Better Beamer: any tips?

[tjparpan]

I've had the Better Beamer flash extender for quite some time now, but haven't really mastered its use. It's my understanding that it helps light subjects that are in challenging locations. It seems to work here, where the subjects were quite deep into the tree.





But when shooting the YVB and WCKF, I was able to change the aperture (f11 and f14 respectively), but the shutter speed would only stay at a maximum of 1/200. I'm just wondering what the reason for that is.

I'd also experiment with the strength of the flash output, but I'm wondering if there are settings I can follow for specific situations?

Romy, would you have some tips on how to use the BB and also avoid the "steel-eyed" look when using a flash?

[tjparpan]

This is what it looks like. The entire "rig" is mounted on a Jobu Design Black Widow Gimbal head. But what I like about the Better Beamer is that it allows more handheld shots for situations when the birds are quite skittish and lighting is not so favorable, and setting up the shot needs to happen much quicker.

[tjparpan]

Some samples using the BB more as a fill-flash since the subjects are out in the open.

[Romy Ocon]

tjparpan said:

But when shooting the YVB and WCKF, I was able to change the aperture (f11 and f14 respectively), but the shutter speed would only stay at a maximum of 1/200. I'm just wondering what the reason for that is.

I'd also experiment with the strength of the flash output, but I'm wondering if there are settings I can follow for specific situations?

Romy, would you have some tips on how to use the BB and also avoid the "steel-eyed" look when using a flash?

Hi TJ,

I also have a BB and use it only for documentary/record type shots because I never learned to use flash well at birds...

To minimize the "steel-eye" look, you have to mount the flash as far as possible from the axis of the lens via a bracket. This also makes the shooting rig very cumbersome.

The shutter speed goes up to 1/200 sec only because that's the x-sync speed of your DSLR. If you need a faster shutter speed, switch the flash gun and/or DSLR to FP (focal plane) mode or HSS (high speed sync) mode. This will allow you to use a faster shutter speed than 1/200, at the cost of reduced flash power (the flash has to fire several pulses of light to operate in FP or HSS mode).

It's best to use the flash as a mild fill-in only, to reduce the contrast of the scene (pop up the color a bit too, and extract some detail from the shadows). That means metering for available light. Otherwise, if you'll use it as the main source of light, you'll always have that flashed look. Some bird shooters go to the extent of using several flash guns (fired remotely) to light up the background, as well as the subject, from many angles, thus reducing shadows.

Since I always have difficulty in mastering flash photography at birds, I decided to go 100% available light. I do love to use flash at macros and people photos...

Romy

[tjparpan]

Thanks Romy, looks like I'll have to experiment more. But you're right, it looks like I'll be using it more for filling-in.

[Ding Carpio]

What lens is this?

[tjparpan]

Hey Ding, it's the lens I had when we went to Bee-eater heaven in Los Baños. It's the Nikon f4 200-400mm VR.

[Bob Kaufman]

tjparpan said:

Some samples using the BB more as a fill-flash since the subjects are out in the open.

TJ, I, too, have a better beamer but seldom use it and would rather go for available light. In the few instances that I use it, I usually adjust the flash setting itself to -1/3 (depending on how far the subject and how much ambient light is available). BTW, I use Canon's 580EX flash.

Hope that helps.

[tjparpan]

Yup, I also prefer available light. It really looks like flash power has to be determined in the field. Thanks Bob!

[Clemn A. Macasiano Jr.]

Btw, guys where can we buy BB flash extender locally ?