[TER-OR]

I have also been looking for a decent Pentax ringflash for macro-photography. Would love to hear any recommendations.

I'm using a Sunpak DX-8R. You do not need TTL for macro. This Sunpak is so powerful I usually only use it at 1/8 power in sunlight. 1/4 is it's overcast. Have a look at my Flickr if you want to see examples.

[JensE]

A footnote to my previous post, I have become a bit disillusioned with ring flash for technical subjects because of the glare that can be reflected straight back from the metal parts that are usually in my shots. So lately I have been prefering using brolly lighting, giving softer all-round light. I think ring flash is more suited to natural objects - it was originally invented for medical photography I believe.

Even for 'natural objects' such as insects, I prefer to use the ring flash as fill only, especially from the underside. My main light is either a speedlight mounted on a bracket, with a diffuser (mini-octobox) close to the lens, or a flash with umbrella on a light stand, because that often allows to also illuminate the background. A ring flash is hard to beat for quick documentary shots, to capture a rare sight like a hard to find species with good confidence in the light setup and good detail in the main subject - when the overall composition and light is secondary.

[Dennis Forster]

I'm using a Sunpak DX-8R. You do not need TTL for macro. This Sunpak is so powerful I usually only use it at 1/8 power in sunlight. 1/4 is it's overcast. Have a look at my Flickr if you want to see examples.

Thank you - I will have a look