Newfie said:
Looking for some thoughts on macro lighting. Is the R1/R1C1 setup from Nikon the best option? This arrangement is not a true ring-light so I'm wondering if it can produce the same results. Any recommendations?

Define true ring-light. All ring-light flashes are made up of segments; the difference is that Nikon segments are totally undependably adjustable. And if you have D90 or higher you could settle for a much cheaper R1.

Yeah... I'm not sure either of them would be suitable for portrait work, but its definitely more convenient for macro work in the field.

I've seen the Metz 15 in person and it appears to be extremely well made and worth the price and up to their reputation.

The Alien Bees unit looks interesting too, but the power cord would be hard to use outside. I'd also like the Dynalite Ring Flash (I've got one of their power packs), but cost, size and portability the make Metz or Nikon better choices.

Way to go Jonny with handing out them 5 stars

Pete

LOL, now Jonny's got stars all over the place!

Yeah... My lady got a AB 1600 and a giant soft box for Christmas... Its amazing how much better it makes her photos. Hopefully shell be able to post a few of the portraits she just shot soon. Its some really good stuff.

I haven't tried their ring flash, but Alien Bees is pretty much the bomb. I use their studio strobes (B400s) and they are great.

Also, while we're on the subject, the best service experience I've ever had was with Paul C Buff, inc. when I shot some portraits outside with my strobes and got a little bit rained on (I know, ridiculous of me). I sheltered them under a tree as it was just a drizzle, but apparently I didn't shelter them well enough. The rain stopped and I set the lights up again and at the first shot...POP! There was a bright flash from one of them, smoke poured out of the back of it, and some fluid that smelled a bit nutty dripped down my light stand (I assume I blew a capacitor—probably the flux capacitor, Niko). Luckily I had a backup, so there was no immediate problem, but I sheepishly called support and they said, "No problem. Send it in and we'll get it working again for you." It was back in 10 days repaired free under warranty despite my stupidity.
Paul C. Buff's service: ★★★★★
PS their octobox soft box: ★★★★★, as well. It's a gem—easy setup and beautiful light.

I've seen similar stuff to that for cheaper ted, but the build quality was pretty questionable. I'm told Metz makes quality stuff though, so it could be worth a try.

Of course for the same price you could have an ABR 800 (Alien Bees Ring Flash).

Anybody ever see one of these in person?

I thought the Metz 15 looked interesting. I hope to pick one up soon and will report back. Anyone have experience with it? (would this be an example of MAS?)

Newfie, If you already have a Nikon strobe like the SB800, you might want to consider an Orbis or Ray flash adapter.

I've also seen some shoe mounted ring flashes out there in the $200 range.

Before we go there, however, tell us a bit about your Macro Shooting.

What lens do you tend to use and what is your typical working distance? Also, are you shooting with a camera body that can trigger the flashes with a pop-up?

Looking for some thoughts on macro lighting. Is the R1/R1C1 setup from Nikon the best option? This arrangement is not a true ring-light so I'm wondering if it can produce the same results. Any recommendations?