Expo Imaging on Facebook Expo Imaging on You Tube Expo Imaging on Twitter Expo Imaging Email

Ray Flash FAQ

Home > Support > Ray Flash > FAQ

ExpoDisc

ExpoDisc Support >

Rogue FlashBenders

Rogue FlashBenders Support >

Rogue Grid

Rogue Grid Support >

Rogue Gels

Rogue Gels Support >

Ray Flash

FAQ

Video Lessons

Contact Us

ExpoAperture2

ExpoAperture2 Support >

ExpoCap

ExpoCap Support >

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Look through the list of questions below for assistance
Ray Flash Models and Fit
1. Why are there multiple models of Ray Flash?
2. What lens sizes does the Ray Flash work best with?
3. Can the Ray Flash be used in macro photography?
4. Can I use a lens hood with the Ray Flash?
5. Does the Ray Flash fit the new Nikon D7000?
6. Will the Ray Flash fit the Nikon SB26 or SB28?
7. Will the Ray Flash fit the Nikon SB600?
8. Will the Ray Flash fit the Canon 430EX?
9. Will the Ray Flash fit the Canon 550EX?
10. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Sony flash?
11. Can I use the Ray Flash with an Olympus flash?
12. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Metz flash?
13. Can I use the Ray Flash with a ProMaster flash?
14. Can I use the Ray Flash with a LumoPro flash?
15. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Nissin flash?
Light Output
1. How much light do you get using the Ray Flash?
2. Will the Ray Flash change the color temperature of my flash?
3. Does the zoom setting on the flash affect the light output from the Ray Flash?
4. Why am I experiencing red eye with my Ray Flash?
TTL Functions
1. Can I still use on-camera flash TTL metering with the Ray Flash installed?
2. Will the wireless functions still work on the Canon 580EX II?
3. Will the wireless functions still work on the Nikon SB800?
4. Will my flash's low light focus assist work when using the Ray Flash?
OR... click here to ask your own question using our contact form.
 
 
Ray Flash Models and Fit
1. Why are there multiple models of Ray Flash?
  The Ray Flash was designed with an effort to balance convenience and ease of use with the quality and quantity of light produced.  These sometimes conflicting goals required design choices that resulted in a product that is lightweight, easy to use, and very efficient.  These same design choices also required the manufacture of different Ray Flash models for specific camera and flash combinations. 

To select a Ray Flash the user must therefore know both the flash and camera model with which it will be used.

The adapter at the top of the Ray Flash is molded to fit specific flash heads in order to control the critical distance between the front face of the flash and the top of the light guides.  If the distance is too great the light throughput falls off dramatically, and if the distance is too close heat begins to build-up.

Secondly, to keep the Ray Flash centered around a camera's lens the distance between the center of the lens and the hot shoe on a given camera must be taken into account.  The light guides used to transfer the light output from the flash to the ring are made from carefully selected, solid materials to provide the maximum light throughput possible.

By comparison, tests of alternate designs employing vertical adjusting lengths reduced the light throughput by 3 stops.
  Back to Top
2. What lens sizes does the Ray Flash work best with?
  The Ray Flash is ideally suited for use in Portrait and Macro photography with most standard lenses ranging from 35mm up to 70-200mm. Please note, due to the way the Ray Flash hangs suspended from the flash head in front of the camera body, very short wide angle lenses may capture the back of the Ray Flash in their field of view.
  Back to Top
3. Can the Ray Flash be used in macro photography?
  Most definitely! In fact, the Ray Flash is a favorite choice amongst many macro photographers.

For use in macro photography, the Ray Flash has been tested at the minimum focusing distance on both shorter 50mm and longer 180mm macro lenses with excellent results.
  Back to Top
4. Can I use a lens hood with the Ray Flash?
  You can use a lens hood on shorter lenses without interfering with the light output from the Ray Flash.  

The use of lens hoods on longer lenses such as the 70-200mm is not recommended because the combined length of the lens and hood extends too far beyond the front face of the Ray Flash; this additional length may result in an uneven light pattern on the subject.
  Back to Top
5. Does the Ray Flash fit the new Nikon D7000?
  Yes, in regards to the Ray Flash, the Nikon D7000 is the same size as the D90, and therefore, can be used with any camera/flash combination that the D90 can be used with.

                   
  Back to Top
6. Will the Ray Flash fit the Nikon SB26 or SB28?
  Yes.  If you have the Nikon SB26 or SB28 flash, then you can use then you can use either Ray Flash model RAC160-2, RAC170-2 or RAC175-2 depending on your camera body (see below).  Use of the supplied fitting wedge is necessary to create a secure fit.

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination.
  Back to Top
7. Will the Ray Flash fit the Nikon SB600?
  Yes.  The Ray Flash models specifically designed for the SB800 can be securely attached to the Nikon SB600 with the use of a fitting wedge supplied with the Ray Flash.  Pictures Below show Ray Flash model RAN160 fitted to a Nikon SB600 mounted to a Nikon D80 camera body. 

