Canon has expanded its EOS system with a new special-purpose flash, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II. Compatible with Canon’s complete range of EOS digital SLR cameras, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II offers photographers fully automatic E-TTL II flash metering to deliver accurate and consistent exposures. Improved focusing lamps utilise new high-brightness white LEDs, which offer enhanced illumination than the predecessor product – making it easier to focus in low-light conditions. The unit's two separate flash tubes can be controlled independently. In addition, an improved body design includes a new one-touch lock lever, making it quick and simple to attach the flash to your camera. The Canon Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II, which can also be used as a wireless optical master unit to operate and trigger EX-series Speedlites remotely, has a guide number of 14 (at ISO 100/21°) and a maxiumum recycle time of 5.5 seconds. The unit will be available from April 2014 with an SRP of £599.99/€699.99.

Canon Press Release

Lighting up your world – Canon introduces the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II

United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, 12 February 2014 – Canon today expands the EOS System with the launch of a new flash, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II. Designed for specialist DSLR shooters who are passionate about macro photography, it provides incredible flexibility to light and shoot a diverse range of subjects, and features a range of new updates including independent flash head operation, increased responsiveness and enhanced custom functions.

Compatible with Canon’s complete range of EOS DSLRs, the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II offers photographers fully automatic E-TTL II flash metering to deliver accurate and consistent exposures. Improved focusing lamps utilise new high-brightness white LEDs, which offer enhanced illumination than the predecessor product – making it easier to focus in low-light conditions.  The new flash also offers photographers even more flexibility, with new left and right flash tubes which can be controlled independently, and a powerful Guide Number of 14 – allowing users to explore unique and creative lighting set ups when working close up at high magnifications.

Users can also employ the Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II as a wireless optical master unit to operate and trigger EX-series Speedlites remotely, with wireless control of up to three groups of external flashes via infrared. Custom adjustment of lighting ratios is possible via an integrated LCD panel, providing even greater lighting precision. 12 new custom functions and three new personal functions are also available, giving photographers the freedom to further adjust settings to meet specific creative challenges.

The Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II also includes a range of new and enhanced features that offer even greater operability. Redesigned controls mean users can activate the unit from their DSLR’s menu, while a new indictor displays the flash’s charge progress, which has been improved to just 5.5 seconds and is near silent, ideal for photographers who capture timid subjects.

In addition, an improved body design includes a new one-touch lock lever, making it quick and simple to attach the flash to EOS cameras. A new metal mounting foot and dust wiping mechanism also provides additional durability and reliability, while the cord is now attached to the left of the flash’s body, preventing interference with the camera’s shutter button. The overall design also makes it easy to attach filters to lenses, providing even greater creative freedom.

Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II key features:

Ring-flash design for versatile lighting

Independently variable dual flash tubes

Powerful performance – guide number 14 (ISO 100)

Trigger other flashes wirelessly

LED modelling lamps improve low-light focusing

Easy-to-use controls

Fast, silent recycling

Pricing and availability
Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX II will be available from April 2014 with an SRP of £599.99/€699.99.

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