Better Beemer

[Tigeracosta]

Can somebody tell me a few tips on how to use the better beemer.
I just recieved mine today and I want to tested this weekend.
I have a 30D, 430ex II, Tamron 70-300.

Thanks,

[Tigeracosta]

:cry: Anybody?

[BradM]

Well it depends on how you shoot, what you are shooting and the distance you expect to be away from the subject.

From your gear list I see the longest lens is 300mm, for small birds I rarely use mine at when shooting at under 400mm, just using the flash alone is enough to fill the shadows.

When shooting in AV I usually start about at minus 1 to 1-2/3rd's to just lift the shadows. But if the subject is heavily backlit it will be the other way around, maybe even into the positive area. If you are shooting in HSS then it again varies with subject size and distance, usually a plus setting is in order in my experience.

For the best throw of light follow the instructions and set your flash head to the 50mm point, it pays to practice how much fill you are getting at varying distances. I have found with the 580 EX I can get at least a half a stop of fill at about 80' or more.

Hope this helps.

[Tigeracosta]

Thanks Brad.

[highcountry]

Hi Roger, I have used the BB on both Nikon and Canon kits. Where I have used it in heavily shaded areas, I had reduce the flash exposure considerably to keep from overexposing. I have found Nikon's flash system to be somewhat more accommodating than Canon's. I do test shots before live shots when I am in a hide type setup to the exposure right.

Good luck and have fun.