Table of Contents
Introduction:
In the realm of macro photography, capturing intricate details and subtle nuances requires specialized equipment that goes beyond the capabilities of standard external flashes. The Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN Digital Macro Ring Flash emerges as a dedicated solution for photographers seeking to delve into the mesmerizing world of close-up imagery. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the design, features, performance, compatibility, and overall user experience of the Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN, aiming to shed light on its potential and how it enhances the art of macro photography.
Design and Build Quality:
The Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN features a purposeful design that caters specifically to the unique requirements of macro photography. Its circular ring shape is a distinctive characteristic, serving a crucial role in delivering even and shadow-free illumination for close-up subjects. The flash unit, control panel, and battery compartment are integrated into a compact and lightweight housing, contributing to the overall portability of the device.
Crafted with functionality in mind, the build quality of the VIV-DF-586-CAN is satisfactory for its intended purpose. While it may not possess the same level of ruggedness as some professional-grade flashes, its construction is solid enough to withstand regular use in controlled shooting environments. The lightweight design ensures that the flash doesn’t add unnecessary bulk to the camera setup, making it well-suited for handheld macro photography.
Compatibility and Mounting:
Designed specifically for Canon cameras, the VIV-DF-586-CAN ensures seamless compatibility with Canon’s TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system. The dedicated hot shoe mount provides a secure and stable connection to Canon cameras, allowing for effective communication between the flash and the camera body. This compatibility ensures accurate exposure control and simplifies the integration of the VIV-DF-586-CAN into the Canon camera system.
The ease of mounting and compatibility with Canon cameras positions the VIV-DF-586-CAN as a convenient and accessible macro ring flash for Canon users. Whether used by amateur photographers or professionals exploring the intricate world of macro photography, the VIV-DF-586-CAN aims to provide an uncomplicated and reliable lighting solution.
Power and Performance:
Guide Number:
While macro ring flashes are not typically known for their high guide numbers, the VIV-DF-586-CAN provides sufficient light output for close-up photography. Its guide number is optimized for illuminating subjects at short distances, ensuring that photographers can capture detailed macro shots with the right amount of light. This feature is crucial for achieving well-exposed and visually striking macro images.
Flash Output Control:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN offers flash output control, allowing photographers to adjust the intensity of the light based on the specific requirements of their macro subjects. This flexibility is valuable in macro photography, where precise control over the illumination is essential to capture fine details without overexposing or underexposing the image. The ability to fine-tune the flash output adds a layer of control that caters to the nuanced demands of macro shooting.
Recycling Time:
Efficiency in macro photography is essential, and the VIV-DF-586-CAN addresses this by providing a relatively quick recycling time. The flash’s rapid recycling allows photographers to capture a series of shots in quick succession, crucial for capturing the fleeting moments or behaviors of small subjects. The minimal delay between shots ensures that photographers can maintain focus and creativity during macro shooting sessions.
TTL Metering and Manual Mode:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN supports TTL metering, providing photographers with an automatic exposure control option. In TTL mode, the flash communicates with the Canon camera to determine the appropriate flash output based on the scene’s lighting conditions. This feature simplifies the exposure process, making it accessible for photographers who prefer automated settings in their macro work.
For those who seek greater control over the flash output, the manual mode allows users to set the power level manually. This flexibility is crucial in macro photography, where precise adjustments to the flash output may be necessary to achieve the desired lighting effect. The combination of TTL metering and manual mode caters to a range of shooting preferences, making the VIV-DF-586-CAN adaptable to different user needs.
Macro-Specific Features:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN is equipped with macro-specific features that enhance its usability for close-up photography:
Circular Ring Design: The ring-shaped arrangement of the flash tubes creates a uniform and shadow-free illumination around the subject. This design is particularly advantageous in macro photography, where even lighting is crucial for capturing intricate details and textures. The circular configuration helps minimize harsh shadows, resulting in a pleasing and natural look in macro images.
Macro Magnification Factors: The VIV-DF-586-CAN caters to different levels of macro magnification, allowing photographers to adapt the flash to varying degrees of close-up shooting. This feature is beneficial for macro enthusiasts who explore different subjects and magnification levels, from larger flowers to tiny insects. The flash’s versatility in accommodating various magnification factors adds to its appeal as a dedicated macro lighting solution.
Diffusers and Color Filters: The flash includes diffusers and color filters that can be attached to modify the quality of light. Diffusers soften the light output, creating a more diffused and natural look in macro images. Color filters allow photographers to add creative effects or correct color temperature when working in different lighting conditions. These accessories contribute to the flash’s adaptability in diverse macro shooting scenarios.
LCD Display and User Interface:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN features an LCD display that serves as the central control interface for flash settings. The user-friendly design ensures that photographers can navigate through the flash’s modes and settings with ease. The intuitive controls and informative display contribute to a seamless user experience, allowing photographers to concentrate on composing their macro shots.
The LCD display provides essential information, including flash mode, power level, and battery status. The simplicity of the user interface is a key factor, considering that macro photography often involves intricate setups and focusing on the subject at hand. The clear and concise information displayed on the LCD enhances the overall usability of the VIV-DF-586-CAN, making it accessible for photographers of varying skill levels.
