Ring Flash vs Ring Light

[troutwhisperer]

I understand the physical differences between a ring flash and a ring light, however do not understand if there are different applications for these two types of lighting techniques. Can someone shed some light on this?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by troutwhisperer

I understand the physical differences between a ring flash and a ring light, however do not understand if there are different applications for these two types of lighting techniques. Can someone shed some light on this?

I am not sure of any distinction beyond size... ring flash fitting on the front of your camera lens and a ring light being free standing.
Application-wise the ring flash is used primarily for macro work providing shadowless illumination. People also use it for fashion. Ring lights can be used for the same shadowless light but I primarily see them being used for fashion.

[troutwhisperer]

Zona thanks for the reply. I saw a product ad for a product, from Gadget Infinity, that is a ring light that attaches to the end of the lens, similar to the ring flash. Any ideas on how well that application would work. I am interested in a macro application.

Gadget Infinity Product Link: Macro LED Ring Light B - Outer / Inner Ring Switchable - Gadget Infinity

[zona5101]

ok - i didn't understand the first go round - ring light as in constant light vs ring flash as in strobe...
LEDs don't put out a lot of light. This unit says it has a guide number of 15...So at iso 100, 10 feet the fstop would be 1.5 -I don't own any f1.5 lenses
But the distances for macro would be much closer so it may work out just fine. Hopefully someone will have one or played with one to give you decent feedback.

[troutwhisperer]

Thanks Bruce, very helpful information. I am interested in something on the smaller side that I can carry in my pack through the woods. Seems like this might meet the small requirment but may not be the best from an application perspective.