BirdWoman 0 #1 December 27, 2008 Does anybody, or has anybody, experimented jumping with a ring flash? I have heard that you can't do it for mounting reasons, but if your helmet allowed for it, is it doable? I am in the market for a flash and would like to get a ring, but don't know how feasible it is. Thoughts?"I don't know where it is that I'm going, but wherever it is there I'll be!" --quoted by me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
velocityphoto 0 #2 December 27, 2008 I don't know of anyone who has.I don't really see the benefit of it either.I think it would just be excess garbage on my head ,as if i didn't have enough there already. A friend will bail you out of jail , a REAL friend will be sitting next to you in the cell slapping your hand saying "DUDE THAT WAS AWSUM " ................ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #3 December 27, 2008 A ring flash creates a very unique light pattern witht no shadows being cast but it only works well if its the primary light source, as a secondary its got value but its got a lot of unique considerations to keep in mind. In skydiving the sun is our primary, the reflections off the clouds are secondary and if you are carrying a flash then its a third fill flash with the potential to become secondary if its set with enough power to overcome the bounce off the clouds. The ring flash is great for what it does but its purpose is not worth the weight, cost, unaerodynamic shape and slow cycle times. The Canon Ring flash has a horriblely slow refresh cycle rate, its primary purpose is fashion/portraits where an extra second or two is not critical where speed is critical in sports and action photography.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BirdWoman 0 #4 December 28, 2008 That's what I was looking for. I am getting a flash primarily for ground stuff (sunset pond swooping) and also for the occasional cloudy day or late day jump with no sun. What do you think about the 500 speedlite series ? Like the 530 or 580 (or whatever they are)?)"I don't know where it is that I'm going, but wherever it is there I'll be!" --quoted by me Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #5 December 28, 2008 The 580 II is the bomb, IMO. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #6 December 28, 2008 Yep. I've only used my 580 ex2 a few dozen times on the ground and it is amazing. A ring is worthless for most subjects over 2 yards awayYesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Icon134 0 #7 December 29, 2008 Quote The Canon Ring flash has a horriblely slow refresh cycle rate, its primary purpose is fashion/portraits where an extra second or two is not critical where speed is critical in sports and action photography.aA ring light doesn't have to be used as a primary light source as i understand it it can and often is used to create a "circular" catchlight in portriat photography. but as phreezone and dse have suggested for what you are suggesting a 580 is probably a better choice.Livin' on the Edge... sleeping with my rigger's wife... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cashmanimal 0 #8 December 29, 2008 My 580II got here the other day.... -shivers-It's all fun and until someone loses an eye... then it's just a game to find the eye Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vdschoor 0 #9 December 29, 2008 QuoteYep. I've only used my 580 ex2 a few dozen times on the ground and it is amazing. A ring is worthless for most subjects over 2 yards away +1 For the most all around usability, get a "normal" flash, not a ring. Like people said already, 580 EX II would be the ticket right now. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