RAN 160 and SB600 with fitting wedgeRAN 160 and SB600 front viewRAN 160 and SB600 side view
  Back to Top
8. Will the Ray Flash fit the Canon 430EX?
  We do not recommend use of the Ray Flash with the Canon 430EX (I and II) flash.  Some customers have reported success using the Ray Flash with the 430EX by using additional fitting wedges and velcro, but we are not comfortable with the fit (these customers used the Canon 580EX version of the Ray Flash).  The 430EX is too small to fit securely, and may result in the Ray Flash separating and falling off the flash / camera and breaking.  Because our warranty covers manufacturing defects, and not breakage from neglect or abuse (fall damage), I cannot recommend use of the Ray Flash with the Canon 430EX flash.
  Back to Top
9. Will the Ray Flash fit the Canon 550EX?
  Unfortunately, testing has shown that the Canon 550EX is not compatible with any current models of the Ray Flash.
  Back to Top
10. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Sony flash?
  Yes.  If you have the Sony HVL-56 or the HVL-58 then you can use either Ray Flash model RAC170-2 or RAC175-2 depending on your camera body (see below). 

Unfortunately, testing has shown that the Sony HVL-36 flashes are not compatible with current Ray Flash models.

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination. 
  Back to Top
11. Can I use the Ray Flash with an Olympus flash?
  Yes.  If you have the Olympus FL-50, then you can use either the Ray Flash model RAC170-2, or the RAC175-2 depending on your camera body (see below).

The FL-36 fits into the Ray Flash adapters designed for the Nikon SB-800, but the only Olympus cameras we've determined are compatible with the Ray Flash when using the FL-36 are the E-1 and E-3, which is best suited to Ray Flash model RAN160.  Other Olympus camera bodies are not compatible when used with the FL-36 because of the Ring Center to Tube Center (see below).

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination. 
  Back to Top
12. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Metz flash?
  Yes.  If you have the Metz 54 or the Metz 58 flash, then you can use then you can use either Ray Flash model RAC170-2 or RAC175-2 depending on your camera body (see below).

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination.
  Back to Top
13. Can I use the Ray Flash with a ProMaster flash?
  No.  Unfortunately, the ProMaster flash is quite large and therefore not compatible with any current models of the Ray Flash.
  Back to Top
14. Can I use the Ray Flash with a LumoPro flash?
  Yes.  If you have the LumoPro120, then you can use the RAC160, the RAC170, or the RAC175.  

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination. 
  Back to Top
15. Can I use the Ray Flash with a Nissin flash?
  Yes.  If you have the Nissin Di866 or Di622 flash, then you can use then you can use either Ray Flash model RAC160-2, RAC170-2 or RAC175-2 depending on your camera body (see below).

Please note that your camera also determines which Ray Flash to use as the distance between the hot shoe and the center of the lens may vary between different camera models and brands.  Please see the Ray Flash Measurements/Specifications chart at the bottom of the Ray Flash product page for the Ring Center to Tube Center distance to determine which model will work best for your specific camera/flash combination.
  Back to Top
Light Output
1. How much light do you get using the Ray Flash?
  Use of the Ray Flash results in minimal light loss from your flash's standard output.  See the reference table below for camera aperture settings by shooting distance:
  Back to Top
2. Will the Ray Flash change the color temperature of my flash?
  No.  The Ray Flash will not change the color temperature of your flash.
  Back to Top
3. Does the zoom setting on the flash affect the light output from the Ray Flash?
  No.  Changing the zoom setting on your hot shoe flash will not affect the light output from the Ray Flash. 

The zoom setting on the flash does change how the light is shaped, and output from the bare flash itself, but because the Ray Flash efficiently absorbs the light energy and redistributes it through a fixed shape, the output remains the same regardless of the flash's own zoom setting.
  Back to Top
4. Why am I experiencing red eye with my Ray Flash?
  Red eye is caused by light reflecting back towards the camera from the back of the eye, and is much more common in low light conditions because the pupil dilates to permit more light into the eye.  Red eye is therefore dependent on two main factors:  The amount of dilation present in the subject's eye and the proximity of the light source to the lens axis (the closer the light source is to the lens the more light will reflect back towards the camera.  Because on-camera flashes, and all ring lights inparticular, place the light source close to the lens, the likelihood of producing red eye increases.  If you are experiencing red eye, try reducing the dilation in your subject's pupils by introducing more light into the scene.  This can be accomplished by pre-flashing the subject, or by facing the subject towards a brighter light source.
  Back to Top
TTL Functions
1. Can I still use on-camera flash TTL metering with the Ray Flash installed?
  Yes.  The Ray Flash will not interfere with your camera's TTL metering functions.
  Back to Top
2. Will the wireless functions still work on the Canon 580EX II?
  Yes.  While the Ray Flash does sit several inches in front of the wireless sensor and emitter on the master flash, enough of the signal is transmitted to trigger the remote flash (slave) units under normal operating conditions.  If you experience any problems with a remote flash unit not firing, then repositioning the remote flash so its own wireless sensor is angled more towards the master flash should correct the problem.

  Back to Top
3. Will the wireless functions still work on the Nikon SB800?
  Yes.  The Ray Flash does not obstruct the light sensor window on the SB800, which is located on the side of the flash head.  If you experience any problems with a remote flash unit not firing, then the Nikon Owner's Manual states that the user should "direct the light sensor window of the remote flash unit toward the master flash" to correct the problem.
  Back to Top
4. Will my flash's low light focus assist work when using the Ray Flash?
  Maybe.  The Ray Flash channels light from the flash head down to the ring through a collection of light guides that are positioned directly in front of the flash's IR focus assist sensor.  Testing of the Ray Flash indicates that the size of the lens (smaller lenses allow the IR light to pass through the lens hole), distance to subject, and the proximity of nearby surfaces are all factors that affect use of this feature.
  Back to Top