So many rings, which do i choose?

[Connor P Price]

No, im not getting engaged, i do need a ringflash however. I love photos that i have seen in the G&N section here that were taken with the Alienbee ABR800, however i need something a bit more portable that i dont need access to a AC power source to use. How do you all think i can get the most bang for the buck out of a ring flash without being plugged into a wall?

[Wilt]

Most portable battery power 'ring flash' are actually relatively small diameter ring that is useful primarily for macro work. Most large diameter 'ring flash' that the fashion industry has made popular (the light does not flatter the model, so the clothes are featured, not the model!) require AC for the simple reason that many require the use of a studio lighting power supply...the AB is the monolight equivalent, so it needs its own power source for its own internal power supply.

The above statements are broad generalizations, so there just might be a battery powered unit that is bigger than a macro ringflash!

[howzitboy]

and those macro ringflashes are really really weak! like 15gn or so. just buy nice reflector to get some kewl catch lights in the eyes.