Bower Ring Flash: I know that the O-Flash is generally favored here for a macro ring flash. However, I chose the Bower SFD14N for my Nikon D700 for two reasons. I thought others here...

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

I know that the O-Flash is generally favored here for a macro ring flash.
However, I chose the Bower SFD14N for my Nikon D700 for two reasons. I thought others here might be interested.

1. It mounts directly on the front of the lens itself, like a screw-on filter. About six adapter rings are included for various lens thread sizes.
I was just a bit dubious about the torque the O-Flash seemed to generate on the flash head itself as it is suspended from the flash head and appears to be entirely supported from that point.

2. All lights in my 'studio' are 5000k CFL bulbs, including both ambient and studio lights. The Bower's flash is rated at 5600k. That should be an advantage outside also. It is fully iTLL compatible with whatever DSL you purchase it for and EV exposure control is also available.

Guide Number is 46ft. I think I paid around $90 for it.

So I'm very pleased with it.

RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado

I've been very curious about them. Thanks. I went with the O Ring similar to Nikonian72. Just came in today, I haven't had a chance to mess with it yet.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Pat, have you played with it yet? I am still trying with the O Flash. I need to get more light out of it with my SB800. I am getting better but still not where I want it. First time I have played with the flash like this. And work keeps getting in the way.
Erv

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

'Morning, Erv!
I've only taken 20-30 tabletop shots so far. All i've done is screw it on, turn it on, and shoot. I'm really pleased with it's simplicity and ease of handling.

I have not tried varying the EV yet but, at 5600k, I hope to use it a lot as a fill light outside as well as in macro work. As you can see, it's easy to drape a Kleenex or paper towel over it.

As for power, it's rated at gn 49'. I presume that is at ISO 100. I have a question on to Bower but have not received an answer yet.

TTL seems to be dead on with the D700. I have not tried it on the D60 yet.

No cognitive dissonance so far. :thumbup:

Damn this spell checker!
(Don't let the bastards grind you down!)

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Oh, yeah, Erv, I forgot to add:

Not to insult your intelligence, but one way to get the max power out of your flash is to set your shutter speed at 1/250. That forces the aperture to open up and, of course, that allows max light output. (DOF Be damned!)

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Thanks Pat, I got he 800 used at a flea market for $20 but no manuel. I down loaded one but work has me busy. I will play some more tomorrow after I read up on the flash. It works good on the camera in auto. So i know it is me :hunf:
Erv

Roy Hakala Loc: Red Wing, MN

I have similar but much older ring flash, by Vivitar. One suggestion: you could block off part of thr ring with black tape, maybe the lower left quarter. That cuts down on total light output but provides better 3D modeling.

Darrian629 Loc: Boston

Pat, I have the same one and it works wonders if you're into shooting macro. Fot the cost, you can't beat it.

waw203 Loc: Clearwater, FL

Dear Pat,

I enjoyed your post about your Bower flash ring. I'm thinking about one myself. However, you list that you are using a Nikon D700 as your main rig. I have broken into digital with a Nikon D3000. I know, I know, lots has been written (negatively so) about this camera. That said, I have decided that my next camera will be a D700. For several reasons, too many to list here! What I'm interested in is low light, and crystal clear, tack-sharp, images!!! I'm a freak about that. Tell about your experience with your D700, in that regard.

Thanks in advance,
Wayne...

waw203 Loc: Clearwater, FL

Dear Pat,

I enjoyed your post about your Bower flash ring. I'm thinking about one myself. However, you list that you are using a Nikon D700 as your main rig. I have broken into digital with a Nikon D3000. I know, I know, lots has been written (negatively so) about this camera. That said, I have decided that my next camera will be a D700. For several reasons, too many to list here! What I'm interested in is low light, and crystal clear, tack-sharp, images!!! I'm a freak about that. Tell about your experience with your D700, in that regard.

Thanks in advance,
Wayne...

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Question on the O ring flash for Canon does it only work with 580 or 430 speed light. That is way I interpret it in the adds. Same with the Nikon version, works with only certain flashes. If I am wrong on my understanding some one correct me as I am thinking about buying a macro lite. I have a 380 flash.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Patw28 wrote:

. . . one way to get the max power out of your flash is to set your shutter speed at 1/250. That forces the aperture to open up and, of course, that allows max light output. (DOF Be damned!)

I have already PM'ed Erv about setting his SB-800 to manual for max flash output. To sync background exposure with speedlight foreground exposure, shutter duration should be 1/200-sec at f/16 or so. TTL speedlight control is okay, but may need EV tweaking. Manual setting on speedlight allows photographer to adjust output down for bright subjects, and open aperture for dark subjects.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Old Timer wrote:

Question on the O ring flash for Canon does it only work with 580 or 430 speed light. That is way I interpret it in the adds. Same with the Nikon version, works with only certain flashes. If I am wrong on my understanding some one correct me as I am thinking about buying a macro lite. I have a 380 flash.

To which "O ring flash" are you referring? over a dozen models exist. I use an O-Flash, which I describe as a 3/4-circle Fresnel prism attachment to my Nikon SB-600 Speedlight. Erv uses an O-Flash (of slightly different length) on his Nikon SB-800 Speedlight. To place macro lens dead center of O-Flash ring, each combination of camera & speedlight require a specific length (O-Flash model number).

Old Timer Loc: Greenfield, In.

Sorry for not being more clear. Yes that is the one I am referring to. the O Flash 3/4 Fresnal.

Patw28 Loc: PORT JERVIS, NY

Erv wrote:

Thanks Pat, I got he 800 used at a flea market for $20 but no manuel. I down loaded one but work has me busy. I will play some more tomorrow after I read up on the flash. It works good on the camera in auto. So i know it is me :hunf:
Erv

Erv, you Ottawa wear a mask! $20

The SB 800 can also act as a commander, controlling other flashes in the CLS family. You're gonna love it.