What are the benefits of using a Macro Ring Flash?

[Jasonanatal]

Hello everyone, I was hoping to get some information on both the benefits and drawbacks of using a Macro Ring Flash with a Macro Lens. I just started Macro Photography to shoot images of my Marine Aquarium. Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[HankScorpio]

The main reason for using a ring flash or other lens mounted solution is that macro lenses generally have to get close to the subject and a hotshoe mounted flash often gets obscured by the end of the lens.

[PacAce]

Macro ring and twin flashes are also much lighter than conventional flash units, especially if you need two of them, for hand holding. Of course, if the camera is on a tripod, which is usually the case when doing extreme close-ups and macros, then weight may not be much of a factor.

One drawback I can think of for the macro flashes is that they usually cost much more than the "standard" flashes (with one exception being the Nikon SB200 macro setup).

[TMR Design]

One drawback I can think of for the macro flashes is that they usually cost much more than the "standard" flashes (with one exception being the Nikon SB200 macro setup).

I think you mean SB-R200 Leo. :D

[PacAce]

I think you mean SB-R200 Leo. :D

Thanks for the correction, Robert. Yes, I did mean SB-R200. :)

[Jasonanatal]

Thank you everyone. I'm thinking of purchasing a "Canon MR-14EX Macro Ring Flash". I'm going to us it with my Canon Digital Rebel XTi with a "Canon EF-S 60mm F/2.8 Macro USM Lens". Does anyone think this is a good combination for the type of photographs I will be taking? Any thoughts and critisicms are welcome.