Macro ring light for canon - DPChallenge Forums

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/29/2008 04:40:25 PM · #1

Anybody use a good alternative macro ring light? I want one almost as good as the canon ring light.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/29/2008 05:09:41 PM · #2

Ring lights are nice if you...
- Need shadowless illumination (very diffuse)
- Need to light objects that are quite close to the front element
...but for more natural-looking lighting (diffuse, but retaining some shadow) try using a bounce card, like a lumiquest, on a flash gun. You can use the (short) Canon off-camera cord and put the flash on a bracket so that it can be positioned to bounce the light properly. The closer to the subject, the more diffuse the lighting. This option is also a lot less expensive than a ring flash.

fotomann_forever

01/29/2008 05:13:37 PM · #3

I agree with Kirbic... although I don't do much macro work.

I will add this: ringlights for closeup work tend to start looking "clinical". An off-camera cord and standard flash with diffuser will give the artistic photographer much more dynamic shots, lighting-wise.

tivo

Nikon D50

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

01/29/2008 05:15:17 PM · #4

I have seen amazing results from this DIY off-camera macro light:
//www.flickr.com/groups/macroviewers/discuss/72157594312315664/

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/29/2008 08:35:30 PM · #5

Thats a good idea, because with the bracket I can actually direct the flash where i want. And the bracket would serve a dual purpose. U guys's have any preference for the current brackets on the market?

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/30/2008 12:04:28 AM · #6

Originally posted by dmadden:

Well, um, currently I'm using the bracket attached to my left shoulder ;-)

01/30/2008 12:05:20 AM · #7

Originally posted by kirbic:

Originally posted by dmadden:
Thats a good idea, because with the bracket I can actually direct the flash where i want. And the bracket would serve a dual purpose. U guys's have any preference for the current brackets on the market?

Well, um, currently I'm using the bracket attached to my left shoulder ;-)

Grrrrrr :)

fotomann_forever

01/30/2008 12:07:54 AM · #8

I use a stroboframe quickflip that I've had for about 10 years. Was worth the money.

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

01/30/2008 12:11:30 AM · #9

acatually! considering its strobes, the handheld technique does'nt sound like such a bad idea. I'll do some experimenting tomorrow.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

01/30/2008 12:16:40 AM · #10

Originally posted by dmadden:

acatually! considering its strobes, the handheld technique does'nt sound like such a bad idea. I'll do some experimenting tomorrow.

That's why I've never made the investment in an actual bracket. ALthough it *is* inconvenient to tie up your left hand holding the strobe, the upside is that you can reorient the strobe on a moment's notice.
I *do* think that a dedicated bracket would be a plus, but it hasn't been tops on my priority list.