The above video shows use of a Ring Flash adapter. I'm just using this video as an example, but the 'O Flash' - Ring Flash adapter finally came in for me. The 'O Flash' is the cheaper version of the Ray Ring or Coco Ring Flash. I do notice that the connector piece for the Ray Ring and Coco Flash have a hard mold that appears to be shaped for Manufacturer specific flashes. This 'O Flash' Ring flash adapter that I recieved uses a very hard rubber mold with a velcro tension strap. Therefore this O Flash is more modular and generic, and can be used regardless of flash type. The Ray Ring sells for $199 dollars, the Coco Ring Flash
can be found around $50 dollars, and the 'O Flash' sells for a mere $36 bucks + Free Shipping.
Many people associate these for Macro or sometimes used as a very close up Portrait ring flash. It's a handy thing for me to carry as another diffuser option for my Canon 580 EX II. This design carries the light from a single flash into a circular ring light, giving it really nice diffusion towards your subject. Normally flashes are diffused by way of bouncing the light which still can cause uneven lighting and loss of flash power. One of the cool accessories I already own is the Yongnuo RF-602 Wireless triggers. With these triggers, I can even use this flash off camera as a nice soft beauty ring. Now I have this setup on a lightstand, but the Yongnuo RF-602 triggers also have a 1/4x20 thread if you want to mount it directly to a tripod.
It was so cool using this off camera, and honestly I don't know of anyone using them in this manner. I plan on getting a second one specifically for a portable studio lighting setup. With one on each side firing off, i'm sure to get super duper clean images, balanced lighting, with a tiny footprint. Would be an excellent diffuser to use for Wedding or Event type photographers. If you're not fond of the O Flash logo on the front, just place a Logo of your business. Guaranteed brand recognition for you. LOL! I'm betting after this post, we'll see more people using them in combination with the very cheap Yongnuo RF-602 wireless triggers. Here's the link to the $36 dollar O Flash - Ring Flash Adapter.
Curious as well, what if I connected this to the Z96 LED Video Light? Would it provide enough light through the ring to become an LED ring light? I'm in the studio now, i'll check when I get home. That would be interesting....
YongNuo Combo Wireless Remote Shutter + Wireless Flash Trigger
Ricardo
Hi, I would like to know if it works with the Yongnuo's 468 strobe. Thanks and congratulations for nice work!
Miko
will this ring flash work with the yongnuo flashes?
Emm
Post author@Cory - yeah the Z96 lights weren't powerful enough.
Cory
Did you ever try it with the led lights?
Serge
Just placed an order on this one, migh work well for some local hip hop videos on glasses and such. 48 LED RECHARGEABLE VIDEO CAMERA MACRO RING LIGHT
Serge
Not sure if this would fit a lens but could be useful with a modded battery pack.It says microscope with mounting rings from 35mm up to 59mm so maybe with a down or up step ring? Microscope Camera 48 LED Ring Lamp Light Adjustable
Kmuzu
Have a much better one for my Diana Mini and it's only $65. One more thing it's analog baby .. curse the crisp.
https://usa.shop.lomography.com/cameras/diana-f-cameras/diana-f-accessories/lomography-ringflash
Ergin
I like using ND filters too and have a few already. It seems though that there is a few limitations i might not want with my first flash. I think i will go with a 580EX II as my first one and see from there as i get more familiar with their usage.
thanks again Emm
cheers
Emm
Post authorAside from TTL, when using any flash off camera you just need to be familiar with manually changing the settings, positioning the flash, and using diffusers to control the light. These flashes off camera won't be able to support High Speed Sync so you'll be limited to shooting at 1/200ths - 1/250ths. With Canon flashes and Canon transmitters you can sync the shutter to any speed. Here's the scenario. You're outdoors on a bright day and you want to use your fancy 50mm F/1.4 lens. If your aperture is at F/1.4 then lets say your shutter speed is now over 1/3000ths. If that's the setting you need for proper exposure, these flashes won't sync. The work around is to use ND filters, block out enough light to get your shutter speed down to normal sync speeds. I actually like the ND filter route because I can use my flashes at full power rather than pulsing with HSS.
The 580 EX II also has a faster recycling time because of the larger capacitor. It also has the option for external power source. You might see external power packs used for weddings. Photographers will set flashes around a dim reception area (like winery). No matter where they are in the room the flash will fire and provide them additional lighting in the entire room. The external packs help run the flashes all night long.
The Canon 580 EX II probaby has a higher power output and allows for several 'in between' power settings than the Yongnuo. There's quite a bit to understand with flashes, it might be best to grab a book or dig deeper to find out what you'll be using it for if you decide on a cheaper flash. The high costs of the Canon flashes just solves every situation you're going to need them for.
Ergin
Emm, can you please elaborate a bit on the ETTL support, how necessary it is when using the flashes as fills, remotely from camera ? I am thinking of buying two units and an o-flash ring. One one camera with the o-ring and one off to the side bouncing off a wall or reflector or through an umbrella.
It would save quite a bit of money to be able to get two of these new Yongnuo 560s vs 2x580EXii..
cheers
Olphus
Oh please try the O Flash with the Z96, I'm really curious if it will work at all.
Also, I have the Yongnuo 560 flash but on ebay they are numbered F155/170/189 and so on..according to camera type...
Do you know if the highest number F189 is the biggest one and so be a better choice considering light spread?
Ergin
Hah,.these are the boys from Digital Kitchen (vimeo video review). Last thing i was expecting to see is my buddies faces on Cheesycam. World is a small place.
Emm
Post authorThe flash you're talking about is probably the Yongnuo. It's a great simple flash that will work effectively when used on the camera and support ETTL. Basically ETTL the camera making some decisions for you that will help you get balanced flash.
The reason it will be cheaper is that these flashes can't be fired remotely (off camera) while still supporting ETTL. Most likely doesn't support High Speed Sync, an external power source, has a smaller capacitor (longer delay in recycling), not as much FULL power, and does not have as in between power adjustment settings as the top Canon Flashes. Most people I know don't really get too manual with their flashes, they just put it on point and shoot. If that's you, then a cheap flash with ETTL support like the Yongnuo will work fine.
Jason
I'm having a difficult time deciding what my first strobe flash should be. I understand a $90 eBay flash probably isn't safe for my t2i but I just don't have the funds to get something super high end. Does anyone have any suggestions?