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_Rob_S_
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p.1 #1 · Beamed Flash

I hope no one minds an equipment related question in this forum as it is specific to nature/wildlife photography.

I recently picked up this device for my flash, but have a couple of questions on it's use:

This image is copyrighted by the owner

My mind is a bit conflicted on the shutter speed to use. Using a longer lens, I've always learned to use a higher shutter speed, even 1/focal length. Makes perfect sense. Introduce the flash though, and the camera synch speed is 1/250 which is less than the formula for my 400 lens.

So, do I use a lower shutter speed and let the flash freeze the subject/camera movement? High speed synch? Other? I'm shooting birds and such outdoors, in daylight conditions.

Also, how much will a burst of flash bother the critters? Anyone else using a similar gadget? Care to share your techniques and results?

TIA

May 11, 2008 at 01:25 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #2 · Beamed Flash

The cameras synch speed doesn't matter, you have high synch speed in your flash. So you can use whatever shutter speed you like. But you should use it as fill-in flash (IMO)

May 11, 2008 at 02:20 PM

harshaj1
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p.1 #3 · Beamed Flash

Rob
I have a similar set up except the camera brand is different. I use the high speed sync mode so the flash keep up with the higher shutter speed. If you use the regular syn then the shutter speed is limited to 1/250th of a second.
Reduce the flash out put at least 1 or 2 spots. Otherwise you will be over exposed. Always look at the histogram and readjust the out put and settings. This is agreat way to avoid harsh shadows in birds when shooting in bright day light.
I initially assumed that the flash bothers the critters but I was told otherwise. I think it will definitely bother nocturnal creatures not used to light.
Other members will give you specific advice to your system

Here is a shot taken with better beamer.

Harsha

May 11, 2008 at 02:22 PM

Lars Johnsson
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p.1 #4 · Beamed Flash

My friend use his a lot, here is a pic of his setup

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May 11, 2008 at 02:23 PM

_Rob_S_
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p.1 #5 · Beamed Flash

Thanks for the feedback guys. Lars, I'd like a setup like your friends!

May 11, 2008 at 02:32 PM

Karl Witt
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p.1 #6 · Beamed Flash

Hi Rob, also in case your sticker is missing, beamer suggests manually setting flash head at the 50mm setting, don't know if anyone varies this but would be the correct starting point and make sure to then adjust your setting on flash head to allow high speed synch.

Nice shot by Harsha

Karl

May 11, 2008 at 08:34 PM


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