Macro flash ring-Thumbs up or down?

[Lainie]

Has anyone used a macro flash ring and if so, would you recommend them? Would they be considered a necessity, or just another gadget?
Thanks for your comments.
Lainie

[i speak in math]

I vote for just another gadget. I prefer soft light, which means big in size. Several small lights may create more light, but the light will still be hard. And too many lights from every direction will look flat as well.

Check out Flickr: Thomas Shahan's Photostream on flicker. Crazy good stuff.

here's his setup
Macrophotography Setup on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

You can check out my macro stuff on this forum or in my links below to Picasa. I use a plastic tube from Crystal Lite drink mixes (or generic brands) to diffuse my pop up flash.