimbo]

I have the Yongnou YN-14EX which costs $130 and is a clone of the Canon Flash. It works well with the 100mm L

 

[Quasimodo]

I don´t know the actual cost (you would have to ask him), but Surapon in this forum has made a DIY solution, that might work for you. http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=19127.0;topicseen

In addition to being probably cheaper, I would with my limited knowledge say that you better can control or avoid the family of angles (thus avoiding or getting the direct reflections you want).

 

[Loswr]

Working tanks in aquariums, I prefer to put a standard flash onto a flash bracket since greater illumination is needed

If you have a Speedlite already, this can be a relatively inexpensive solution. Lots of flexibility with the Manfrotto 233B, mini ballhead, and 3rd party OC-E3, for under $100.

 

[danski0224]

Neuro-

Is there some sort of quick release clamp being used to attach the Manfrotto 233B to the camera body?

 

[Loswr]

Neuro-
Is there some sort of quick release clamp being used to attach the Manfrotto 233B to the camera body?

Yes, there's a Wimberley C-12 clamp attached to the 233B, so it connects easily to the RRS camera plate.

 

[Quasimodo]

Working tanks in aquariums, I prefer to put a standard flash onto a flash bracket since greater illumination is needed

If you have a Speedlite already, this can be a relatively inexpensive solution. Lots of flexibility with the Manfrotto 233B, mini ballhead, and 3rd party OC-E3, for under $100.

Do you know if there are any options where there are two arms? A buying version of the DIY of Surapon. I was thinking today after posting here, that it would be great if one existed with a type of arm like the gorillapod; that are flexible in all directions, but still stiff enough to not move when taking a picture. Straight arms would be a good second.

BTW. What is your opinion on the family of angles point I made? I would assume that the options from Canon runs the risk of creating strong direct reflections?

 

[danski0224]

Do you know if there are any options where there are two arms? A buying version of the DIY of Surapon. I was thinking today after posting here, that it would be great if one existed with a type of arm like the gorillapod; that are flexible in all directions, but still stiff enough to not move when taking a picture. Straight arms would be a good second.

Wimberley F2 (you need to purchase two- sold singly).

You also need a cold shoe.

 

[Loswr]

Do you know if there are any options where there are two arms? A buying version of the DIY of Surapon. I was thinking today after posting here, that it would be great if one existed with a type of arm like the gorillapod; that are flexible in all directions, but still stiff enough to not move when taking a picture. Straight arms would be a good second.

BTW. What is your opinion on the family of angles point I made? I would assume that the options from Canon runs the risk of creating strong direct reflections?

There are a few options like that which turned up by searching 'macro flash bracket' on Amazon. But...brands like CowboyStudio and DSLRKit don't inspire confidence, and the reviews are consistent with that. There's the Novoflex UNIMARM that I'm sure would work well, but it's not cheap.

You're right about the 'family of angles' issue. Plus, the reflections from a ring light are quite characteristic and can be distracting if not removed in post. Also, when considering reflection angles you have to account for convex shapes. With water drops, insect eyes, etc., you're almost certain to get reflections in the shot no matter how you position the flash(es).

Personally, I have a pair of Wimberley F-2 macro brackets (in addition to the RRS B91-QR, and the Manfrotto 233B which I don't use much and should probably sell). They are very flexible (not quite a gooseneck arm, but close). I usually use them with the MT24-EX twin heads for more positioning flexibility than the Canon ring that attaches to the end of the lens. However, they are strong enough to support a 600EX-RT.

 

[Quasimodo]

Do you know if there are any options where there are two arms? A buying version of the DIY of Surapon. I was thinking today after posting here, that it would be great if one existed with a type of arm like the gorillapod; that are flexible in all directions, but still stiff enough to not move when taking a picture. Straight arms would be a good second.

BTW. What is your opinion on the family of angles point I made? I would assume that the options from Canon runs the risk of creating strong direct reflections?

There are a few options like that which turned up by searching 'macro flash bracket' on Amazon. But...brands like CowboyStudio and DSLRKit don't inspire confidence, and the reviews are consistent with that. There's the Novoflex UNIMARM that I'm sure would work well, but it's not cheap.

You're right about the 'family of angles' issue. Plus, the reflections from a ring light are quite characteristic and can be distracting if not removed in post. Also, when considering reflection angles you have to account for convex shapes. With water drops, insect eyes, etc., you're almost certain to get reflections in the shot no matter how you position the flash(es).

