LED ring flash

kempie · 08-17-2012, 04:09 AM

does anyone have experience with LED ring flashes on Macro lens?

Are they worthwhile?

Docrwm · 08-17-2012, 04:27 AM

I understood from other threads that the LED models are not flashes but continuous on lights.

**JimJohnson** · 08-17-2012, 05:41 AM

There is no reason LEDs couldn't be used as a 'flash' rather than continuously on. My smartphone does just this. But I'm with Docrwm, all the LED based macro ring lights I've seen are continuous on lights. On the negative side, LEDs have been accused of not producing a full color spectrum of visible light. On the positive side, a continuous light will assist with focusing (auto or manual), and something I have yet to see mentioned - making macro videos. And of course, they are generally less expensive than traditional flashes.

**jatrax** · 08-17-2012, 08:11 AM

I do not have one but considered it and read up quite a bit on them. The good is that they are very inexpensive compared to actual ring flashes. The not so good: Not as much light output, color of the light can be odd depending on the brand, you can often see individual LEDs in the image if you get any reflection. I ended up getting an old Pentax ring flash at a good price so I never bought the LED one. I think for the money they are worth a try as long as you understand the negatives.

JohnX · 08-17-2012, 08:51 AM

Continuous light source. Ok for still life subjects, but won't stop action, ie flowers in the breeze (outside), bugs, etc.

**JimJohnson** · 08-17-2012, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by JohnX

Continuous light source. Ok for still life subjects, but won't stop action, ie flowers in the breeze (outside), bugs, etc.

Time to switch to video mode!

Clicker · 08-18-2012, 11:26 AM

Originally posted by kempie

does anyone have experience with LED ring flashes on Macro lens?

Are they worthwhile?

Yes it's worthwhile, from shooting tabletop to portraiture where you want flat lighting

**JimJohnson** · 08-18-2012, 07:25 PM

I don't have a ring light, but I do have this LED light panel:
Amazon.com: Nanguang LED Video Light Lamp for Camera DV Camcorder Lighting 5400K: Camera & Photo

I mount it on a hotshoe adapter (no electrical connection) that allows me to tilt and swivel a flash. I can tilt the panel to shine just past my macro setup. I typically use the clear diffusion lens for macro. The switch is a thumb wheel to adjust intensity. The angled lighting looks a bit more natural to me. And the size of the panel makes for a light source equal to or bigger than most macro subjects for soft lighting.

I can also use the panel for video either with my Pentax body or with my 'deck of cards' sized Flip style video pocket camera.

**mgvh** · 08-19-2012, 06:41 PM

I have the Meike FC100 Macro Ring Flash / Light, and it is both a flash and a light. (Find it on either Amazon or $bay. There is not a Pentax specific model despite the specifications made by some.)
It's cheap, and it actually works well enough to be worth it. Don't count on the flash, though. I find it much easier to just use the light and get my aperture/shutter set properly.

Green Li · 08-28-2012, 04:03 PM

have you considered ring flash adapters? they are relatively inexpensive, but if you are a serious macro shooter, they may not be for you

Docrwm · 08-28-2012, 04:06 PM

I just saw one in the Adorama print circular that was both an LED and genuine flash. I think it was the VL-48 and was<$60.

08-17-2012, 04:09 AM	#1
kempie Junior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 41	LED ring flash does anyone have experience with LED ring flashes on Macro lens? Are they worthwhile?

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08-17-2012, 04:27 AM	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I understood from other threads that the LED models are not flashes but continuous on lights.

08-17-2012, 05:41 AM	#3
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	There is no reason LEDs couldn't be used as a 'flash' rather than continuously on. My smartphone does just this. But I'm with Docrwm, all the LED based macro ring lights I've seen are continuous on lights. On the negative side, LEDs have been accused of not producing a full color spectrum of visible light. On the positive side, a continuous light will assist with focusing (auto or manual), and something I have yet to see mentioned - making macro videos. And of course, they are generally less expensive than traditional flashes.

08-17-2012, 08:11 AM	#4
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I do not have one but considered it and read up quite a bit on them. The good is that they are very inexpensive compared to actual ring flashes. The not so good: Not as much light output, color of the light can be odd depending on the brand, you can often see individual LEDs in the image if you get any reflection. I ended up getting an old Pentax ring flash at a good price so I never bought the LED one. I think for the money they are worth a try as long as you understand the negatives.

08-17-2012, 08:51 AM	#5
JohnX Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London Posts: 1,116	Continuous light source. Ok for still life subjects, but won't stop action, ie flowers in the breeze (outside), bugs, etc.

08-17-2012, 06:41 PM	#6
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	Originally posted by JohnX Continuous light source. Ok for still life subjects, but won't stop action, ie flowers in the breeze (outside), bugs, etc. Time to switch to video mode!

08-18-2012, 11:26 AM	#7
Clicker Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,241	Originally posted by kempie does anyone have experience with LED ring flashes on Macro lens? Are they worthwhile? Yes it's worthwhile, from shooting tabletop to portraiture where you want flat lighting

08-18-2012, 07:25 PM	#8
JimJohnson Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Summer:Lake Superior - Michigan Winter:Texas Hill Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,772	I don't have a ring light, but I do have this LED light panel: Amazon.com: Nanguang LED Video Light Lamp for Camera DV Camcorder Lighting 5400K: Camera & Photo I mount it on a hotshoe adapter (no electrical connection) that allows me to tilt and swivel a flash. I can tilt the panel to shine just past my macro setup. I typically use the clear diffusion lens for macro. The switch is a thumb wheel to adjust intensity. The angled lighting looks a bit more natural to me. And the size of the panel makes for a light source equal to or bigger than most macro subjects for soft lighting. I can also use the panel for video either with my Pentax body or with my 'deck of cards' sized Flip style video pocket camera.

08-19-2012, 06:41 PM	#9
mgvh Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: MD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,029	I have the Meike FC100 Macro Ring Flash / Light, and it is both a flash and a light. (Find it on either Amazon or $bay. There is not a Pentax specific model despite the specifications made by some.) It's cheap, and it actually works well enough to be worth it. Don't count on the flash, though. I find it much easier to just use the light and get my aperture/shutter set properly.

08-28-2012, 04:03 PM	#10
Green Li New Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 14	have you considered ring flash adapters? they are relatively inexpensive, but if you are a serious macro shooter, they may not be for you

08-28-2012, 04:06 PM	#11
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	I just saw one in the Adorama print circular that was both an LED and genuine flash. I think it was the VL-48 and was<$60.