Ringlight vs. ringflash

Hi all. I'm getting rid of my 85/1.8 which seems to be a focal length that doesn't really work for me, and want to replace it with either a Tamron 90mm or Canon 100mm macro.

I've dabbled in macro, but one thing I've always known I need is carefully positioned extra light. In the UK it's just too dull, not to mention indoors subjects.

I don't want to commit too much funding to it, which is why I ask;
1) Ring lights are basically LED flashes, right?
2) LED rings are cheaper than mfr. brand ringlites?
3) Do they perform similarly? i.e. GNs
4) Are the results comparable between each other?
5) Are there any known-brand LED rings out there? I see this Manfrotto 'Aura' but can't seem to find reviews or anywhere to buy it.

Thanks in advance

edit - I have also just seen the Yongnuo version... anyone with experience?

Some of the LEDs that I've looked at have a GN of 14' vs the 46' that Canon's ring flash has. So it's a lot more powerful but more expensive of course. You'd probably want to make sure that the LED color is close to daylight.

I've been using a cheap led ring light for a couple of years just to photograph voucher photos of insects but it is not bright enough to allow me to use a higher speed to overcome any motion by the subject so I've additionally tried using a couple of portable led lights but they cast nasty shadows. This is with the EFS 60mm macro often with an extension tube, I've never tried it on my 100 or 180 lenses. I'm now thinking about treating myself to a good quality ring flash or light.

If a 85mm lenses "focal length" does not meet you needs in a meaningful manner, why do you think a 90mm (or even a 100mm lens) lens will be just the ticket.

That 5mm focal length difference is insignificant (except for all but a very few obtuse applications).

I can understand why you might want a close focusing macro lens, but you specifically indicated "85/1.8 which seems to be a focal length that doesn't really work for me".

Enjoy! Lon

FlashZebra wrote in post #16657909
If a 85mm lenses "focal length" does not meet you needs in a meaningful manner, why do you think a 90mm (or even a 100mm lens) lens will be just the ticket.

That 5mm focal length difference is insignificant (except for all but a very few obtuse applications).

I can understand why you might want a close focusing macro lens, but you specifically indicated "focal length that doesn't really work for me".

Enjoy! Lon

I see what you're asking! I think the fact that a non-macro 85mm doesn't suit me doesn't really extend into not suiting me for macro work. I've borrowed a 90mm Tamron macro that I do like, very much. I will have to remember that it's just not a good walkaround length for me.

I carried on reading after I posted my initial query... the LEDs are certainly poor and while I'm sure some people have good luck with them, it wasn't what I was after. I got the Yongnuo YN-14EX after finding out Yongnuo's reliability has been improving and that they are the manufacturer for Canon's OEM flashes.

The guide number issue is a non-issue - the GN of 14 is plenty for close work, and is also the same as Canon's MR-14EX. The Yongnuo is a flash tube model (Xenon I think) and produces the sort of light my standard Canon 430EX2 produces.

I produced these as starters;

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