Bounce and Swivel Capability:
Unlike traditional external flashes, the VIV-DF-586-CAN’s design focuses on macro-specific requirements, and as such, it does not include bounce and swivel capabilities. This limitation is intentional, as the circular ring design is optimized for even and direct illumination in close-up scenarios. The absence of bounce and swivel functionality doesn’t detract from the flash’s effectiveness in macro photography; rather, it emphasizes its specialized design for illuminating subjects at short distances.
Built-in Diffusers and Accessories:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN comes equipped with built-in diffusers that contribute to the creation of soft and evenly distributed light. In macro photography, where minimizing harsh shadows is crucial, these diffusers help achieve a more natural and pleasing lighting effect. The inclusion of built-in diffusers adds to the convenience of the flash, eliminating the need for additional accessories in certain shooting conditions.
Furthermore, the availability of additional accessories, such as color filters, widens the creative possibilities for macro photographers. The ability to modify the color temperature or add creative effects enhances the versatility of the VIV-DF-586-CAN, allowing users to experiment with different looks in their close-up images.
Mounting on Macro Lenses and Extension Tubes:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN is designed to be mounted directly on the front of macro lenses or extension tubes, providing an integrated and compact solution for macro lighting. The circular ring fits snugly around the lens, ensuring that the flash output is precisely aligned with the optical axis. This direct mounting eliminates the need for additional brackets or off-camera flash setups, simplifying the macro photography workflow.
The ability to mount the VIV-DF-586-CAN directly on macro lenses or extension tubes streamlines the shooting process, allowing photographers to focus on composing and capturing their close-up subjects. The close proximity of the flash to the subject ensures efficient and controlled lighting, emphasizing the intricate details that define macro photography.
Power Source and Battery Life:
The VIV-DF-586-CAN is powered by standard AA batteries, providing practicality and convenience for users. The use of AA batteries is advantageous, as they are widely available and can be easily replaced, ensuring uninterrupted shooting sessions. While the flash’s power efficiency contributes to a reasonable battery life, it’s recommended for macro photographers to carry spare batteries, especially during extended photo sessions.
The choice of AA batteries adds to the overall accessibility of the VIV-DF-586-CAN. Macro photographers can rely on readily available batteries, reducing the concern of running out of power in the field. The convenience of AA batteries aligns with the flash’s design philosophy, catering to the practical needs of photographers engaged in close-up photography.
Value for Money:
The Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN Digital Macro Ring Flash offers a specific set of features tailored to the unique demands of macro photography. Its circular ring design, macro magnification factors, diffusers, and color filters contribute to its appeal as a dedicated macro lighting solution. In terms of value for money, the VIV-DF-586-CAN provides an affordable entry point for photographers looking to explore the world of macro photography without investing in more elaborate and expensive lighting setups.
While it may not offer the advanced features found in high-end macro lighting systems, the VIV-DF-586-CAN focuses on delivering essential functionalities for close-up shooting. Its value lies in its simplicity, convenience, and effectiveness in providing even illumination for macro subjects. For photographers seeking a budget-friendly solution to enhance their macro photography, the VIV-DF-586-CAN represents a practical investment.
Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN Digital Macro Ring Flash for Canon: Buy it now
Limitations:
Despite its merits, the Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN Digital Macro Ring Flash has certain limitations that potential users should consider:
Specialized Use: The VIV-DF-586-CAN is specifically designed for macro photography and may not be suitable for general-purpose flash photography. Its circular ring design and features are optimized for illuminating subjects at close distances, making it less versatile for other photography genres.
Limited Range: Macro ring flashes are designed for short distances, and their effectiveness diminishes as the subject moves farther away. While ideal for close-up shots, users should be aware that the VIV-DF-586-CAN may not provide sufficient reach for subjects beyond the macro range.
No Bounce or Swivel: The absence of bounce and swivel capabilities, while intentional for macro photography, means that the VIV-DF-586-CAN may not be suitable for situations where versatile lighting angles are required.
Basic Controls: The flash offers essential controls suitable for macro shooting, but it lacks some of the advanced features found in higher-end macro lighting systems. Photographers with specific requirements for advanced functionalities may need to explore more sophisticated options.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Vivitar VIV-DF-586-CAN Digital Macro Ring Flash stands as a dedicated tool for photographers passionate about capturing the intricate details of the macro world. Its circular ring design, macro-specific features, and affordability make it a practical choice for those entering the realm of close-up photography.
The VIV-DF-586-CAN’s simplicity and ease of use cater to photographers exploring macro photography for the first time. Its direct mounting on macro lenses or extension tubes streamlines the shooting process, allowing users to focus on composition and subject interaction. The built-in diffusers and color filters add a creative dimension to macro lighting, enabling users to experiment with different lighting effects.
While not designed to replace more versatile external flashes, the VIV-DF-586-CAN serves a specific purpose in the macro photographer’s toolkit. Its value for money lies in its ability to provide even and shadow-free illumination for macro subjects without the complexity of larger lighting setups.