Better-Beamer light loss?

Ok just a simple two questions here; First up with the Better Beamer (flash extender) it has two black sides to the unit itself, but no top and bottom parts and I was wondering, since regular diffusion devices, such as softboxes, are a box shape so that all the light can only leave via the front, rather than some leaking from the sides, would this also be true of the Better Beamer, and would adding top and bottom covers actually result in less light loss and thus a noticeable increase in performance of the unit. Or is it the case that the light saved via this is too small to make much difference at the long ranges that the unit is used for.


Secondly (and much easier) how do you remember which left and right when attaching the arms - I can never remember if its facing the flash or facing away

I dont think the sides serve any other purpose than to hold the lens. Since the flash head is supposed to be zoomed in, the light output from it should only hit just the lens. The product was not designed to catch, reflect or focus any light from, or with the sides. Hence why there are not four nor are the two included any type of reflective material.

It doesnt matter which side you use as left or right.

You might be able to squeeze a little more out of them with a shiny box, but it's really not needed. just zoom the flash head to 50mm and shoot away. remember to use it with focal lengths of about 300 (full-from equivalent) or you get weird shadows or bright spots sometimes. I put my on, adjusted the velcro to be pretty tight, then slide it off the front of the flash, and slide it back on, pull the lens off, and go.