Bowens launch high-end Ringflash

17/03/08

The new unit, showcased for the first time at Focus, is available now and will retail at £869 (ex VAT).

Aimed at fashion, commercial and advertising photographers who demand very high quality lighting tools, the Bowens Ringflash replaces its predecessor which had hardly changed in 40 years.

Said Robert Cook, Bowens marketing director: “The original unit, although still technically sound, was starting to look dated and cumbersome so we developed a brand new Ringflash after talking at length to photographers about their commercial needs.

This new model is smaller and lighter and boasts a number of new features including a comfort-grip handle, a single continuous ring providing faster flash generation, twin-cooling fans and user replaceable modelling lamps and flash tube.”

He added: “The new unit uses ten 20-watt halogen lamps and requires just a single cable which plugs into any Bowens quad socket. In terms of performance and value there is no doubt that this device outperforms any competitor in this sector – and even products selling at almost twice the price. This is truly high-end performance at a mid-range price point.”

The new Bowens Ringflash comes hot-on-the-heels of the recently launched Bowens Ringlite Converter, a world-first product offering an entry level ringflash photography solution.

Mark Aherne, Bowens technical director, said: "The Ringlite Converter opened up the option of ringflash-style shooting to any photographer working on a tight budget.

Now with the launch of our new Ringflash unit we can reach out to, and fulfil the demands of, all sections of the market.”

He added: “The new Ringflash offers fast flash duration and its simple functionality makes it easy for users to quickly switch from portrait to landscape. This model also comes with optional diffuser and reflector accessories.”

Essex-based commercial photographer Chris Reeve was one of the first to trial the new Ringflash.

He said: “I’d say Bowens have done an all-round excellent job when it comes to listening closely to what photographers actually need in a ringflash.

I am extremely impressed with the sheer quality and consistency of light that the new unit emits. The new portability is a huge step up from previous Bowens incarnations and also current competitor lights.

The soft-feel handle is such a simple but effective idea - why hasn’t anyone thought of it before?”

He added: “I thought that the modelling lights would be more of a gimmick – but far from it. I have found them hard to live without. And the fact that I can change bulbs myself is such a simple but important feature; nobody carries spare ring flashes in their packs.”

Bowens Ringflash: Technical specification at a glance

Power Range: Up to 3000Ws

Flash Duration: 1/1600 sec @ full power

Cable Length: 5m

Modelling: 10 x 20W G4 Halogen

Dimensions: 204mmØ x 80mm

Central Clearance: 100mm Ø
Dimensions: 20.4 cmØ x 8cm

Central Clearance: 10cm

Dimensions: 8”Ø x 3”

Central Clearance: 4”

Weight: 2.7Kg
Camera Bracket: 0.73 Kg

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