Fashion ring flash for alpha cameras

[s._c.]

I shot a model over the weekend using a friend's discontinued sunpak ring flash that had enough output. I would like

to use this technique more. It seems like many of the current portable ring flashes are not that powerful. I don't

imagine shooting more than 15 feet away. I didn't want to be tied to the tripod with the Profoto ring. I need it to

accomodate up to 67mm filter size. Any suggestions (without breaking the bank) will be greatly appreciated.

[Matt Laur]

How much will break the bank? You might look at the units made by Paul Buff (under his Alien Bees and Zeuss brands/lines). If you need to go portable, but actually need the light to shoot full-body fashion on location, you can use their Vagabond battery system. The concepts of portability and fashion-worthy ring flashes are rather at odds with each other... and all the more so if you use the word "budget" in the same conversation!

[s._c.]

Preferably less than 400. The alien bee ring looks like it may have enough power, hopefully not too much. My friend handled one, but he said it felt a bit flimsy. He has the sunpak dx12r, which is discontinued and has mixed reviews from what I understand. How much of a guide number should be adequate? Thanks.

[andrew_ptak]

I have an Alien Bee and at 300w/s it's powerful enough. It is a bit flimsy - plastic and all - but you get what you pay for. I've used it hand held, but wouldn't recommend it, bit clunky. Overall, if you take care of it, shoot from a tripod, you should be as satisfied as me.