use better beamer with or without flash arm?

I'm looking into getting a SB-600 and a better beamer flash extender to use with my D300 and 80-400mm VR lens to help light up birds/animals in dark areas, rainforests, etc.

I'd mostly be using this setup handheld, not with a tripod.

I've read a lot and I know people recommed using a flash arm/bracket/extender to reduce red-eye in the subject, but I'm thinking of trying it without the flash arm.

The flash arm seems a little bulky, and it increases the size and footprint of the setup, and then I might have to worry more about aiming the better beamer, etc.

also, all of the photos I've seen of the flash arm/brackets show it being used on a tripod, and they look quite large.

(I'm not sure what the difference is between an arm, bracket, and extender - I haven't used any of them before)

has anyone tried using the sb-600 + better beamer without a flash arm/bracket/extender? how bad were the results?

I also read that the red-eye can be altered in PS.

any comments would be appreciated...

thanks!
scott

If you're using the beamer, in order to get the flash up high enough so as to not cause red-eye, you will really need to get it up high for farther away subjects. The farther the subject, the higher the flash needs to be. With this in mind, since it is impractical to even try to raise the flash so high on a hand-held rig, I would just leave it directly on the camera as you suggested.

A couple of thoughts. One, the SB-600 is a great flash, but the SB-800 gives you quite a bit more power, so that is something to consider. I used to use the 800 with a B. Beamer and the 80-400. For the most part it seemed to work fine. I would look at the flash bracket from Really Right stuff if you are interested....i have never used it so I can't comment on its effectiveness, but it looks pretty nice, and can be mounted directly to the lens foot...you can also use it with the wimberley sidekick...there are there different sizes...here is a link

url]http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/02.html[/url]


Anyway...just my thoughts...nate

I don't bother with the arm. As you say, lotsa bulk and fluff. On the rare occassion I get redey (or green eye, as the case may be), a few moments in PS are a good tradeoff for leaving the arm home. YMMV.

thanks for the advice everyone, its good to hear other people's experiences

scott