Gerard Maas Images

I’ve previously written about the Ring Flash adapter from Short Images, an innovative accessory fitting the Canon 580EX II Speedlite (and Nikon SB-800). Using the fiber optics principle, the ringflash adaptor uses acrylic light “pipes” that evenly distribute the light from the speedlite in a ring shape around the lens. This configuration creates a particular light source that eliminates shadows while still providing some 3D modelling to the subject photographed. Although the concept of the ring flash comes from the medical sector, where it was originally developed and used for dental photography, the world of fashion has developed a taste of this special light, making it an iconic look in the industry.

Classical Ring Flash ” wrap” Shadow

Behind the scenes

The EOS collection includes the MR-14EX Speedlite, a ring flash dedicated for macro photography. The macro ring flash is designed to clip around the Canon EF100 f/2.8 Macro and MP-E65 specialist macro lenses, although it can be attached to other lenses using a metal ring that screws-on like a filter. Its close distance to the lens axis and compact form helps approaching insects and other small macro subjects.

Frog portrait taken with the MR-14EX Macro Ring Flash

With the introduction of the Short Images’ Ring Flash Adaptor, photography enthusiast looking for a ring flash are now confused, not knowing what to choose.
The Ring flash adaptor has been designed as a portable alternative to the heavy and expensive studio units, yet delivering the expected effect. Its generous size allows for applications in portrait and fashion photography. Also, its portability becomes a real asset for social photography of many kinds.

Portrait of Nele, taken with the Ring Flash Adaptor

The differences in size and power of the MR-14EX macro ring flash and the ring flash adaptor strongly determine the range of applications they can be used for.
A common misunderstanding is thinking that the MR-14EX macro ring flash can be used for general purposes or people photography.

Comparison image taken with the 580EX II

Comparison image taken with Ring Flash Adaptor

Comparison image taken with the MR-14EX Macro Ring Flash

Its small size and low power becomes quickly an issue as the flash-to-subject distance increases, as the light becomes very flat and the power range gets to its limit. For people photography, there’s an additional issue as its close distance from the lens axis produces a fairly strong red-eye effect.

The inverse case is more interesting to look at: Can be the Ring Flash Adaptor be used for macro photography?
A couple of experiments reveal a very interesting answer:

Macro image taken with MP-E65 Macro Lens and the Ring Flash Adapter

Image of setup

Interestingly, the Ring Flash adapter can be effectively used for macro photography, providing a very even, and somehow flat, light.
Yet, there’s a feature of the MR-14EX that places it a step higher for macro photography applications: By changing the ratio settings between the two half flash tubes composing the MR-14EX, it’s possible to modify the effect of shadows and adapt the impression of depth.

3D effect with ratio control on MR-14EX. Ratio used: 1:4

If you are looking for a general purpose ring flash, for casual use on many different subject, including people, the Ring Flash adaptor is the choice. Photographers dedicated to macro photography will be better served with the MR-14EX as its compact size and ratio features make it an excellent choice to capture the miniature world at our feet.

-Gerard.

This is not the beauty you often find in this blog, but it certainly has its charms.

Portrait of an earwig (Forficula auricularia), an that got its name from tales of ear-crawling into a man’s brain.
It can strike a nice pose, don’t you think?
Pic info: MP-E65 (somewhere between 1x-2x) and a macro ring flash MR-14EX. It was handheld and a real challenge to keep up with the frentic movements of the insect. The ringflash is certainly a great aid when handholding. In the past I would have been holding one 580EX in one hand and the camera in the other, making it quite hard to keep a stable setup. On the downside, I do find the ringflash light often flat. It won’t be long until I get the 580EX in my left hand again and start experimenting with the C-group wireless capability of the MR-14EX.

A ring flash is a really estrange piece of kit. The light comes from around the lens creating a shadowless rendering of your subject. The ringflash ‘look’ is often associated with fashion photography and expensive, dedicated equipment.

It was a big surprise seeing this innovative flash modifier, that bends the light from a speedlite around the lens to create (approximately) the same effect, with a very portable solution. The fact that the camera system still preserves the E-TTL capabilities for metering makes you truly mobile.

Here’s an image of the product (bathroom mirror self-portrait )

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And a first quick test with my in-house models

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It really looks promising and I’ll be taking it for a ride in upcoming shoots. Keep tuned for a more detailed review of it!

-gerard