Oly SRF-11 Ring Flash Kit vs Metz 15 MS

Dave in Wales · Dec 19, 2014

Opinions sought please.

TIA

AL904 · Mar 11, 2015

I would be interested as well.

dornblaser · Mar 11, 2015

I am interested in ring or macro flash as well.

hazwing · Mar 11, 2015

Interested!

uberzone · Mar 11, 2015

I briefly owned a SRF-11 that I came across on eBay. I got a very good deal on it so I thought I would give it a try. It was my first time using a true ring flash and I ended up reselling it because I did not like the results. I looked at the Metz 15 MS as well, but it had just been announced and was not available yet.

The SRF-11 is really only compatible with two lenses. The 4/3 50mm macro from Olympus and the m4/3 60mm macro from Olympus (you have to buy an adapter). It attaches via bayonet mount instead of using the filter threads. I'm sure there is a hackable solution to fit it on other lenses if you can somehow attach/glue a filter ring to it, but this seems like it would be a pain.

The Metz 15 MS is not a true ring flash, it is more like a mini STF-22. I suspect I would have liked the twin flash setup more than a ring flash. If I was looking to purchase again today I would go with the Metz 15 MS. It is way smaller and has wireless TTL. The Olympus SRF-11 is a pretty bulky setup as it is based off an FL-50 and requires cords and a large bayonet mount.

In the end I just decided to get a couple wireless flashes that I could control via my camera and hold off to the side or setup wherever i want. This seemed like a more versatile solution for me.

Dave in Wales · Mar 12, 2015

uberzone said: ↑

The SRF-11 is really only compatible with two lenses. The 4/3 50mm macro from Olympus and the m4/3 60mm macro from Olympus (you have to buy an adapter). It attaches via bayonet mount instead of using the filter threads.
Click to expand...

Forgive me, but not strictly accurate.

Olympus only make two adaptors, the adaptors beyonet on to the ring flash, the other end of the adaptor has a filter thread, in the case of the 60mm macro it's 46mm.

The ataptors can be attached to other lenses via step up,down rings.

There is no electrical connection twix lens and ring flash.

Since posting this I have had a very good deal on an Oly SRF-11.

It goes well with my 60mm macro, as it is intended to.

Excellent piece if kit, the SRF-11, if a tad expensive.

Picture borrowed from Google images
Since posting this I have had a very good deal on an Oly SRF-11.

It goes well with my 60mm macro, as it is intended to.

Excellent piece if kit, the SRF-11, if a tad expensive.

Since posting this I have had a very good deal on an Oly SRF-11.

It goes well with my 60mm macro, as it is intended to.

Excellent piece if kit, the SRF-11, if a tad expensive.

Picture borrowed from Google.

RF-11 by Dave in Wales, on Flickr

barry13 · Mar 12, 2015

uberzone said: ↑

The SRF-11 is really only compatible with two lenses. The 4/3 50mm macro from Olympus and the m4/3 60mm macro from Olympus (you have to buy an adapter).
Click to expand...

There's also an adapter for the ZD 35mm Macro.

My dad had the ring flash, I don't think he used it much, if at all. I tried it and while it got nice results, I wasn't really using it so I sold it on eBay for $400 or 425 complete, including the 35mm adapter.

Barry

Dave in Wales · Mar 16, 2015

barry13 said: ↑

There's also an adapter for the ZD 35mm Macro.
Barry
Click to expand...

The RF-11 'Kit' is supplied with two adaptors.
The FR-100 for an Oly 60mm Macro and the FR-1 for the ZD ED50mm f2 Macro.

Not too sure where the ZD 35mm Macro fit in.

EDIT...
My RF-11 'Kit' was supplied 'used as new' with two adaptors, an FR-1 and FR-2.
The FR-2 is aftermarket and was purchased by the previous owner of the kit.

The FR-2 for an Oly 60mm Macro and the FR-1 for the ZD ED50mm f2 Macro, there's no mention of a ZD 35mm Macro in my instructions.
If the filter threads are the same then it could also be used on the FR-1.

The FR-100 adaptor is for a C-7070 WideZoom compact (no mention of the C-5060), so it says.

barry13 · Mar 13, 2015

Dave in Wales said: ↑

The RF-11 'Kit' is supplied with two adaptors.
The FR-100 for an Oly 60mm Macro and the FR-1 for the ZD ED50mm f2 Macro.

Not too sure where the ZD 35mm Macro fit in.
Click to expand...

found it:
http://www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/c/...ccessories/dslr_flash_systems/fr_1/index.html
The FR-1 "flash adapter ring enables the ring or twin flash to be attached to the ZUIKO DIGITAL 50mm 1:2 macro as well as the ZUIKO DIGITAL 35mm 1:3.5 macro lens."

(Both lenses have the same filter size as well)

I think you mean the FR-2 is for the 60mm; the FR-100 appears to be for "C-5060 Wide Zoom or C-7070 Wide Zoom".

The older kits won't include the FR-2 60mm adapter as the 60mm didn't exist when the flash ring set was first sold.

Barry

Dave in Wales · Mar 16, 2015

I stand corrected Barry.

I have edited my previous post to 'try' and clarify the issue ;-)

Dave

fsuscotphoto · Mar 23, 2015

Is there any way to use the Sigma ring flash with an Oly setup.

Dave in Wales · Mar 24, 2015

fsuscotphoto said: ↑

Is there any way to use the Sigma ring flash with an Oly setup.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I've no idea.

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Oly SRF-11 Ring Flash Kit vs Metz 15 MS

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