Personally, I have a pair of Wimberley F-2 macro brackets (in addition to the RRS B91-QR, and the Manfrotto 233B which I don't use much and should probably sell). They are very flexible (not quite a gooseneck arm, but close). I usually use them with the MT24-EX twin heads for more positioning flexibility than the Canon ring that attaches to the end of the lens. However, they are strong enough to support a 600EX-RT.

Thank you Danski, and Neuro. The F2 looks quite promising, and I like the fact that you can use it with the 600.

I did not think about the convex shapes, so it would be hard no matter what, but at least you can get more pleasing results.

Again, thank you for your answers

Gerhard.

 

[surapon]

Do you know if there are any options where there are two arms? A buying version of the DIY of Surapon. I was thinking today after posting here, that it would be great if one existed with a type of arm like the gorillapod; that are flexible in all directions, but still stiff enough to not move when taking a picture. Straight arms would be a good second.

BTW. What is your opinion on the family of angles point I made? I would assume that the options from Canon runs the risk of creating strong direct reflections?

There are a few options like that which turned up by searching 'macro flash bracket' on Amazon. But...brands like CowboyStudio and DSLRKit don't inspire confidence, and the reviews are consistent with that. There's the Novoflex UNIMARM that I'm sure would work well, but it's not cheap.

You're right about the 'family of angles' issue. Plus, the reflections from a ring light are quite characteristic and can be distracting if not removed in post. Also, when considering reflection angles you have to account for convex shapes. With water drops, insect eyes, etc., you're almost certain to get reflections in the shot no matter how you position the flash(es).

Personally, I have a pair of Wimberley F-2 macro brackets (in addition to the RRS B91-QR, and the Manfrotto 233B which I don't use much and should probably sell). They are very flexible (not quite a gooseneck arm, but close). I usually use them with the MT24-EX twin heads for more positioning flexibility than the Canon ring that attaches to the end of the lens. However, they are strong enough to support a 600EX-RT.

Thank you Danski, and Neuro. The F2 looks quite promising, and I like the fact that you can use it with the 600.

I did not think about the convex shapes, so it would be hard no matter what, but at least you can get more pleasing results.

Again, thank you for your answers

Gerhard.

Dear Quasimodo
I use 2 of this Flex. Dual Arm Bracket Holder Pass 5 years, and Great Work for Double Flashes for Macro Photos---YES, Only 30 US Dollars.---BIG BUT----Be careful about the Heavy weight of the Flash and the receiever weight.
Enjoy
Surapon


http://www.amazon.com/Flexible-Dual-arm-Dual-shoe-Bracket-Holder/dp/B00EZI3WUS/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1390075028&sr=8-4&keywords=dual+flash+bracket

 

[alexturton]

if you have a flashgun already the rayflash is a good ring flash for around £150. Wonderful ring flash for macro, portraits, anything!


You can cheaper versions on amazon for around £40 but I can't comment on the cheap knockoffs quality

 

[Hannes]

Walimex does this one which looks good though pretty expensive if you want the cabling, without is a lot more reasonable http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walimex-Macro-Camera-Flash-Bracket/dp/B006CI4QAY and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walimex-Macro-Camera-Flash-Bracket/dp/B006FE45YW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ph_6

 

[surapon]

Walimex does this one which looks good though pretty expensive if you want the cabling, without is a lot more reasonable http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walimex-Macro-Camera-Flash-Bracket/dp/B006CI4QAY and http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walimex-Macro-Camera-Flash-Bracket/dp/B006FE45YW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ph_6

Wow, Dear Hannes.
It look strong and beautiful, But Only thing that I do not like = High Cost.
But Thank you, Sir for great infor. like this.
Surapon

 

[Quasimodo]

if you have a flashgun already the rayflash is a good ring flash for around £150. Wonderful ring flash for macro, portraits, anything!


You can cheaper versions on amazon for around £40 but I can't comment on the cheap knockoffs quality

I know the ray´s. But would you not have troubles with the famiy of angles?

 

[KKCFamilyman]

Thanks everyone. I will begin researching some solutions.

 

[Albi86]

Thanks everyone. I will begin researching some solutions.

Did you consider the Orbis? Not quite what you were looking for, but it could be interesting and also useful for other applications.

 

[Dick]

Ring flashes produce unwanted results. With the 100L + tubes I usually just use a normal flash. Brackets and such help a lot too, but in most cases you can take pics without them and still beat the ring flash options. That being said, my best macro shots are the ones where I used my own DIY setup: 430 EX II flash, TTL cord, 2 L-shaped metal pieces, ... Even when attached to an "arm", the 430 flash is still not too heavy to annoy me to death.