sample images (right out of the camera, no Photoshop, ACR or LR) just using the Ray Flash, no extra lighting.
more info from ExpoDisc
where to buy
examples of macro photography (not sure which are taken with the ring flash but some are)
Friday, June 06, 2008
Review: Ray Flash ring flash
sample images (right out of the camera, no Photoshop, ACR or LR) just using the Ray Flash, no extra lighting.
more info from ExpoDisc
where to buy
examples of macro photography (not sure which are taken with the ring flash but some are)
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10 comments:
Dave,
I am a big fan of all that you do and read your blog all the time. Thanks.
Nice review here and a nice concept but the price ($299.95 at their site) seems WAY too high for a totally passive device. As an engineer, I understand that design engineering costs have to be covered as well as the tools/die work for the injection molding that it appears utilize but I feel this is way too much.
As a marketer and product manager I know we price to value and to the market but there has to be some accommodation to common sense and I think this one just doesn't pass that test.
I know the alternatives are VERY pricey but this still doesn't work out for me.
Is it just me or is that flash attachment WAY overpriced??? $299 for a flash attachment? I'll wait for the Chinese knock-off.
Dave, looking at ExpoImaging's site I notice the different model (length center of flash to center of lens) for the D100/200/300 vs D1/2/3. You've got the D100/200/300 version right now? Can you try it on a D3 and let us know how well/poorly it works? I imagine its not optimal or they wouldn't have different models but as a D200 user anticipating an upgrade in the future to possibly a D3, I'm just curious if i'll be purchasing both Ray Flash rings over time.
Thanks
I agree that the cost does seem high - of course I'd be much happier if it was lower. But I also think it's wrong to think of it as a flash attachment (e.g. comparing with the Lightsphere from Gary Fong). Instead, I think of it more as a competitor for other ring flashes.
I just sold my Alien Bee Ring Flash because it was bigger, heavier and more awkward than I would have liked. Plus I had to be plugged in (or spend another $350 on a battery) and had to be right on top of the model to get a nice effect (blinding them in the process)
I hope they do consider lowering the price, but I think at this point they are aiming at the people who have considered other ring flash solutions.
As for waiting for a knock-off, it appears as though this is some pretty clever & challenging engineering - maybe it can be recreated at a lower price, we'll have to wait and see.
Personally, having used the AB ring flash, I would happily spend the money on this and a battery pack for my SB800.
Jonathan, I'll try it out on a D3 and tell you what happens.
Hey Dave,
I wanted to share something with you that I think would be great for you to feature and pass on. My brother, Steve Paterson, one of the founding partners of Clear (www.StartClear.com), a graphics design firm in Southern California, has decided to do something very special to help the victims of China’s recent earthquake. He has started www.FiftyThousandShirts.com. The goal is to sell 50,000 shirts, raising one million dollars (which will be donated through World Vision, www.worldvision.org).
It would be great if you could pass on to your audience the great opportunity that this could be. Also if there is anyway you would be willing to put a banner up or know anyone who would want to you can get them off of this site: http://fiftythousandshirts.com/action/.
One of the sponsors of this effort is http://RedisWhite.com. Red is White is a faith-inspired, ongoing, online t-shirt design project. Anyone can come up with a design and submit it to Red is White. The Red is White community then rates the designs and the winning designs get printed (and the designer gets paid).
I think this definitely seems like something that your audience could get behind.
Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Mike Paterson
hi dave,
how much do you pay for a model for most of your shoots
Hey Dave, I just laught when I saw the Poutine St-Hubert sauce packaging behind you. Hopefully you have some good cheese curds in Florida ;) When are you coming back to Montreal for a seminar ? Thanks Dominic
Great review, Dave! I too had the ABR-800 and found the same downfalls you did. It was a bit bulky and the build quality wasn't great, but it got the job done.
I'm very interested in checking out the Ray Flash, as it looks to be easier to carry around and get very similar results.
Is it me or is the model you used the same as the one on the Expo site??
Yes, it is the same model - the photographer who came to show the ring flash to us (and brought the model) also took the shots you see on the Expo Imaging site.
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