Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX

[blattin]

I'm in the market for a new flash system and I'm trying to figure out what on-camera flash unit I'd like to build on-location flash setup around. The 580EX II seems like a good candidate, but what about the Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX?

Is the Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX really only usable for macro work? Why not short/mid range portrait work (not in studio). I'd imagine the 'close-to-lens' low angles on ring lights may have had red eye problems for film photography, but that's no longer an issue with digital post production. When used at mid-range is the light not evenly dispersed?

Is anyone else tempted to yank them off the ring mount and build their own mount system?

Thoughts?