A ring light is a special type of camera flash that’s mounted directly to the front of the lens. It creates even lighting across your subject and minimizes hard shadows, hotspots, and other distractions. This is the ideal type of lighting for any macro subject, and you can also use it to create more flattering portraits.

What is the difference between a ring light and a ring flash?

A ring light is a circular-shaped light that mounts around the front of the lens. A ring flash (sometimes called a macro flash) also mounts to the front of the lens, but it’s made up of two separate, smaller flash heads. With one flash head on the left of the lens and one on the right, you can achieve even, relatively shadowless lighting.

The primary difference between the two types of flashes is the appearance of the light itself. If you’re shooting portraiture, a ring light works best to create a circular catchlight in your subject’s eyes.

LED or flash?

The choice between an LED light, which is typically used as a constant light source, and a flash depends on your goal. Consider the type of photography you’re doing, and your personal preferences.

LED lights are helpful because what you see is what you get. With LEDs, it’s much easier to make adjustments to your camera settings, or the settings of the light. This in turn makes it easier to anticipate your results. If you plan to use a ring light for video, you’ll need continuous lighting. In that case, LEDs are the best option.

Flash or strobe is a smart choice for photographers who only shoot still images and need a lot of light in a small package. Flash ring lights are often brighter. If you’ve spent any time working with flashes before, you’ll find that these lights are easy to both use and adjust.

Compatibility

If you want to connect your ring light to your camera via the hot shoe, compatibility is a key consideration. Many ring lights are designed for specific integration with Canon, Nikon, or Olympus systems. Others are universal and work with any camera brand. Flashpoint and Godox both offer dependable universal ring lights.

Macro Flashes, Ringlights & Ringflash Units

Nissin MF18 TTL Macro Ring Flash for Nikon Cameras

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Nikon SB-R200 Wireless Remote Speedlight - USA Warranty

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DLC Dot Line DL-RLF90 LED Continuous and Flash Ring Light

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Nissin MF18 TTL Macro Ring Flash for Sony Cameras

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Flashpoint Cold Shoe Adapter for MF12 Macro Flash

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Flashpoint Adapter Ring Kit for MF12 Macro Flash

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Nissin MF18 TTL Macro Ring Flash for Canon Cameras

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Macro Flashes and Ring Flash

Why choose a ring light?

What is the difference between a ring light and a ring flash?

LED or flash?

Compatibility

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