Marumi DRF14N Ring Flash
- Thread starter Roy
- Start date
- Messages
- 148
- Name
- Jim
- Edit My Images
- Yes
I've got one of these and I'm happy with it, but I've not tried any other ring flashes, so have nothing to compare it too. It takes 4 AA batteries, but 7dayshop 2700mAh batteries are a tight fit, so they don't spring back against the battery contacts, hence I can't use them in this flashgun.
Thanks for the advice about the batteries. It was good to meet you at Exbury - wish I had known that you had the ring flash, I would have asked if I could try it! What lens did you use it with and with/without extension tubes?
Take care,
Roy
- Messages
- 1,336
- Edit My Images
- Yes
I have used the canon version of this ring flash and have been very pleased with the results using it for both products / macro photography - its very good value when comparing it to the more expensive Canon product - obviously it has not got as much control, but if you are only doing macro on an as and when basis, I think you would be more than satisfied.
I have also used it for portraits and it does give a nice pleasing halo effect -the subect seems flatly lit, with shadowless lighting, yet pops out from the background, especially if you slightly underexpose which reminds me of the sfumato / chiarascuro effects beloved of mid-renaissance artists, especially Leonardo (if you're lucky) - I did have the occasional Red-eye which is to be expected as the flash is in line with the lens, but this can be easily corrected with the relevant software - You also get a slightly different catch light shape in the eyes which is reported to look like white donuts.....................
With a little ingenuity, you could place a diffuser or cover up part of the ring flash to generate the above effects. Well worth a try, and less risk than purchasing the more expensive version.
regards
Roy
I have also used it for portraits and it does give a nice pleasing halo effect -the subect seems flatly lit, with shadowless lighting, yet pops out from the background, especially if you slightly underexpose which reminds me of the sfumato / chiarascuro effects beloved of mid-renaissance artists, especially Leonardo (if you're lucky) - I did have the occasional Red-eye which is to be expected as the flash is in line with the lens, but this can be easily corrected with the relevant software - You also get a slightly different catch light shape in the eyes which is reported to look like white donuts.....................
With a little ingenuity, you could place a diffuser or cover up part of the ring flash to generate the above effects. Well worth a try, and less risk than purchasing the more expensive version.
regards
Roy
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
Probably okay, but not very powerful, assuming the guide number is 14. Which is perfect for macro but only around the same power as most on-board flashes.
I use one of these, the RingFlash Adapter, which works great for both macro and fashion/portraits, if you already have a good flash gun. http://www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/ringflash-intro.html
cheers for the info
I kinda guessed the flash power might be a tad on the low side from the guide number at iso100. I also found some photos taken on flickr with the marumi. Not bad.
The ringflash adaptor looks interesting but iir it costs a fair bit plus I'm guessing its for the popular speedlights (that I dont have
will check it out though cheers
I kinda guessed the flash power might be a tad on the low side from the guide number at iso100. I also found some photos taken on flickr with the marumi. Not bad.
The ringflash adaptor looks interesting but iir it costs a fair bit plus I'm guessing its for the popular speedlights (that I dont have
will check it out though cheersOf course I don't mind - the more the merrier.
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
Sara, I think that RingFlash Adapter is brilliant. So simple - no wires or things to screw in, and it works really well. It's expensive for what it is, but maybe not for what it does. I have the older, slightly larger version but I think the newer one is probably better.
The light is very soft, and it gives even coverage down to 1:1 with my 100mm macro. It is also good for portraits, which seems to be the main thrust of their advert. Almost a beauty light used for close portraits, and with that outline shadow look for full length. My 580EX seems to have enough power for most things.
However, I like soft light and I don't often do mega-macro. Mainly flower portraits, that sort of thing, not bugs and beetles. I think the light from a true macro set up might be better for 1:1 work, with a bit more modelling. Here are a couple of examples.
If this cat looks evil, then it's an accurate character portrait.
Yes, this one has had a bit of Photoshopping
The light is very soft, and it gives even coverage down to 1:1 with my 100mm macro. It is also good for portraits, which seems to be the main thrust of their advert. Almost a beauty light used for close portraits, and with that outline shadow look for full length. My 580EX seems to have enough power for most things.
However, I like soft light and I don't often do mega-macro. Mainly flower portraits, that sort of thing, not bugs and beetles. I think the light from a true macro set up might be better for 1:1 work, with a bit more modelling. Here are a couple of examples.
If this cat looks evil, then it's an accurate character portrait.
Yes, this one has had a bit of Photoshopping
- Messages
- 7,969
- Name
- Sara
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Cheers for that Richard. I'm having a good old scour on the net for reviews and stuff. Most of them concentrate on the use of the adapter for portraits and the catchlight - I would def be using for macro. While it is an expensive piece of kit, I like the idea of portability and not having to lug another big item around!! Will keep looking and may well soon take the plunge on a 580exII and one of these. I don't use any flash for my macro pics so I guess this setup will work for me if I know no different!!
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
Good luck! But I have to point out that the RingFlash Adapter is big, even though it is extremely light. Can you try it first? Jacobs sell them.
I would just point out that the one that is mostly advertised (RayFlash?) is actually completely different in the way it converts the light to ring flash and I don't know about close macro coverage, though I have no reason to think that it won't be fine.
I would just point out that the one that is mostly advertised (RayFlash?) is actually completely different in the way it converts the light to ring flash and I don't know about close macro coverage, though I have no reason to think that it won't be fine.
- Messages
- 7,969
- Name
- Sara
- Edit My Images
- Yes
No where near Jacobs. I keep reading something about these adapters covering up some thing to do with the flash reading thingy on the front of the camera? Just seen Stan-the-mans set up with an off shoe cord, lens hood and velcro - Damn, what to do now?!!
- Messages
- 23,200
- Name
- Richard
- Edit My Images
- No
Sara, I've just deleted a post I made a few minutes ago, having thought about it a bit more.
Basically, this is not a problem with through-the-lens systems like your Canon E-TTL. If you use the RingFlash Adapter on its own, then nothing is affected. If you use it as part of a multiflash set up, then so long as the RingFlash unit is set as the Master, then nothing is affected in that situation either.
It is only a problem if the receiver sensors of the Slave units are obsured, and so unless the RingFlash is being used as a Slave (most unlikely) there won't be any problems.
I'm pretty sure I've got this right, and working solo there is no problem for sure, but comments welcome on multiflash set ups
Edit: actually, I'm not sure I have got this right. Need to check a few things first.
2nd Edit: Checked it now, and the info is correct
Basically, this is not a problem with through-the-lens systems like your Canon E-TTL. If you use the RingFlash Adapter on its own, then nothing is affected. If you use it as part of a multiflash set up, then so long as the RingFlash unit is set as the Master, then nothing is affected in that situation either.
It is only a problem if the receiver sensors of the Slave units are obsured, and so unless the RingFlash is being used as a Slave (most unlikely) there won't be any problems.
I'm pretty sure I've got this right, and working solo there is no problem for sure, but comments welcome on multiflash set ups
Edit: actually, I'm not sure I have got this right. Need to check a few things first.
2nd Edit: Checked it now, and the info is correct