Flash X-tender (Better Beamer?)

[Harv]

Over the last year or so, I have been reading about and looking at an item called the Flash X-tender (a.k.a. Better Beamer?). I'm not much into gadgets and always felt to a degree this item was just that. I could never quite bring myself to order one. My good friend Mao solved the problem. When he ordered his, he ordered one for each of his buddies, myself being one of them. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

http://harveyg.smugmug.com/photos/179501854-O.jpg

Bob delivered mine today when he came for a visit. It had been on backorder and had arrived yesterday. We decided to put them to the test. Bob uses a 580EX II flash and I use a 430EX flash.

We set up each of the flashes on my camera which was mounted on a tripod and aimed at a flash meter hung on a cabinet across my den. In each case, we fired the flash without the Flash X-tender with the flash set on manual full and zoomed to 105mm setting. We recorded the values shown on the flash meter. We then mounted the Flash X-tender on each of the flashes and took readings with the flash set to various zoom settings. Setting the flash at a zoom of 50-70mm proved to be the best settings, as suggested by the manufacturer.

In each case, the increase in performance was significant. The output of Bob's 580 increased by 2 f/stops and my 430 increased by 2-1/2 f/stops. When using the bare flashes, Bob's 580 was 1 f/stop higher than my 430 but using the Flash X-tender closed the gap to 1/2 f/stop.

I had been contemplating purchasing a 580 for the increased output and was looking at spending at least $600 Cdn. (incl. tax) for the new flash. This $39 accessory just saved me a pile of $$$.

I am no longer a skeptic. This thing works as advertised.

Thanks again, my good friend, Mao.

[Mao]

Does that mean the savings will be put to good use, like going to Florida with us? Please? ;)

If you don't, then drive down to the airport on Monday and meet your other good friend while he has a 2 hour stopover.

[Rob]

Harv, Just received mine & am looking forward to putting it to good use.

[Kevin]

Lots of people use the Beamer. Seems another of those defacto standards for any serious birder (obviously I'm not one since I don't own one ;))

Anxious to see your shots once you start using it. Eric will be pleased. :p

[EV Wonder]

I have contemplated one of these for ages too, Harv, and I have never actually gotten around to ordering one. It's good to know that someone I"m acquainted with can actually vouch for the effectiveness of this tool.

I should also mention that I have heard users warn of carrying this in such a manner, while attached, as to cause the sun to burn the front of the flash as it passes through the fresnel lens. Let this serve as a friendly reminder. :)

Now, should I put my order in with Mao, my old buddy, friend, and com padre?? :biggrin:

[Rudi]

Lots of people use the Beamer. Seems another of those defacto standards for any serious birder (obviously I'm not one since I don't own one ;))

See? SEE??? I am NOT a birder!!! :arghh::biggrin:

[pcho]

Over the last year or so, I have been reading about and looking at an item called the Flash X-tender (a.k.a. Better Beamer?). I'm not much into gadgets and always felt to a degree this item was just that. I could never quite bring myself to ordering one. My good friend Mao solved the problem. When he ordered his, he ordered one for each of his buddies, myself being one of them. Thank you Mr. Chairman.

http://harveyg.smugmug.com/photos/179501854-O.jpg

Bob delivered mine today when he came for a visit. It had been on backorder and had arrived yesterday. We decided to put them to the test. Bob uses a 580EX II flash and I use a 430EX flash.

We set up each of the flashes on my camera which was mounted on a tripod and aimed at a flash meter hung on a cabinet across my den. In each case, we fired the flash without the Flash X-tender with the flash set on manual full and zoomed to 105mm setting. We recorded the values shown on the flash meter. We then mounted the Flash X-tender on each of the flashes and took readings with the flash set to various zoom settings. Setting the flash at a zoom of 50-70mm proved to be the best settings, as suggested by the manufacturer.

In each case, the increase in performance was significant. The output of Bob's 580 increased by 2 f/stops and my 430 increased by 2-1/2 f/stops. When using the bare flashes, Bob's 580 was 1 f/stop higher than my 430 but using the Flash X-tender closed the gap to 1/2 f/stop.

