Ring Flash Advice

[supachim]

I'm looking at getting a decent flash setup. I've got a 5DII with the 100mm f/2.8L Macro. Does anyone have any advice on the ring flash conversions that use an external flash (like my 430EX II)? Or should I just pick up a MR-14EX?

[supachim]

After looking around a little more, I've also seen an MT-24EX and an arm to make a normal flash mobile. Any suggestions?

[Cassiedup]

The ring flash converters are usually very bulky and IMO not very effective, I'm sure the Mt-24 is the ultimate in macro flash but then again limited to mainly macro use (speaking without any experience so I might be wrong), I opted for the 580 EXII fitted with a diffuser mounted on a Wimberley flash bracket to take it off camera and very happy with it.

[gatorlink]

I agree with Cassiedup; don't bother with ring flashes or ring-flash converters. In addition to being bulky, the light coming out of them is somewhat flat.

Many people get very good results with the 430 exii by using a flash bracket to allow the flash to be moved toward the end of the lens. Wimberly makes a good one, but for a slightly cheaper alternative, I use a collection of RAM parts (http://www.ram-mount.com/Products/Ca...t.aspx#/wizard) that provide rock-solid performance. I used them when I had the 100mm macro, and they worked great.

The Mt-24 is awesome, but if you get one, you will have to think carefully about how to diffuse the light, because the raw flash heads are a bit harsh on their own. There really aren't any great aftermarket products to achieve good diffusion, so you will likely need to make one yourself. The beauty of simply using your 430 exii on a flash bracket is that although you will also want to diffuse the light somewhat, there are many cheap and effective flash diffusers on the market.

[orionmystery]

Agree...forget about ring flash. Either you use your 430 on a bracket, or a 270EX on a tripod collar/mount ring:

http://orionmystery.blogspot.com/201...macro-rig.html

[supachim]

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll probably look into getting a Wimberley bracket. If I remember correctly, my Custom SLR M-Plate will even support the brackets...