At one of the recent workshops that I run for our local camera club, one member was trying out a DIY ring-flash that he built based on an idea he found on the internet. It appeared to work very well so I thought I would have a go but vary the design a little based on what I had available.
This is my creation, complete with camera, off-shoe cord and flashgun:
The unit is based on a light aluminium incubator lamp housing and a few other bits and pieces. It uses a flashgun dedicated to my camera so I can get full exposure control.
Rather than put all the details here, you can read about the construction at:
www.pmstudios.co.uk/ringflash
or see just the photos, including more test images, at:
www.pmstudios.co.uk/ringflashpics
How good is it? Here are some test shots of artificial flowers.
Taken with a 100mm lens at a distance of about 40cm:
Taken with a 100mm lens at closest focusing:
Well, that has saved a bit of money….