Recommend me a ring flash please

[Galsia]

I currently have a Canon 60D and use it with a Canon 100mm macro 2.8l IS lens. I rarely get sharp pictures even with a tripod so I think that it is time that I invested in a ring flash.

Can anybody recommend one at a decent price? The Canon one is over £500 which seems like a lot for what it is.

Thanks.

[rottie102]

I have a Nissin one which is very decent. Can't complain

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/85583...

[Galsia]

rottie102 said:

I have a Nissin one which is very decent. Can't complain

http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/85583...

That does look quite good actually. Thanks.

[Willy Nilly]

I'm not going to google ring flash.

[DibblyDobbler]

I used to have a Marumi - relatively cheap and cheerful but did the job fine

[The_Jackal]

Are you sure your camera is focussing properly?

[Simpo Two]

Might be subject movement, which a flash would freeze.

[Galsia]

The_Jackal said:

Are you sure your camera is focussing properly?

I think so. It happens on both autofocus and manual, it usually happen indoors.

[GravelBen]

I bought a cheap Mieke LED one (FC100) but it doesn't really have enough power for proper macro use and the duration of the flash is a bit on the slow side.

[Simpo Two]

Galsia said:

The_Jackal said:

Are you sure your camera is focussing properly?

I think so. It happens on both autofocus and manual, it usually happen indoors.

Time to post some examples so we can see what the actual problem is.

[troublesbrewing]

Why are ring flashes so puny compared to the standard units? GN 14 versus GB 68/75 !

[Simpo Two]

troublesbrewing said:

Why are ring flashes so puny compared to the standard units? GN 14 versus GB 68/75 !

Maybe because the light is spread over a bigger area, and/or because they're designed for relatively close-up work/macro.

[Yellabelly]

troublesbrewing said:

Why are ring flashes so puny compared to the standard units? GN 14 versus GB 68/75 !

Why would you need a GN of 68/75 for something this close, overkill or what?

PS this is using a Marumi Ring Flash, which was one of the reasons for DD buying one....but then again post up any new bits of kit and DD will be tempted to buy it! ;¬)))

Tame Hoverfly by ray_blake, on Flickr

[DibblyDobbler]

Yellabelly said:

..but then again post up any new bits of kit and DD will be tempted to buy it !

I resemble that remark! Marumi is good though - go for it.

Ideally you want around f11-16 for some depth of field and shutter 1/100 - 1/200 to freeze the subject - you'll need a flash for this (and can ditch the tripod)

[Olivero]

I use one of these -

http://profoto.com/us/products/pro-system-generato...

and this -

http://profoto.com/us/products/light-shaping-tools...

Hand held. Seems to be sharp enough.