Macro ring flash

[Grasshopper]

I have recently brought my first macro lens and would like some advice from anyone who uses a ring flash. I have a nikon SB600 but would I be better getting a ring flash for macro work and if so, why are they better? I have never used one and only just starting out in macro so any help and advice would be really appreciated.

 

[footman]

A lot of macro shooters don't like ring flashes because of the flat image they can produce. I borrowed one from a friend and I was glad I hadn't forked out the money myself!

Those who do buy often complain that the cheaper ones are of poor quality and fall apart easily.

The alternative is to build your own system, not as difficult as it sounds. You'd only need a suitable flash gun and an off camera flash attachment and a bracket of some sort.
A diffuser of some type is recommended.

This is a massive but useful thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142566

If you decide it's not for you then simply by the best ring flash you can afford.

 

[Grasshopper]

Thats great, thanks for your help. I looked through that thread and I think the Delta flip flash bracket looks like it could be a good option. Does anyone have any experience with anything like this?

 

[modchild]

You could always have a look at the ring type twin flash. It's shaped like a normal ring flash but has 2 separate bulbs, 1 in each side, that can be turned on or off or at full power and lower power and as it can be rotated like a ringflash you can position the light anywhere you want it. I've got a Sigma EM-140 DG for my Canon set up and it's fantastic. It's not cheap, running in around £300, but it's bought a whole new lease of life to my macro shooting. Great build quality and available in various mounts to suit.