ExpoImaging Ray Flash Ring Flash Adapter for Canon 580EX II – Review

I agree with all of what Rob said and also agree 100% with the last several posts.

However, I feel the thinking in the following statement is a bit "off"...

jason324 wrote in post #12547594
I try and approach my reviews from a non partisan perspective. If I totally trash a product I will not get other products to review.

How can one be non-partisan or objective if the review is started with the thought "I can't totally trash this product"? That, in itself, compromises any objectivity. I can understand the problem you're talking about, but I don't agree with the approach. I am not questioning your integrity - there is no reason to believe any malice is intended - but I just want to echo what the others are saying - objectivity means reporting the good AND the bad things found. Otherwise, whatever one's intent is, the perception can be that one's integrity should be questioned. When readers get that perception, it is not good - in such situations, perception IS the reality.

I think the manufacturer and distributors also needs to know that their product deserves to be trashed. If the testing is fair and balanced and it shows negative points, one can stand behind the findings. But you're right, in your particular situation maybe you can't (or at least shouldn't) just post up a review that totally trashes a product. But maybe a different option is going to the supplier and telling them, "I found these issues and I wanted to ask if you really want me to post a review about this product". This gives them a chance to save face or at least warns them that some find problems with their product. They can then choose to withdraw their request for a review and you are in the position to decide if you honor their withdrawal all the while maintaining integrity. You still might not get other products to review from some manufacturers, but the good manufactures will probably respect and be thankful for such an approach. No company wants bad press, but they need to know if their product deserves bad press - good companies know that valid criticism is essential to improve their products. From those, you may get even more products than you do now.

Whatever approach used - I don't think only reporting the "good" things because one is afraid to report the "bad" is a sustainable approach.

Thanks everybody for your thoughts and comments.

Best,
Jay

The rubber shim is a joke. I ended up making a bracket that was fantastic, but in the end I decided not to keep the Ray Flash and see much more that was wrong with it than was right.