Macro ring flash

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Thegreatroberto

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Robert
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Hi
So, opinions on a decent ring flash. Let's start and keep it under £50.
Seen quite a few on eBay with adaptor rings, but no real idea what to avoid. Most likely to be used indoors to photo coins. Does it need to have variable or even adjustable output? Might like to use on close up portraits too.
Ideas please.
 
I really dislike ring flash. Harsh light that's difficult to diffuse, not to mention the weird catch light you get in certain bugs (like jumping spiders and frogs) eyes.

Check out the jumping spider in this link and you'll know what I mean: http://orionmystery.blogspot.com/2009/07/comparison-of-different-lighting-setups.html

If you already have a speedlight, either big or small, you can use it for macro photography. Many different rigs and ideas for you to choose from here: http://orionmystery.blogspot.com/2010/12/more-macro-rigs.html
 
Yeah, it's weird. They always seem to market ring flashes as "macro lights" but I don't know many macro shooters who use them for the reasons Kurt highlights (there are some who get good results with them though).

If you are mainly wanting it for shooting coins indoors, I would say you are better off with a standard flash (or even a couple), off-camera shot through a diffuser or light tent. You could even do without if you put the camera on a tripod as you'll be able to take static shots over longer exposures.

If you want "the look" of a ringflash for portrait work, then something similar to what Bryn recommends (if you can find it in a nikon mount) would do the job, or maybe try in the portrait section and see if anyone uses them there?
 
Currently any coins shots or anything similar is done with a tent and a couple of speedlights. I thought that a ring flash may be better, but perhaps not.

Some of those lighting rigs may be the answer though!
 
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