Anyone Have Sigma Ring Flash?

[NikonUser]

Hi there,

I'm thinking about getting the Sigma ring flash for my insect macro work... However I don't know much about ring flashes or how they work.

Is there anyone here who has used the Sigma EM-140 ring flash on the D70 who could give me a review.

My other option would be to buy a second SB-800, a macro flash bracket designed for two flashes and a sync cord or two.

Could anyone comment on which would be the better setup? The 2x SB-800's would be good because I could use them in other applications but how would it work in macro situations? This would also be quite a bit more expensive.

Also... If I did get the ring flash would I also be able to use the SB-800 at the same time? Either wirelessly or with a sync cord (pref with the cord)

Thanks for any info you could give me

Paul

[cameraguy21773]

I use both the Sigma Ringlight and the Manfrotto 330B Macro Bracket.

The Sigma Ringlight has many more features than the Nikon and is much less expensive. Main features:
- two bulbs, either or both can be fired
- modeling
- GN 14 guide number allows it to used as a nice fill flash
- can be used as a master flash for other Sigma flashes
- lighting is not flat looking as with past ringlights

The Manfrotto Macro Bracket is handy and small so I carry it most places I go. I use mine with 2 SB-600s and put the D70 in commander mode.

[NikonUser]

Thanks cameraguy,

Just a few more questions...

With the two bulbs of the macro flash... can you fire both but have one have less output than the other? (say the left one on full power and the right one on -1/3ev)?

You said it can be used as a master flash for other Sigma flashes... does that mean it can't be used with the SB-800?

I will also look at the 330B

Thanks for the info!!

Paul

[KerryPierce]

The Sigma Ringlight has many more features than the Nikon and is much less expensive. Main features:
- two bulbs, either or both can be fired
- modeling

Interesting post, thanks.

The modeling light aspect is intriguing. How bright is it?

[cameraguy21773]

Thanks cameraguy,

Just a few more questions...

With the two bulbs of the macro flash... can you fire both but have one have less output than the other? (say the left one on full power and the right one on -1/3ev)?

You said it can be used as a master flash for other Sigma flashes... does that mean it can't be used with the SB-800?

I will also look at the 330B

Thanks for the info!!

Paul

Paul -

The bulbs fire based on how the flash system meters the scene. If you set it to fire both bulb on a manual setting, say 50%, then I pretty sure both bulbs fire 50 %. I'd have to check the book and it is not readilty available just now.

This ringlight can be a master only for other Sigma flashes. I tried using it and two SB-600s before I read the book, which says clearly it only works with Sigma flashes.

Kerry -
I have only used the modeling light once to see how it works. I'm confident it will provide adequate illumination for any task you put to it. I nearly always set up in daylight or early morning/late afternoon so I just let the light do the work and chimp each shot.

[NikonUser]

Thanks very much for that.

Sounds promising.

Do you know if it would be possible to connect the Sigma Ring Flash and the Nikon SB-800 to the camera at the same time? (Using Sync cords, not wireless).

Do you have any sample shots?

Paul

[kipper]

Paul, not sure if the one Camera Guy has is the latest offering from Sigma. You might want to clarify that. There is a new Sigma ring flashes out and one of the guys on NSN has posted a photo essay with a few sample shots. Looks pretty neat.

[NikonUser]

Thanks for that kipper,

I really am stumped as to what to do about my macro flash setup.

I'm really torn between the sigma EM-140 and dual, diffused SB-800's on flash brackets.

Does anyone know if similar results are achieveable by both setups?

I really like the very nice, soft shadows of the Ring Flash but like the idea of the flexibility of options with the SB-800's.

I've searched high and low on the net for comparisons but am having a great deal of trouble finding much at all about multi-flash/ring flash macro lighting and what different setups can achieve.

Paul

[kipper]

I guess the advantage of getting more SB-800s is that you can atleast use it for multiple flash setups for other areas of photography other than macro. Not sure what the ring flash can be used for other than macro work (or product shots in light tents).

[NikonUser]

Yeah I have thought of that and that's why I'm leaning heavily towards the two SB-800's + Bracket.

Much more expensive option for me but if it delivers the results I'm more than willing to pay for it.

I've seen GREAT results using the canon MTX24 (or something!) dual macro flash setup which is what got me thinking about the Dual SB-800 option to start with.

I just wish there was somewhere on the net (I'm sure there is somewhere...I just can't find it) with more comprehensive comparisons and samples and info than I've found.

Paul