Is the Canon Ring Flash that much better than other ring flashes?

[the oracle]

It costs about 3 times as much as other brands! What are the other good brands for ring flashes?

 

[fhotoace]

The Canon Flashes are dedicated flash units and have special propriety features not found on generic flash units.

Since you are shooting macro, my guess is that you are shooting specific subjects, perhaps associated with your work. If having a ring flash is important instead of a standard external flash, my guess is that having a Canon flash will be preferred.