Which Macro ring flash

I have been thinking about getting a Macro ring flash and would like to know if anyone uses one and has any recommendations.

I am watching this one on E-bay
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250213380735&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=015
If anyone has used this flash i would like too know a bit more about it and if it will work ok with the K10

Clarky,

A Montreal seller here uses this flash for his sales shots and I've always been astounded by the results.

The version that Henry's is selling certainly looks complete with the three adapter rings and all.

I have dealt with this seller often and find them to be extremely professional with fast communication etc. Write them about the K10 question.

Best of luck with this and I really look forward to your shots - as does every bug in your vicinity! You make them look so good!

Cheers

The Pentax AF140C flash works well with all of the Pentax DSLR's as long as you are aware of the restrictions of this, and other TTL/manual flashes.

The K10D and other Pentax DSLR's cannot control the output of a TTL flash (the *istD can) so in manual mode, the flash will discharge 100%. You'll need to use a flash meter or experimentation to set exposure correctly. Experimentation only usually takes a few shots, just check your histogram on camera.

If you use the two TTL settings the flash still discharges 100% but the aperture will be fixed. Using my 100mm Macro lens and shutter priority (Tv) mode on the camera, the f5.6 setting on the flash results in a setting of f13 on the K10D, and the f22 setting on the flash results in a setting of f32 on the K10D.

Peter,

f22 or f32 would be ideal for most macro shots where DOF is at a premium, no?

Maybe that's why macro shots with a ring flash are so sharp.

I've got to try my normal AF280T at full output with my lens stopped way down.

Whee, more stuff to try!

Ideal for maximum DOF? Yes. Ideal for best sharpness? No.

Most lenses produce their best sharpness at somewhere within a mid-range f-stop, not at their extremes. My SMC Pentax 100mm 1:2.8 Macro lens is best for sharpness at anywhere between f8 and f16. Some DOF is inevitably sacrificed to achieve optimum sharpness.

There's just no free lunch, eh?

Nope. Swings 'n roundabouts springs to mind.

agreed with all points but when will PENTAX make a ring light which allows us to use their new toy PTTL which their other flashes have.

anyhow have a wonderful day everyone, and keep me posted about this.

Pentax have always had a ring flash and I understood that a new version was in preparation. I think it's somewhat overdue...

I have to agree.
Well the Pentax AF140C flash i was watching on Ebay went for US$380
So i need to find a good alternative, any recommendations John :

I use the AF 140C for close-up dental work.

The latest KEH catalogue arrived recently and there were 3 AF 140C's for sale.

www.keh.com

What's wrong with your AF080C, Clarky?

G

There really isn't much point in P-TTL for macro work. Much better to work manually.

G

This thread was posted before i found the AF080C, when i missed the AF 140C i went for the latter.

With the results you get already I would have to really think about what gain I would get for the outlay on the new equipment. You're blowing us all away now with the fantastic quality of your macro shots, could you expect a significant improvement for the significant amount of money spent?