An adapter like this has several advantages. Since there's no flash or other electronics, it can be quite inexpensive. The lack of electronics has another advantage--no batteries, and no additional drain on your camera's batteries.

One option is the , a $200 adapter that costs a lot less than a traditional ring flash. A much cheaper alternative is Photojojo's , which does pretty much the same thing for just $40. Granted, it's not exactly the same. The Expoimaging adapter circulates the light a full 360 degrees around the lens, while the Photojojo does not: Almost a quarter of the ring reflects no light.

The Photojojo does a good job of creating flat, even lighting when used close up. For example, compare these two photos of my daughter. On the left, you can see harsh shadows under her chin caused by the flash. On the right, the Flash Ring Adapter has smoothed out those shadows by delivering light from (almost) every direction.

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