Wildlife photography flash... Needed?

[303]

Hi all, im new to the DSLR's... new to photography in fact!

Im really keen in wildlife photography and getting myself a Digital Rebel XT pretty soon. My question is this, because i'll mostly be using a Sigma 170-500mm zoom lens, for long distance is it actually necessary to purchase a flash (550 EX), i mean will it help alot? Or do you have to rely on natural lighting... :o

I would imagine a flash is needed...

Is there anything that can extend the distance of a flash?

What do you guys think of using a Sigma 170-500mm lens with a Canon 550 EX flash for wildlife photography?

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[EricKonieczny]

I don't have the distance scales of the 580 in front of me, but with being outside and long range shots, the 580 will be useless.

As for close ups, macros, etc, the Flash is great.

[PacAce]

Hi all, im new to the DSLR's... new to photography in fact!

Im really keen in wildlife photography and getting myself a Digital Rebel XT pretty soon. My question is this, because i'll mostly be using a Sigma 170-500mm zoom lens, for long distance is it actually necessary to purchase a flash (550 EX), i mean will it help alot? Or do you have to rely on natural lighting... :o

I would imagine a flash is needed...

Is there anything that can extend the distance of a flash?

What do you guys think of using a Sigma 170-500mm lens with a Canon 550 EX flash for wildlife photography?

Thanks!!!!!!!!
Check out the Better Beamer here:
http://www.birdsasart.com/accs.html#BEAMER

And a recent discussion about it here:
http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=70891&highlight=beamer

[scottbergerphoto]

I don't have the distance scales of the 580 in front of me, but with being outside and long range shots, the 580 will be useless.

As for close ups, macros, etc, the Flash is great.
This is only correct if you don't use the Better Beamer as mentioned by Leo. Basically it is a Fresnel Lens that attaches to the front of the flash about 6 inches from the head and focuses the beam of light.

[pierrot]

May be useful for photograpying moles and other blind animals, but because these species can't see you, you surely are able to come close without letting them run away!

Normal animals will be frightened by the flash and go, or am I totally stupid?
In fact I never even tried using a flash in shooting wildlife. Maybe it's worth a try? :shock:

[J.A.F. Doorhof]

I have started doing so the last few weeks and it has improved my pictures alot.
although you will not see the flash like you normaly see with a flash shot it will brighten up the darker areas of the animals and it will give you a catchlight.

When birding at LONG distances I believe it will not be worth the trouble, but anything within 20mtrs have improved my shots.

[scottbergerphoto]

May be useful for photograpying moles and other blind animals, but because these species can't see you, you surely are able to come close without letting them run away!

Normal animals will be frightened by the flash and go, or am I totally stupid?
In fact I never even tried using a flash in shooting wildlife. Maybe it's worth a try? :shock:
That's a pretty strong opinion from someone who doesn't have any experience doing it. Wild animals are very sensitive to movement, particularly in their direction. They are not particularly bothered by flash. Stupid is such a strong word. How about misinformed?

[robertwgross]

In general, I do not use flash much for wildlife. The lighting looks a little artificial.

However, sometimes it is necessary. If you push your camera's ISO high, you can get a very long useful flash range, but I find 20-25 meters to be the absolute limit of effectiveness. Using the flash for "just a little fill" is effective.

The problem I have is with Yosemite black bears. They tend to be nocturnal, and they tend to be black in color. It always seems like their fur soaks up all of the flash that I throw at them, so anyplace beyond 20 meters, they look like black blobs.

---Bob Gross---

[Turbowolf]

That's a pretty strong opinion from someone who doesn't have any experience doing it. Wild animals are very sensitive to movement, particularly in their direction. They are not particularly bothered by flash. Stupid is such a strong word. How about misinformed?

Here's some shots from this winter in Yellowstone. As you can see the flash did not bother the coyote ... for him life went on.