Flash X-Tender: I was reading about Flash X-Tenders which are used with lenses of 300mm or more. But I couldn't find any information on their reach. Does anyone have experience with...

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

I was reading about Flash X-Tenders which are used with lenses of 300mm or more. But I couldn't find any information on their reach. Does anyone have experience with this - generally what would be the max distance that it could be used for? I understand that it would depend on the flash strength - just looking for approximation. I currently use a Nikon SB 24.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Take a look at this review, it helps explain the Better Beamer a bit:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/better_beamer.shtml

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

MT Shooter wrote:

Take a look at this review, it helps explain the Better Beamer a bit:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/better_beamer.shtml

Thanks MT Shooter. This link is very helpful and actually hit home with the picture of the sloth. We were in Costa Rica last year and my wife loves sloths (go figure!) and we both couldn't get great exposures since they hide in trees. Did get a few decent shots. I didn't carry an external flash on the trip. With the flash & extender my 300mm would have done much better. Thanks again.

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

Thank you MT, as always, you have introduced me to something new and useful. I'm just beginning my new career (using flash with my new SB-910). I shoot wildlife in the dark swamps of Florida. This will get me off on the right foot. I'll tell my neighbor, Clyde B., about this maybe he'll try digital someday.

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

Thank you MT, as always, you have introduced me to something new and useful. I'm just beginning my new career (using flash with my new SB-910). I shoot wildlife in the dark swamps of Florida. This will get me off on the right foot. I'll tell my neighbor, Clyde B., about this; maybe he'll try digital someday.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

ecobin wrote:

quote=MT Shooter Take a look at this review, it h... (show quote)

I just ordered a Better Beamer for my SB-910 this past weekend, I have plans to use it in the snows of Yellowstone next winter. I have looked at them for awhile now, but just now decided it was something that might be worth carrying myself. This where I ordered mine, best price, free shipping AND they throw in a spare lens for it in case you scratch or break your original.

http://www.outdoorphotogear.com/store/better-beamer-flash-extender.html

Jerry Green Loc: Huntsville, AL

I use the Betterbeameer on a Nikon SB-900. When I can I use it off camera with an flash extension cord or a wireless trigger. Getting it off camera reduces the reflections in the eyes of the animals and you just get the desirable catchlight. I will mount it on another tripod, light stand or have a fellow photographer hold and point it for me.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

ecobin wrote:

I was reading about Flash X-Tenders which are used with lenses of 300mm or more. But I couldn't find any information on their reach. Does anyone have experience with this - generally what would be the max distance that it could be used for? I understand that it would depend on the flash strength - just looking for approximation. I currently use a Nikon SB 24.

This is a device I had never seen before, until a trip in February to the Everglades National Park, where I saw several of them being used. My understanding is they will multiply the power of the flash by 2 1/2 to 3 times and the ETTL should work to give you proper exposure.
After getting home I found them at B&H Photo at quite a reasonable price. Check them out.

The one that I saw that made the most sense had the fresnel lens extended to the front of the lens so that no shadows would be created from the long lens. Slick rig!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You mean something like this?
This is my Better Beamer flash extender mounted on my 800mm F5.6 lens.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

MT Shooter wrote:

You mean something like this?
This is my Better Beamer flash extender mounted on my 800mm F5.6 lens.

Wow! Please post some photos using that rig. Don't go near any military bases with that or we may not hear from you again!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

ecobin wrote:

MT Shooter wrote:

You mean something like this?
This is my Better Beamer flash extender mounted on my 800mm F5.6 lens.

Wow! Please post some photos using that rig. Don't go near any military bases with that or we may not hear from you again!

Actually I am a new owner of the Better Beamer attachment and have not used it in the field yet, but am looking forward to it. Since it is recommended for 300mm and longer lenses, I wanted to rig up a mount that would make it work on those lenses without shadowing the shot and that is what I came up with. It velcro mounts so I can also use it on my 300mm F2.8 just as well.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

MT Shooter wrote:

Actually I am a new owner of the Better Beamer attachment and have not used it in the field yet, but am looking forward to it. Since it is recommended for 300mm and longer lenses, I wanted to rig up a mount that would make it work on those lenses without shadowing the shot and that is what I came up with. It velcro mounts so I can also use it on my 300mm F2.8 just as well.

I figured that was the reason for moving the flash forward but can't see what coupling you used on the flash - you have a shoe that you can thread the velcro through? Nice job.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

ecobin wrote:

quote=MT Shooter Actually I am a new owner of the... (show quote)

Its a shoe mount built to put a small DV recorder on a bicycle helmet, cost was $12 at a local cycle shop. It has a 1/4-20 thread so I can mount my SC-17 cord to it and my flash just slips into the hotshoe of the SC-17 for full iTTL and CLS control. Just point and shoot!
Right now it is just a bit wiggly from the weight of the flash, but I have a plan to increase that stability that I am working on right now. Sure beats a $400 Wimberly strobe mount, and does the same thing.

Weddingguy Loc: British Columbia - Canada

MT Shooter wrote:

quote=ecobin quote=MT Shooter You mean something... (show quote)

That's the rig I saw in the Everglades . . . but it does narrow the flash down almost to a spot. That's the reason it is only effective on 300mm or longer. The problem that you might run into is aiming that flash accurately. The ones that I saw had longer brackets to hold the flash to the front of the lens, but the flashes were mounted in the hotshoe, thus eliminating the need for aiming the flash. I guess it will be a learning experience until you get it aimed accurately.