I had been contemplating purchasing a 580 for the increased output and was looking at spending at least $600 Cdn. (incl. tax) for the new flash. This $39 accessory just saved me a pile of $$$.

I am no longer a skeptic. This thing works as advertised.

Thanks again, my good friend, Mao.

Hi Harv,

I have been using one of these for over 3 years. They are just awesome. It sometimes can be too bright.

I have experimented with the better beamer alot over the years. My advice is to set your flash ETTL to -1 1/3 and your camera exposure to about the same -1 1/3 and you will get great results. Play with the setting, does not need to be -1 1/3, could be -1 etc. You will be surprice how good the image will look

Perry

[Rudi]

You will be surprice how good the image will look

I have heard that leaving the Fresnel lens out of the Better Beamer can improve your images tremendously, Perry... :D

[pcho]

I have heard that leaving the Fresnel lens out of the Better Beamer can improve your images tremendously, Perry... :D

Rudi, just for you :fawkdance:

[Rudi]

potty;

[David Cramer]

These do help on occasion. If you shoot birds with large round eyes (owls, for example), you'll need to position it off camera to avoid red eye.

[Harv]

Does that mean the savings will be put to good use, like going to Florida with us? Please? ;)

If you don't, then drive down to the airport on Monday and meet your other good friend while he has a 2 hour stopover.

Mao, my good friend, the money I save will be used to help soften the guilt I feel for spending so much this year. :nah:

Harv, Just received mine & am looking forward to putting it to good use.

Rob, we'll probably end up comparing notes.

Lots of people use the Beamer. Seems another of those defacto standards for any serious birder (obviously I'm not one since I don't own one ;))

Anxious to see your shots once you start using it. Eric will be pleased. :p

Kevin..... get serious. Also, I'd do anything to please Eric.

I have contemplated one of these for ages too, Harv, and I have never actually gotten around to ordering one. It's good to know that someone I"m acquainted with can actually vouch for the effectiveness of this tool.

I should also mention that I have heard users warn of carrying this in such a manner, while attached, as to cause the sun to burn the front of the flash as it passes through the fresnel lens. Let this serve as a friendly reminder. :)

Now, should I put my order in with Mao, my old buddy, friend, and com padre?? :biggrin:

Thanks, Blayne. Would you like Mao's private number?

See? SEE??? I am NOT a birder!!! :arghh::biggrin:

Right, Rudi. Thousands wouldn't, but we believe you. Got your 500 on order yet? :biggrin:

Hi Harv,

I have been using one of these for over 3 years. They are just awesome. It sometimes can be too bright.

I have experimented with the better beamer alot over the years. My advice is to set your flash ETTL to -1 1/3 and your camera exposure to about the same -1 1/3 and you will get great results. Play with the setting, does not need to be -1 1/3, could be -1 etc. You will be surprice how good the image will look

Perry

Perry, thanks a lot. That's good info to have and I appreciate you sharing your experience with this gear.

I have heard that leaving the Fresnel lens out of the Better Beamer can improve your images tremendously, Perry... :D

Rudi, just for you :fawkdance:

potty;

You guys need to seek out professional help. :wacko::wacko::wacko:

[Harv]

These do help on occasion. If you shoot birds with large round eyes (owls, for example), you'll need to position it off camera to avoid red eye.

Thanks for the input, David. I remember seeing posts at NC that dealt with that issue so it's good you reminded me. I'll have to keep that in mind. Then I'll probably have to go out and spend the money I saved on new flash mounting hardware and wiring for my Wimberley. Does it ever end? :nah::nah::nah:

[Bobby]

I just ordered a new accessory for my beamer. It's an old magnifier from a no longer used lighthouse. I am now able to effectively blind any living creature at a distance of 12 miles. I love this better living through science.

[Desert Rat]

Geez Louise, Finally someone broke down and got a Better Beamer... potty;potty;

I have had one for many many years... 3 different incarnations to use with the different flash units I have had... Big fan of them myself, unlike some people here (Kevin).. Since Special K does not know how to use it is why he does not have one... It is too much extra gear for him to carry around...bricks;bricks;

Very easy to use personally I set the flash head to 50mm and then set the EV comp on the flash to -1.7 the magic number to give just enough catchlight in the eyes but not look like it was flashed...

