This flash unit works in manual mode settings only and does not have digital control meaning that you cannot set it based on Aperture or Shutter speed settings and it doesn't have TTL capabilities. It requires a little "trial and error" to find the right settings for whatever type of photography you are doing.
With some practice however the flash unit becomes a very versatile photography tool. It can be set up on the camera in two different manners. It comes with a hot shoe mounted power pack/controller that runs on AA batteries. The ring flash unit is attached to the power pack by a cord and can be mounted on the pack or mounted on the end of the lens with one of the size adapter rings that are included with the unit. The flash also has two different lighting options as well, it can be used as a constant light and as a traditional flash. In traditional flash mode the light has a modelling light to allow for easier focusing. It can be used in three different lighting options, full, left half or right half. It can also be used with the flash unit off camera either hand held with the power unit still attached to the camera or with the whole flash unit off camera and operated via flash triggers.
Like I said the unit is designed for macro photography. It works especially well for this mounted on the end of the lens. I tried it out on some flowers and it worked really well. Keep in mind I was using the Canon 50mm f1.8 lens which isn't that good for macro. I should have used my 18-55mm kit lens.
I have also used the flash for some product style photography. For these I used some of "Firefly" television show collectibles and my table top studio (will be covered in another post). I used the flash both on camera and off camera and it worked really well for product style photography.
I also tried the flash in it's on the end of the lens set up to shoot a portrait. The flash worked well for fill light in daylight and also gave nice little "catch lights" in the eyes of the model. I haven't tried it for a night shoot yet but as fill light on a daytime shoot it works really well.
All and all the Amaran LED ring flash from Aputure is a very versatile and useful photography tool that will really open up your photography options and help you create some fantastic shots. I highly recommend this flash unit to everyone.
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