dragonswing Loc: Pa

Can anyone give me insight into whether the LED macro photography ring lights are worth the investment? I am using a Nikon D40x with a Nikon Micro 85mm DX lens. I would appreciate any input.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Continuous light LEDs are notoriously under-powered for macro-photography, where DoF is critically dependent on a small aperture. Long exposures or high ISOs are required to compensate for low light through a small aperture. Most macro-photographers use standard speedlights with softboxes or other light directing attachments, averaging 1/200-sec at f/16 at ISO 400.

See several macro illumination set-up options here: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-32754-1.html

To place Macro Forum on your UHH home page, you must subscribe here:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/section_list.jsp .

PhotoDan Loc: Los Angeles

I got it to try, investment of $31.40 delivered. Still playing with it but would not recommend it as your "do-all" light source.

dragonswing Loc: Pa

Thanks for the replies.

rhadams824 Loc: Arkansas

I use a Bower Macro Ring Flash and it seems to work well on my Sony A300 but does not work on the Sony A57. I don't know how it works on a Canon or NIkon. You have to set your camera correctly to obtain the proper exposure since the flash doesn't have any controls except on and off. The flash is triggered by the camera. It appears to provide plenty of light. It is relatively inexpensive. L.E.D. lights are not as bright especially the number show in the ring light. If it had 2 or 3 times as many LED lights it might work. I have tried a cheap LED ring light without success.

Bower SFD14C Ring Light