MR-14EX for portraits and fashion?

[CharlieW]

This is my first post. This is an amazing forum!!!

I am about to purchase the Canon 20D. Looking for a very portable and inexpensive (>$1000) ringflash for fashion/creative portraits type of work. Come across MR-14EX. Is it powerful enough for this purpose? Anyone got any samples of how would it look like with shooting people? Any other suggestion on other brand that is powerful enough? Thanks!!!!

[pturton]

Charlie,
The guide number for this flash is only 14/46 (M/Ft) and the light is optimized for macro work. This flash will only fit the 50mm and 100mm macro lenses directly and with adapter the 180mm macro. I've not tried to use my MR-14EX for the purpose you have in mind but I suspect that it would not produce the results you desire.

Paul

[rickyd]

The MR14 will not work for portraits.
I have the MR14 and the MR24 and use them daily for macro work. I tried using it for close portraits once and found it couldnt adequately light a persons face from 3 feet away?
Sorry . Good news is that a 550EX costs a lot less than the ring flash.

[pierrot]

Yes, the ring flash splashes a big plain flat light, right between the eyes of your poor model (who will look as stupid as an owl) ;)
Not nice for portraits, believe me. Except if you are a dental surgeon, of course. :mrgreen: