for a while i've had this in an amazon list, the Godox MF12 but idk if a ring flash would be better. i think i'm finally getting close to wanting to buy one, whatever it may be. i don't really need it to do anything super crazy fancy, i just want it to light subjects evenly and be on the camera so i can try focus stacking in the field. i currently am using the little flash that came with my olympus on a stretchy cord with a homemade 3d printed softbox and that's worked ok but i can't focus stack with that unless i put it on an armature which i've tried in the past but it's a pain in the ass so i'd rather just get something like a ring flash that mounts directly onto the end of the lens.

i've heard though that ring flashes can make really flat harsh artificial looking light and they are best used for macro with a diffuser but then i don't know what i should get that would come with a diffuser or has one available to buy as an accessory. i'm not sure exactly what my budget is. for everything i would need, whether it be all a self contained unit or a flash and separate controller, maybe $350ish just to throw a number out there but if there's a good beginner model that would work fine then i would gladly get that instead.

the lens i have and plan to continue to use also is the M.Zuiko Digital ED 60mm F2.8 Macro which has a 7.4 inch minimum working distance if that matters for the size of the flash. a lot of bugs i find are on the ground and i like to get a relatively low angle for taking pictures of them so it looks like you're on their level instead of looking down at them.