Reviewed by: Allen Harkleroad
June 1, 2005
The Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX is a joy. I mean it, for years i tired to rely on a regular SpeedLite flash or natural light to take close-ups. I always got a over-exposed, under-exposed or reflections of the flash in what I was shooting. With the MR-14EX i now see consistent and evenly lit objects. My Canons all support the E-TTL so i get near perfect shots whether I am shooting manually or on automatic. The MR-14EX easily attaches to all Canon EF Macro Lenses.
If you are serious about shooting objects up close then the MR-14EX is a must have in your camera bag.
The flash unit itself makes your camera a tad top heavy but after a couple of hours of use you pretty much forget it is attached. Of course using it on a tripod mounted camera makes using the MR-14EX a non-event.
I would have to say the MR14-EX is one of the best camera related investments I have every made.
Pricing: average price for the Canon MR-14EX is around $400-$450
Buy the Canon MR-14EX at shop.designertoday.com (save up to 40% off)
Visit the Canon MR14-EX website
Specifications
- Type: Ring Lite, twin circular flashes tubes, and separate Controller Unit.
- Flash Duration: Modeling Flash: (1) One-second burst at 70Hz in E-TTL or M flash mode, showing ratios (Possible only with EOS-1v and EOS-3, as of January, 2000) (2) With CF 4-1, uniform one second burst at 70Hz, works in TTL mode.
- Flash Control System: Control in E-TTL Mode: FP sync, FE Lock, Flash +/- compensation, Flash Exposure Bracketing. Control in Manual Mode: Flash +/- compensation, Flash Exposure Bracketing. Ratio Control in Manual: L:R tubes (A:B) in full steps over 1/1 ~ 1/64 range, full steps. Setting Method: LCD panel on Controller Unit (illuminated), similar to 550EX Speedlite
- Custom Functions: Seven on the MR-14EX (in addition to any in camera), set on flash LCD.
- Power Source: 4 AA batteries in Controller (Alkaline, NiCd, Lithium and Ni-MH type AAs are OK)
- External Power Source: External battery packs Compact Battery Pack CP-E2, Transistor Pack E.
Copyright (c) 2005, Allen Harkleroad, All Rights Reserved