Flash usage and birding
May 14, 2018 02:04:50 #
I am just starting to wrap my head around trying to use my SB800 for capturing birds in flight as well as flitting around in a wooded environment. I have found I need 500-1000 @f8 (my lens’s sweet spot), if they aren’t perched, to get the sharp shots with lots of micro detail I desire. I try and keep my ISO as low as possible, because I hate noisy shots. The problem is since there is deep shade as well as bright areas, I do well in the latter and struggle with the former. Shooting into the shadows, if I can’t get the shutter speed up without cranking the ISO, will the addition of flash give me the same level of detail, shooting at slower shutter speeds? This might be a stupid question, but I hope someone can help.
May 14, 2018 10:46:58 #
Consider a MAGMOD kit. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1283075-REG/magmod_mammbeamw01_magbeam_wildlife_kit_with.html
May 14, 2018 12:57:27 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Hi PixelStan. I just purchased it last week and am confused with how it will help me, if my shutter speed is too slow. I just got an SB800 and don't know squat about how to really use it. (Yes: I am reading and re-reading the flash manual). Does the extra light compensate for the slow shutter speed, or do I up the shutter speed, knowing I will have more light when the shutter opens? I might add all of this is because I detest noisy shots, and try to shoot at as-low-an ISO setting as possible. Thanks for responding!Consider a MAGMOD kit.
May 15, 2018 20:58:08 #
If you are shooting with a focal length of 500-1000mm I doubt that the SB800 will have enough reach to enable use of an acceptably low ISO...
Jan 29, 2019 14:24:43 #
I use an SB800 + Better Beamer at Magee Marsh on a D500 + Sigma 150-500 with wonderful results. Many 16x12 prints of neo-tropical warblers, flycatchers, etc. Look for Bill Majoris online. His e-book Secrets of Digital Bird Photography will answer your questions about using flash for bird photography.
Jan 29, 2019 14:27:57 #
desoto d wrote:
I use an SB800 + Better Beamer at Magee Marsh on a D500 + Sigma 150-500 with wonderful results. Many 16x12 prints of neo-tropical warblers, flycatchers, etc. Look for Bill Majoris online. His e-book Secrets of Digital Bird Photography will answer your questions about using flash for bird photography.
Thank you for the reference. I will look for it. I am using the magmod which is like the Better Beamer. I have been practicing since I posted this query and have gotten a bit better. My question remains about ISo and shutter speed settings, when using the flash combo. Maybe he will have an answer. Thanks again.
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