ring flash

[mintaka]

Does anyone use a ring flash for macro ? If so can you comment on its merits or lack of ?
Thanks

 

[marcaumarc]

This book Amazon.com: The Underwater Photographer, Third Edition: Digital and Traditional Techniques: MARTIN EDGE: Books covers using ring flash for macro, but that's the only place I've ever seen it mentioned. Never tried it myself.

 

[mintaka]

Thanks,
I'm reading that book now and that's what led me to ask. I was just wondering if anyone has used one.

This book Amazon.com: The Underwater Photographer, Third Edition: Digital and Traditional Techniques: MARTIN EDGE: Books covers using ring flash for macro, but that's the only place I've ever seen it mentioned. Never tried it myself.

 

[Thalassamania]

We tried that years ago with a 200mm Nikon setup. The problem was reduced contrast and saturation from the light that bounced back off the port and controlling backscatter. We ultimately had some success using polarizing filters, but our results were not good enough to warrant continuing. We had better luck and more control with two small and one medium sized separate strobe.

 

[fisheyeview]

IMHO, unless you are doing scientific photography it is not worth it. (I have a friend that uses one all the time, so I hope she does not read this. )

I find that the light is so close to the subject that it makes everything flat and 2 dimensional. I like the lighting to accentuate some contrast to give the image some depth.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

I've had great success on land using a ring flash for wildflowers, but UW
it's two strobes on short arms with diffusers for macro.

 

[mintaka]

Thats all good news ! I certainly dont need another peice of equipment.