Better Beamer Flash Extender question...

[*Rae*]

I am in need of a flash extender and am looking at the better beamer. The only thing that is keeping me from ordering it is that my lens is a 55-250 and this is for 300 and greater. When I use this lens 99% of the time it's at 250. Can I get away with that or will it just create problems with my pictures? If so, is there an alternative for me? Other than a new lens. My main shooting is wildlife, birds and barrel racing at a not so well lit arena at night. Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. Including any camera settings that may help me at night. Thanks!

[bobbyz]

Why do you think you need BB with 250mm? WHy not just use regular flash without it?

[CliveyBoy]

Why do you think you need BB with 250mm? WHy not just use regular flash without it?
Perhaps because the maximum zoom on his flash is 105mm?

Concentrating the light into a narrower angle can considerably intensify the light per square inch. The 1.6 sensor factor will affect the relationship between the projected circle of light and the lens zoom angle.

[bobbyz]

Perhaps because the maximum zoom on his flash is 105mm?

Concentrating the light into a narrower angle can considerably intensify the light per square inch. The 1.6 sensor factor will affect the relationship between the projected circle of light and the lens zoom angle.


I know but 250mm for birds means you at arms length IMHO unless you shooting something like Emu.:)

[*Rae*]

Perhaps because the maximum zoom on his flash is 105mm?

Concentrating the light into a narrower angle can considerably intensify the light per square inch. The 1.6 sensor factor will affect the relationship between the projected circle of light and the lens zoom angle.


You are right about the zoom distance on my flash. So do I have any other options other than the better beamer or new lens? I would really like to get some nice barrel racing shots. I still have a lot to learn.

P.S. I'm a she :-).

[Digital_zen]

I remember making one of those years ago, with cardboard from a cereal box, black spray paint and a Fresnel type bookmark/magnifier. From what I recall it worked great, of course my flash had no zoom head, and I was shooting film so I had to shoot a test roll of 12exp. with a ruler taped to my flash, and keep notes on how far out the tube had to be to fill certain focal lengths. It would be MUCH easier and more accurate with the ability to chimp though.

[vincent_su]

Rae,
Although I've never had a beamer, I would like to point out one thing is that the focal length in camera equipments are usually go by the full frame.
Your XSI is a 1.6 crop that makes your 250mm fl equal to 400mm, so that a 300mm beamer will still be wider than your field angle.

[avan]

the BB can work with lens and you have to settle your flash zoom to 50mm as recommended by the manufacturer for best light concentration.

[lefturn99]

Where I shoot the horse people hate flash. For birds it is a good deal.

[*Rae*]

Thanks everyone. Maybe I will go ahead and get one and just see how it does. After all it's not that expensive. I appreciate all of your responses.

At our local riding club the use of a flash is not a problem at all. As a matter of fact everyone loves for me to take pictures of them. They just love to see themselves in action.