A pair of SB-R200 Speedlights and an SU-800 Wireless Commander make up the main part of the Nikon unit .

Highly adaptable fully featured kit, wireless, good light

Lights set back a little too much, CR123A batteries

The unit is easy to set up with Nikon's TTL, manual and High Speed flash modes. Light is even and accurate, with excellent exposure. In all, the box contains everything you need for macro flash work.

Canon's ring flash has a guide number (GN) of 14m @ISO 100, and either tube can be adjusted down to 1/8 of its power, which is useful for creating shadows or modelling on the subject........

Output power, loads of control

Slight underexposure, 50mm filter fitting only

The MR-14EX is simple to use with E-TTL, and there's also a manual mode for more creative control. Illumination is generally good, though longer lenses are needed to prevent corner fall-off if shooting with a flat background; 50mm or more is ...

The only system currently available from a major independent, the Sigma EM-140DG is available for Nikon (i-TTL), Canon E-TTL) and Sigma cameras.......

Selection of operating modes, reasonably easy to use

Default images are up to a stop underexposed, fall-off

For occasional use or for those looking to get themselves a ring flash-type light, the Sigma is a good option.

A versatile third-party flashgun that works a treat for photographers who want a lot of power....

USB socket / firmware upgrade possibilities

Unintuitive digital interface

The Metz is a versatile third-party flashgun that works a treat for photographers who want a lot of power. Time will tell how useful the USB socket and firmware upgrades are, but this could well be the only flash you ever need to buy.