do you use a flash or flash extender

[SteveJa]

how many of you use a flash / flash extender with photographing birds ?


This is one thing I have not really thought of, but knowing how limited I am with my 100/400 light wise.... i am thinking about trying one out.

I have a 430 ex II.

Any feedback about using them would be great.



Thanks

[TooManyShots]

how many of you use a flash / flash extender with photographing birds ?


This is one thing I have not really thought of, but knowing how limited I am with my 100/400 light wise.... i am thinking about trying one out.

I have a 430 ex II.

Any feedback about using them would be great.



Thanks

Flash with a better beamer. No, don't think of flash as means to make up the lost of light. Your shots would end up looking harsh and flat and deep shadows. You have to use the flash as fill or balancing light. Don't use the flash at full power. Set the compensation to -1 to -1 and 2/3. 50mm zoom range. Expose the shot normally...meaning that you would still need sufficient ambient light to expose the shot correctly. Meaning that you need high ISO at times. When flash is done right, it would look like this with shadow area lightened up a bit:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/3539778519_a05593b084_o.jpg

If not or the flash power is set to max, it would look like this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2546644876_1cbba4fa88_o.jpg

[Andy Favors]

looks like I need to invest in a BB. Love the first pic

[Naturalist]

Excellent lesson TMS!

[canonloader]

If you don't want that wren shot, I'll take it. ;)

[TooManyShots]

If you don't want that wren shot, I'll take it. ;)


Is OK. Took it last year when I just realized I could freeze motion with the flash even at 250s shutter speed (max sync speed without enabling High Speed Sync) and underexposed the shot as well. I thought bird photography got easier with the flash under heavy dense vegetation. Now, I am aftering certain look in the shot.

[canonloader]

Yeah, the flash fires so fast that it will freeze the motion, even at slow shutter speeds. It can give a nice effect sometimes.

[BradM]

Excellent examples of the use of flash, the only nit I might make is the double highlight in the eye of the finch, I would have cloned the flash highlight out and maybe the highlights on the leg.

It is this kind of minute detail that will indicate the use of flash or leave somebody wondering how the hell did he get that shot. Always leave them wondering IMO. ;)

[TooManyShots]

Excellent examples of the use of flash, the only nit I might make is the double highlight in the eye of the finch, I would have cloned the flash highlight out and maybe the highlights on the leg.

It is this kind of minute detail that will indicate the use of flash or leave somebody wondering how the hell did he get that shot. Always leave them wondering IMO. ;)

I have no idea where was the second eye highlight came from.....:)

[SteveJa]

Flash with a better beamer. No, don't think of flash as means to make up the lost of light. Your shots would end up looking harsh and flat and deep shadows. You have to use the flash as fill or balancing light. Don't use the flash at full power. Set the compensation to -1 to -1 and 2/3. 50mm zoom range. Expose the shot normally...meaning that you would still need sufficient ambient light to expose the shot correctly. Meaning that you need high ISO at times. When flash is done right, it would look like this with shadow area lightened up a bit:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2391/3539778519_a05593b084_o.jpg

If not or the flash power is set to max, it would look like this:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3068/2546644876_1cbba4fa88_o.jpg



I just wanted to THANK YOU !!!!!!! Your information was very helpful. When you are in a forest, with lots of trees there can be a ton of shadows. This thing is almost a MUST HAVE for places like this.


THANKS AGAIN !!!!!!! Because of your help you made it a good photo day !!!!

[Andy Favors]

Post some of your goodness, :D

[SteveJa]

http://excalibursword.mine.nu:8081/sharepictures/img6030dpp.jpg