I got my hands on an Orbis Ring Flash and a Ray Flash. Did some basic tests and came to a conclusion. They are both amazing and even though each has it’s pro’s and con’s they can both be used and owed by one photographer. Forgetting prices, here’s my opinion:
Orbis – Pro’s
- Wide ring output
- Very soft light
- One size fits all. It even fits the new Nikon SB-900’s
- Inconspicuous yellow pouch for storage and a neck strap
Orbis – Con’s
- Does not lock onto Strobe (fall’s off easily)
- Must be light stand mounted over Strobe or handle held in addition to the camera
Ray Flash – Pro’s
- Mounted to camera so you are only holding a camera, not two items
- Gives a soft light keeping sharp detail with Macro lenses
Ray Flash – Con’s
- So many sizes to choose from because it’s specific for each camera
- Blocks the TTL light so auto focus in dark and IR transmitting could cause issues
I can’t think of anything else. But you get the idea. They are both wonderful and I will see myself using both in the future. Take a look at the pictures on my Flickr page. All were taken on Aperture priority with varying apertures to match on both so you can see the differences. TTL flash.
Update 12-17-08 The Orbis yellow pouch fits BOTH the Orbis and the Ray Flash at the same time. EXTRA BONUS
My Comparison Photos on Flickr
You can also read David Hobby’s comparison on his Strobist.com page (with video)
I'd be more interested to see sample shots of people, since these really aren't intended for macro purposes. Idealy, if you could tripod mount both, same settings, same light output, same post processing.. with a person standing still against a wall, that would give the best comparison I think.
I'm having seen the RayFlash in person, not the Orbis yet. I'm having trouble wrapping my head around spending an extra $100 for the RayFlash right now with the only benefit I can see is that it mounts to my flash and I don't have to hand hold it. Having shot with the Alien Bees ringflash, I'll be the first to tell you that a 5d with grip and 24-70 f/2.8L attached to it all starts to really suck after about 20-30 minutes of shooting, weighing several many pounds. Along with the fact that I'd have to spend another $450 for a bucket o' batteries to go on location with it, either one of these starts to look really appealing.
I'd be more interested to see sample shots of people, since these really aren't intended for macro purposes. Idealy, if you could tripod mount both, same settings, same light output, same post processing.. with a person standing still against a wall, that would give the best comparison I think.
I'm having seen the RayFlash in person, not the Orbis yet. I'm having trouble wrapping my head around spending an extra $100 for the RayFlash right now with the only benefit I can see is that it mounts to my flash and I don't have to hand hold it. Having shot with the Alien Bees ringflash, I'll be the first to tell you that a 5d with grip and 24-70 f/2.8L attached to it all starts to really suck after about 20-30 minutes of shooting, weighing several many pounds. Along with the fact that I'd have to spend another $450 for a bucket o' batteries to go on location with it, either one of these starts to look really appealing.