Considering adding a Ray Flash to my 7d/580EX II. I've been reading up on them, and they generally get good reviews. from what I've read, the only major issue is that the ring may block the AF assist beam. Any ray flash owners have trouble autofocusing in low-light situations? That'd be a bit of a deal breaker for me.
LOVE the Ray Flash! It does block the focus assist and reduces the range of the IR signal to other speedlights.
I would not let this be a deal breaker. If you are looking for the ring light effect or just a damn awesome fill flash this is great. The fact that I can fire other speedlights and have a ring is immense.
It made this shot so much better. The shadows would have been so harsh on her dark skin.
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.81/_5F00_MG_5F00_1492altsm.jpg[/img]
Example of using with other speedlights
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.81/_5F00_MG_5F00_0418sm.jpg[/img]
LOVE the Ray Flash!
Pics looks great. Thanks for the info...
So does AF still work, or does the ray flash take it out altogether?
Autofocus still works, you just don't get the gridded assist beam that normally emits from the flash. So it is the same as focusing without the flash.
Great, thanks! I think that seals the deal for me.
No problem. In fact as soon as I have an extra $200, I'm buying a second one. They work really well off the camera too. Off-camera ring light is starting to get popular and these are perfect for such lighting.
Originally Posted by gbc
Forgot to mention that these are great for macro shot too.
I have question for Keith or other Ray Flash Users. Did you test your Ray Flash with longer lenses (say, 70-200 or 180macro) at closer range? I was wondering if there is any shadowing in the center part of such close up photo. Thanks in advance.
There are no shadow issues on the 70-200 2.8 IS. I did a real quick experiment to make sure. The only issues some folks may have is the tripod ring will be in the way. It also covers part of the zoom ring. It is still accessible just not as much of it. Manual focus might be a little weird too. I almost always use my 24-70 when using the the Ray Flash and it is perfect for that lens. I don't use lens hoods with it on either. I think those would cause a shadow.
No PP on these images. Both shot same settings as jpegs straight out of camera and down sampled in PS.
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.81/70_2D00_200sm.jpg[/img]
70-200 @70mm
[img]/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.81/24_2D00_70sm.jpg[/img]
24-70 @70mm
Are the stronger shadows on the right side of the statue the result of the background being closer to the object on that side or is there another reason?
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