Oh, BTW Kevin boxing;indigestion;

[Jonathan]

I am curious(and maybe you know eric) but... I know a few people who actually prefer the flash without the better beamer. Here is a quote from greg downing in reference to the better beamer...

Discuss

"The problem is that it also causes problems with aiming (about 8 out of 10 workshop participants have theirs aimed incorrectly). It also makes tiny catchlights in your subjects.

With today's advanced flashes and batteries I can still get near instant refresh rates and much better aiming and nicer looking catchlights without it installed in about 80% of the situations I shoot in. That is why I recommend only using the better beamer when you need it for the extra distance. "

Granted at the price it may still be worth the investment..of course I need to grab a flash first too:biggrin: Sigma 500 baby:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[Desert Rat]

Well, as greg Downing said, They have theirs aimed incorrectly.. it is quite wasy to use this thing... Don't know why some make a federal case out of it and hate the thing.. usually, it is from people who just don't know how to use it or they don't want to bother using one of them since it a extra step to setting up the thing...

I prefer using it since it does make a differnce in the images...


I am curious(and maybe you know eric) but... I know a few people who actually prefer the flash without the better beamer. Here is a quote from greg downing in reference to the better beamer...
Discuss
"The problem is that it also causes problems with aiming (about 8 out of 10 workshop participants have theirs aimed incorrectly). It also makes tiny catchlights in your subjects.
With today's advanced flashes and batteries I can still get near instant refresh rates and much better aiming and nicer looking catchlights without it installed in about 80% of the situations I shoot in. That is why I recommend only using the better beamer when you need it for the extra distance. "
Granted at the price it may still be worth the investment..of course I need to grab a flash first too:biggrin: Sigma 500 baby:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:

[Harv]

For the record, in my case, it's not just about catch lights. It's about fill flash. When shooting birds, they are often under the canopy of trees or back in the thickets. As I mentioned in my opening post, this product gives me an increase of 2-1/2 f/stops. That effectively more than doubles my available camera to subject distance for a given f/stop. That's where I see the value in using this product.

[Desert Rat]

For the record, in my case, it's not just about catch lights. It's about fill flash. When shooting birds, they are often under the canopy of trees or back in the thickets. As I mentioned in my opening post, this product gives me an increase of 2-1/2 f/stops. That effectively more than doubles my available camera to subject distance for a given f/stop. That's where I see the value in using this product.
Yes you are correct Harv about fill flash.. Works for both though giving the highlight in the eye as well..

[Harv]

Yes you are correct Harv about fill flash.. Works for both though giving the highlight in the eye as well..

Yep. :biggrin:

[Keith]

Eric, pretty bold statement saying people who are against are those that dont know how to use it, or too lazy basically, I'll leave that at that I guess rolleyes;

They have their place but dont see it as a every day tool. For the cost, always great to carry around. But the more I photograph, the less I like flash period and much prefer natural light. Understand that is a personal choice or taste and great if one likes it.

I am NOT a morning person, but if it means getting up at 5 or 6 to get good light, so be it :disgust: Does it cost me some shots, yep but Im okay with it. Flash on camera works well, and use rear sync flash to help with the backgrounds and try and keep the flash off the subject, works quite well ;) Do I own a BB, yep, do I use it much, nope. Actually only flash I have been using lately is on hummers. Reminds me, will have to post my shot of my hummer with flash ;)

Congrats Harv, look forward to seeing some shots!

[Jonathan]

Well, as greg Downing said, They have theirs aimed incorrectly.. it is quite wasy to use this thing... Don't know why some make a federal case out of it and hate the thing.. usually, it is from people who just don't know how to use it or they don't want to bother using one of them since it a extra step to setting up the thing...

I prefer using it since it does make a differnce in the images...

Thanks eric! I certainly have those moments where i wish I had a flash:biggrin: its on the wishlist along with much more:biglaugh: