I'm getting a ring flash! I'm getting a ring flash! - Torch Bugs: A Forum for Lampwork Glass Beads and Jewelry

Kevan · #1 01-11-2010, 11:56 PM

And yoo-oo-oo aren't.

I'm getting a ring flash for my birthday. I'm so excited. I have wanted one for year. It's great for macro photography!

If you don't know what it is it's a soft white flash that attaches around the lens of your camera.

Dexter uses one to take macro shots of blood splatters. Just in case you watch that show.

Dreamscapes Studio · #2 01-12-2010, 04:40 AM

Congratulations Kevan! That's cool. Have fun and Happy Birthday!

Frogsongstudio · #3 01-12-2010, 10:21 AM

How funny. I just got an email from Amazon for discounts on camera accessories, so I mosied on over to look at the lenses and about chocked. Why are the lenses way more than the camera itself?

I've wanted a telephoto and a wide angle lens foreeeever! Doesn't look like I'll ever get one unless I hit the lottery which will never happen because I don't play the lottery.

I've never heard of a ring flash, but it sounds cool. I'll have to look it up.

Beckah · #4 01-12-2010, 10:30 AM

Kevan, I'm glad you're around to keep us updated on all the cool things in Photography. I definitely have an impulse to pursue it more. But I haven't been willing to put money that direction yet. So learning about it is my planning for the future.

Kevan · #5 01-12-2010, 10:22 PM

Deb, lenses cost more because they are the precision part of the camera. Better lenses, better pictures. It's insane what some lenses cost. I was recently looking into a telephoto lens for my Nikons and I was reading about them without seeing the prices. The one I picked out - over $4000. Cough!.

I could never justify that.

Kevan · #6 01-12-2010, 11:08 PM

A ring flash allows you to take macro photos without a light and tent setup. It makes a diffused even shadowless light around your subject.

Here are some photos of frogs taken with a ring flash
http://insights.betterphoto.com/2008...photograp.html

It's also used in fashion photography a lot. You see photos of people with a circle of light reflection in their eyes, that's a ring flash.

Frogsongstudio · #7 01-13-2010, 01:14 AM

That's cool Kevan. Now I want one of course.

The frogs are adorable and I want those too.

I just looked at prices for the ring flash for my camera and I saw a couple I might actually be able to afford someday. There were some pretty high end expensive ones too.

Beadanna · #8 01-13-2010, 01:24 AM

Wow the frog pics are amazing. Their colours are unbelievable.
The ring flash sounds like a great addition to your inventory Kevan.
I've seen a pic of someone with the ring in their eyes - I don't remember where but it looked really cool.

menty666 · #9 01-19-2010, 08:45 PM

Did you folks see this?

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/...0-macro-flash/

Miriam · #10 01-24-2010, 11:51 PM

I have been looking also to ringflashes. I still haven't decided which one. Which one are you going to buy Kevan?

Kevan · #11 01-25-2010, 01:12 AM

I bought the Bower, but the adapter ring didn't work for my lens, so now I'm waiting for the adapter ring to arrive.

The Orbis looks good, too. It's much bigger.

I'm not sure if you can tell the difference, but I took this of Bungee at night with just two lights on inside. It gives a very even light, notice there are no stark shadows like there would be very pronounced shadows with a regular flash.

Miriam · #12 01-25-2010, 02:01 AM

Gorgeous picture. I want to have some more control, switch of or the intensity of a part of the ring. So I will be keep looking for I ring for the time being.

Kevan · #13 01-25-2010, 03:02 AM

If you want that you are probably going to pay a lot more. I just didn't want to invest that much right now. You can also get a ring light. I got this for the bead photos mostly.

Miriam · #14 01-25-2010, 07:41 AM

It is not only beads I photograph. I do a lot of project photos for websites, so I would earn it back in less time spending on photoshopping.

Frogsongstudio · #15 01-25-2010, 09:40 AM

Kevan, let us know how it works for taking bead photos. I'm curious if it's going to leave a ring of light reflection on the beads.

kissmyglass · #16 02-07-2010, 02:15 PM

Do you have one Menty? Is it just as good as the expensive ones ? I may just pick that up if so

Quote:

Originally Posted by menty666

Did you folks see this?

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/...0-macro-flash/

Kevan · #17 02-07-2010, 08:58 PM

That one is quite a bit like the one i bought only the one I bought has a directional flash included.

I haven't really tried it much. I don't have anywhere to set up for bead photos right now.

isabella · #18 04-21-2010, 03:51 PM

I can't wait to see your bead pictures when you start shooting your beads! It sounds awesome.