Flash brackets and beamers

[Kayaker72]

I'll report back on how effective it is.

Please do. I bought the set up Rick recommended when I bought my 500. It is very nice. I have tried it maybe twice.

My only potential contribution, and others may have a better answer or might find a fault, but I would try ETTL flash, which sends out a pre-flash, but then try it in M mode, which I believe does not send that pre-flash. But the point being, try something without the pre-flash.

The times I tried it, I was in auto-ETTL mode on the flash and the birds were quick enough that they reacted. So, natural light, I have eyes wide open. ETTL with a better-beamer, I have squinted eyes or even some birds starting to take off.

This is probably a noobie observation, but I literally have only tried this once or twice and haven't tried that theory out.

[Jonathan Huyer]

I was in auto-ETTL mode on the flash and the birds were quick enough that they reacted. So, natural light, I have eyes wide open. ETTL with a better-beamer, I have squinted eyes or even some birds starting to take off.

I had a similar experience taking flash photos of butterflies once. I would find a nice one with wings open and fire the shot, but the butterfly would react to the preflash and close the wings before the second flash fired! I was amazed at the reflexes.