Anyone ever used an Orbis ringflash?

[Lolkat]

So I'm looking at buying a ringflash for macro photography and I came across this flash accessory called Orbis. It fits over your hotshoe flash (which I would also need to buy) My question is: Has anyone ever used this contraption and if so, would you recommend it (it seemed to get pretty good reviews and is priced pretty well). would it make sense to go ahead and buy a reasonably priced speedlite flash and also the Orbis ringflash accessory? I know I could get some good use out of the speedlite flash for general photography anyway. OR, buy a real ringflash for $300ish. Any thoughts?

[Nicole]

I have one, I really like it for macros. A few examples:







The thing I like is that it was pretty affordable, and I already had the speedlight. It can be a bit unwieldy at times, but on the plus side I can also use it wirelessly with the flash.

[Lolkat]

Wow, those are some pretty amazing shots- the lighting is so even. Well, I think when it's all said and done, I'll probably end up with one and buying a nikon speedlight instead of buying a dedicated ringflash. Now the question is: which speedlight! maybe the SB-600? Thanks for the reply!

[Nicole]

The SB-600 has been discontinued, so you might have better luck finding a SB-700 if you're going new. You may luck out and find a cheaper one somewhere, never know.

I really, really like the orbis for nice even lighting. That's one of the main benefits for me.