About
Reviews (1)
Nov 08, 2015
Gets The Job Done
This macro ring flash unit wasn't purchased for macro photography or for use on a macro lens. It was bought to attach to a Canon 18-135 STM lens for use in photographing products for our design business. We wanted to achieve flat lighting, and this macro flash unit does just that.
The macro flash unit was easy to set up after reading the instruction manual. It is useful that the two flash tubes can be either used at the same flash output (A:B, 1:1) or by using the ratio button and the left or right arrows, A can be increased and B decreased or vice versa.
The unit can be set to E-TTL mode whereby the unit automatically emits a brief pre-flash measurement. This is done to assess the duration of the flash based on the aperture, shutter speed, ISO and flash to subject distance, to ensure even illumination.
Alternatively, the unit can be set to manual mode. In this mode, the flash output can be adjusted from 1:1 (full) to 1/64 power in full stop increments for greater light control. In manual mode—although you will have greater control of the light output, the macro flash unit/camera combination will not help you. You will have to determine the correct flash exposure yourself, either by using a light meter, or by doing test shots.
What are the downsides? This macro ring flash is designed for use on Canon’s macro lens: EF 50mm f/2.5, EF 100mm f2/8 USM macro lens, EF 100mm f/2.8 macro lens, and MP-E 65mm f/2.5 1-5x. The unit is attached to a grove in the front of these lenses. In my case, using a Canon 18-135mm STM lens—there is no groove, therefore you have to buy an adapter which screws into the filter thread. This adapter contains the groove to attach the macro flash unit to. This adapter is quite expensive, but well made. When the macro ring flash is attached to the lens, a lens hood cannot be used.
One further downside—if it can be called that—the macro ring flash unit can move freely in the groove on the lens or adapter—it cannot be set and locked at a predetermined position.
Overall this is a really great macro ring flash. It is well built, reliable, has a multitude of settings and gets the job done. I highly recommend it.