VM-160 LED Macro Ring Light

Well I decided to buy this flash unit based on the fact it's a top seller on another retailer with great reviews. However the reviews here on Amazon had me second guessing my purchase before it even arrived.Build Quality - One concern was people here stated the device felt cheap and that it could break at any moment, I own/ed a lot of tech, and while this may be light as a feather this is not easily breakable. I applied a decent amount of pressure to it (more than it would face in the elements) to stress test it as I do with most products as I'm a rough guy in general, and it passed my stress test. The buttons don't feel cheap either!Battery life - I thought based on one review that this was going to blaze through a set four double A's in 15 minutes... This is not the case, the battery display on the device try's to estimate how much battery life is left in parallel to the devices settings instead of how much charge is on the batteries, and I found it does this really poorly as I'm able to pop out the batteries after more than 15 minutes of filming and throw them in another flash device and keep working.Programming - The next concern was that there's no "TTL" which is where the camera or flash communicates to each other the recommended settings for a great shot (something like that). However I find the settings for when you are using flash are as easy as setting the volume for your TV, up for more flash down for less, no complicated ratios or menu diving.Diffusers - The next concern was that the diffusers didn't fit or didn't stay on... Which actually did happen to me, and I can see this would be quite problematic in a work setting, you don't want to be on a job and having parts falling off your camera. The deal with that is that the diffusers are a little tricky to properly attach, and that after some vigorous shooting the ring part of the unit moves around quite a bit so they can come loose. However this is not as problematic as it sounds, and isn't something on the forefront of my mind while working with the device.In the end I'm very happy with this product. I'm primarily going to be using it for macro video as a led ring light, I bought a more expensive alternative for flash / photo work though. However the pricier alternatives don't have a light mode, but only flash... Which makes this a must have for macro video on a budget, say for example if you're shooting with a 40mm macro like me, you'll be blocking light from one direction or casting a huge shadow over the subject, so for macro video you'll probably need one of these.

Very good, just wish it was more powerfull.I don't use as a flash that much, but it is a great fill light and helps to focus.I think the same happena with other similar products.

So the 67 mm ring does not fit my Sony lens with a 67 mm filter diameter. The flash works fairly well, but does not sync with my Sony a7ii. I use it with the light constantly on to make it work. However because of this the feature of illuminating half of the ring does not work, that only works when the shutter is depressed

No adapter to fit my FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master lens

I bought this for night time macro photography in Costa Rica. To get a usable image I had to shoot at iso 1600 and f 8. So it worked, but it wasn't what I hoped it would be. I did light some snakes during the day and as a fill light it did well. So if you go into it with limited expectations it is ok. But I think you could probably find better options. Since it wasn't terribly expensive I'm not overly disappointed, but I'm not willing to give it great reviews either.

Great, like the adjustable light & the ability to use light only. I can insert a plastic strip in the hot shoe and completely cut it off from the camera's metering system and using the adjustable light take great shots.

So what it the differences between this ring flash and other less expensive Chinese Clone 48 LED Ring lights (i.e. Neewer RF550D).Same button layout and the same 4 x AA battery control unit appears to be used on both.(however the Neewer has ports for an external charger and power supply (wall wart included))Filter size: same assortment of 49-77 mm adapters for bothWeight: Both are about 200 gramsTTL: neither is a true TTL flashModes: both have for (4) ... Flash, On, Left or RightPower levels: both have seven (7) output levelsManual: 24 page PDF manual download from the Bolt web site ... 2 page PDF download from Amazon.(both have very little useful information and are a waste of bandwidth)Guide number at 100 ASA: 68 feet / 21 meters vs 49.21 feet/ 15 meters for the Neewer.(Finding that specification for the Neewer is next to impossible --- compliments to B&H Photo)This one has 18 LED's vs. 48 for the Neewer.Biggest difference is that this one is about twice the price. I got mine from AMZ WH for half price.I got this for primarily macro photography. My preference is for 5000K color temperature so I have little use for anything other than the 'frosted white' diffuser. The infamous problem of the diffuser popping off was not a problem. I had to get a screwdriver to force that awful blue diffuser off. Mine also came with four (4) Eveready AA batteries. As this is not really a TTL flash I use it in 'On' mode (only way to actually 'meter' a shot through the camera). This is designed more as a video light than a useful flash. the included table stand is useless as it only supports the control unit (unless you want to hang the light unit off the table via the short coiled cord). A useable lens cover would have been a superb addition.This ring light does 'seem' a bit brighter than the 48-LED versions but I would put the maximum useable distance at about seven feet. More distance is better for less pronounced background shadows. The angle of the light cone would be more useful for close ups/macros if it were a bit narrower.EDIT:The ring light shows up in the corners of any picture taken at the wide angle end of my 20-1200mm Panasonic Lummix FZ-80 bridge Camera.

Had this macro flash for several years and it does the job. Use it on a Canon with a 60mm f-2.8 macro lens. Have to use the highest flash setting most the time. Continuous-on mode is good when using auto light metering. I would buy it again.