Flash multipliers

[pgo]

I am going to Namibia in late April, before a longer sojourn to the Dark (or Brighter in my opinion) Continent in the fall.

One thing I have yet to properly try in the bush is a flash multiplier (not sure if that is the correct term) in order to add a bit of fill-in flash to some shots. One I've heard of is The "Better Beamer"
Walt Anderson Flash Extender at www.birdsasart.com (http://www.birdsasart.com)

Does anyone have any recommendations or experience with flash multipliers?

I would likely be using it with a Speedlite 580EX on a 1Ds Mk II with a 600 f4 and Wimberley gimbal head.

To be honest I'm still unsure whether I want to use flash in this way as I am uncomfortable with the addiitonal intrusion factor for the wildlife. ALso the flash may casue them to react and move off far more quickly than I would like.

Any comments would be appreciated.

Per-Gunnar

[Mike K]

I have been told that in a darker setting like a jungle, they are essential for wildlife. You might consider a RRS flash bracket to use with your 600 f4.
http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash/index.html
Many animals may not be spooked by the flash, and it may be the only way you can get a fast enough shutter speed to catch them without blur.
Mike K

[ScottE]

I am not a great fan of flash for wildlife pictures because too much can give unnatural looking light and it often results in annoying white dots in the eyes of your subjects. This is not quite as bad as using two flashes which result in an even more unnatural looking two white dots in the eyes.

You might find some fill flash useful in Namibia because the extremely bright light at other than early morning and evening can cause the shady side of animals to block up. I prefer to try to get shots when the light is better, but that is not always possible.

I should probably try to use fill flash more than I do, so I hope you get some more useful replies.