Ring flash for the G9...

[Kevan]

Anyone use one? Is it only for macro situations you use it, or can you knock off portraits as well? Which make/model do you recommend or is yours homebrewed (with recipe)?

Thanks

[andrewaaa5]

I know Canon have some dedicated units. I think you may be best to post a question to the 'macro' section of the forum for how it can be applied.

I have only ever used a 'homemade' and my results were not great. I was using 1 flash in an elaborate 'cardboard box/biscuit tin' set-up. I'd like to rework my design to include 2 flashes to distribute the light better; however currently I only have 1 flash so the project is on hold. I have read about many 'cobbled' experiments, and one recently using a mass of 'fibre optics' to channel light from the pop up flash of an DSLR to the front of a lens. Here are 2 links:
http://fuzzcraft.fuzzphoto.eu/ringlight4-0.html
in particular i refer to this page with the fibre optics:
http://fuzzcraft.fuzzphoto.eu/ringlight4-0c.html

...and my efforts:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=321791&highlight=ring

A lot of people are recommending a system by 'alienbee' but I am not too knowledgeable on how this can be used. Here is yet another link, this one to the alienbee system:

http://www.alienbees.com/abr800.html

[andydajo]

Hi,
You got me thinking with this thread, I haven't tried it yet but here's the G9 and the MR-14EX Ringlite using the LA-DC58H adaptor with the 58mm macro ring adaptor attached. Yes, there is a G9 hiding in there somewhere...... :lol:

[andrewaaa5]

how about performance? does it utilise the full E-TTL of the ringlite? can it be used on portraits? would love to see some examples...

[GordonSBuck]

I haven't tried it but this looks intriguing ...

http://www.mycanong7.com/html/macro_diffuser.html

[Savas K]

Here are pics of Canon's dual macro flash on a G9:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1010&message=26868219

[andrewaaa5]

I haven't tried it but this looks intriguing ...

http://www.mycanong7.com/html/macro_diffuser.html

simple, creative, tiny! I wonder if it does work as well as it shows on those 'demo' shots. I may give it a go on my G3 just for fun.

[romeyo9186]

i thought a ringflash produces halos on a subject's eyes. i'm soo lost. i'm completely new to the photography scene, but i wanna learn as much as i can. this is something i want to try and does anyone know a good model ring flash i can use thats not as expensive as alien bees? i know theres plenty of DIY, but requires the need of a speedlight flash.

[Chris30D]

i thought a ringflash produces halos on a subject's eyes. i'm soo lost. i'm completely new to the photography scene, but i wanna learn as much as i can. this is something i want to try and does anyone know a good model ring flash i can use thats not as expensive as alien bees? i know theres plenty of DIY, but requires the need of a speedlight flash.

It's main purpose is consistent lighting for macro shots. But if you do a close portrait you may see the ring of light in the subject's eyes.

[openspace]

simple, creative, tiny! I wonder if it does work as well as it shows on those 'demo' shots. I may give it a go on my G3 just for fun.

Very interesting indeed. Will have to try that. With my lensmate attached, the built in flash is all but worthless. This appears to restore some of the use for fieldwork.

[hitechfunk]

oh shoot, I posted this same question just a bit ago. Sorry..
So does it work on portrait shots? I wont use it for macro at all.

Looking for this effect or close to it.
http://flickr.com/groups/ringlight/

[andrewaaa5]

It could be better to post this question to the 'small flash and studio lighting' section of this forum, or perhaps do a search for the keyword 'ringflash' in the 'people' section of the forum and write directly to people that may use it.

Also, you posted a link to flickr group called 'ringlight', why don't you write direct to some of the people that have posted photos there? It is quite good to get advise from the people that have posted images you like :) See what they are using etc, or any advise that they have.

[Kevan]

Thanks folks for your interest and suggestions. I'm glad to read that others are sharing similar ideas with their photography, using a G series.