Ray Flash: Has anyone had any experience with this?

[erinaudry]

I am interested in purchasing a ring flash and came across this Ray Flash. Has anyone heard or had any experience with this flash?

http://www.expoimaging.net/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=1

[brucep]

I have a RayFlash and like it a lot. I use 580EX flashes, and they're wonderful. I haven't had occasion to use it much and when I do I use it as a fill light when shooting candids, not a main light.

Since the light travels along the axis of the lens, it doesn't leave a noticeable shadow behind my subjects. Something the RayFlash has over the Orbis, for instance, is that it attaches to your hot shoe mounted flash, freeing your left hand for zooming or hanging onto a ladder, etc. With the Orbis you have to use an off-camera cord and hold the flash/Orbis up to the lens with your left hand.

It is more cumbersome than shooting simply with the flash on a flip bracket, and it's a bit difficult to (protectively) store and transport. It draws a lot of attention, so I'd never use it when trying to maintain a low profile. When I've used it I was on assignment as the company photographer and had an appointment with the subjects to take candids of them.

[erinaudry]

Oh ok, thanks alot. =] I think I might buy one now.

[sfaust]

I've used ring flashes from time to time, but not the RayFlash. My guess, and Bruce can probably confirm this, is that power levels will probably limit the RayFlash to headshots to maybe 3/4 full length, unlike a power pack w/ ring flash head which has enough power for even group shots.

Ring flashes are great for fill lights just as Bruce mentions. There are no shadows, which is perfect for fill light. When using it as a main light, shadows will be present and surround the subject. Its a gimmicky look IMO, but it works for some subjects. You can see the shadow around the subjects in this image (around shoulders, heads) http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfaust/2577262834/sizes/m/in/set-72157594346436749/ This image shows the very pronounced shadows when ring flash is used as the only light and against a background.http://www.flickr.com/photos/sfaust/221001622/sizes/m/in/set-72157603876985789/

I'd be curious on comments from both of you how you like the RayFlash. I'd like a lighter weight setup for fill flash situations.