[accidentprone]

I just have a quick question for the group. Im just starting to get heavy back into photography and I was wondering about ring flashes. I found a couple cheap ones on ebay that are adjustable, and I was wondering what I would use one for. I intended to use it for mostly macro and portrait photography. Any thoughts on this one? Im not looking to spend a ba-jillion dollars on one, just want something to experiment with, and this is uncharted territory for me. Thanks guys!!!!


http://www.ebay.com/itm/271036060703... 4.m1423.l2649

[reddogphoto]

That one in particular looks like putting the power an quality of 48 camera phone flashes on the end of your lens. Might do well for basic product shots for ebay sales or whatever, but not something I'd use for portrait photography.

[accidentprone]

Hmmm ok good to know. Is there an alternative that you would recommend for portraits and macro shots, or would I just be better off getting a speedlite or some sort of off-brand version? A vast majority of what I like to do is outside so I'm a little hesitant about dropping 250 on a flash.

[reddogphoto]

Personally, I'd go with a couple of Yongnuo manual strobes with remote triggers. TTL flash is expensive, especially the more creative you want to get with it.

[accidentprone]

Ok gotcha. I think I've settled on a YONGNUO YN-560 II. Looks solid and reliable but cheaper than canon. Thanks a bunch!

[Striker9]

The ringflash you posted has a GN rating of 14, which is super low compared to other flashes. A ringflash is a very specialized light which you wont always have a use for.

Start out with your Yn-560, and then you can always get one of these if you want to experiment with a ring flash:
http://www.amazon.com/Flash-Adapter-...coco+ringflash

[QuencyJones16]

You could always buy a cheap manual flash like a YN-560 and here is a softbox that I've tested out which was really good for a softbox deal!

http://roundflash.com/