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I built a ringflash last summer following those very same instructions, and was disappointed with the results. Perhaps because i lacked the proper tools and did not find the recommended materials. I used an Ikea Foto lampshade i had lying around, which is painted white on the inside, figuring it would diffuse better, and an ikea ?????? drawer cover i had originally bought to turn into makeshift gary fong diffusers (transluscent) as a front panel, and the results were horrible with one side completely overexposed and the other totally underexposed... plus my assembly was shabby, and since i was using an old film slr with no autofocus it was a pain to use...

I'm rebuilding a better and slightly bigger one as soon as I get a DSLR!

This is a very detailed account of how to make this particular ring flash. That is good. But here is something I'd really like to have right up front. That is the final product. I don't mean show me what the ringflash looks like in it's finished form as important as that is. What I want to be able to figure out is how valuable such a thing would be for me so I can decide on whether or not to build one.

To make that decision I need to know what I can produce with it. In the two videos there was just one example at the end of the second video. Now the guy did say at the beginning of the first video that he only uses it for macro stuff but he did NOT say it was useless for anything else. The particular strobes he was using are quite powerful in other kinds of use. Was he shooting on full power at the end? Was it only 1/32nd power? I couldn't tell and he didn't say.

I expect that most prospective builders and users of a ringflash would like to know this information right up front. Why watch two videos to find out if it's worth the trouble in the first place?

Aside form being economical, easy to build and highly functional, it also looks good. Some DIY stuff looks horrible and I wouldn't want a client seeing it. My only concern is the size of the mounting bracket underneath. I'm just wondering if it can be bent or reshaped to be a little less obtrusive. Something to play around with.

As for the comment above about how valuable this light modifier is for or the see results, all I can say is this; if you don't know what this does or what it's used for then you probably don't need it. However, as you advance and learn more about lighting you will look back on this and smack your forehead.

Anyhow, I thank you for putting this video out and sharing it with others. I've been looking for a nice, sturdy DIY ring flash that looked pro. This one fits the bill.

Just built a slightly modified version of this ring flash. I am having trouble with the flash and the camera twisting when screwed in and am wondering if you have any suggestions. Right now I using a 1 inch bolt for each and thumb-tightening them down. Please help!!

I love the simple design, however, one question did cross my mind... Is this intended for prime lenses only? Seems like zooming might prove to be a bit impossible without complete disassembly.

1st of all, thanks for the 2 vids. It was quite difficult to find the same materials over here but I still managed to find some similar stuff to start the project. I used an aluminium bowl & a plastic flower pot, and a plastic file (diffuser) as the main parts. My 1st design (idea) was almost the same with the one in the vids but I didnt really like the output (image) especially when shooting (upward) from a low angle. So, I made another one with the flash attached above the dome. The output was very satisfying enough for me. I hv tried it on stills, insects & bugs and recently on portraits! The shadows were very soft even when the subjects were standing close to the white wall. I am using the DIY ring flash with sp90mm, 17-50mm, 50mm and 18-55mm + 7D. It works well with all the lens since I am using adjustable bracket. I can also use both Manual and AF. The ring flash is not in a neat shape because it is an experimental setup. I will start building a proper one soon with the same materials and setup.

Regards.

I am a bit unclear about the reducer end in which the lens fits. You mentioned some rivets equally spaced around the edge. What are they for? How do you protect the lens? Are there limitations in the type and diameter of lenses that can be used? How does one get a snug fit with the lens? Which lens do you use?

Great video, thanks for your generosity in providing it. I shall be attempting to build one.

RB Ohio

Wouldn't it be easier to cut the flash head opening before installing the center reducer? You wouldn't have any debris falling in between the reducer and the reflector, as well as being able to manhandle it better.