I notice that a lot of photographers particularly in the USA use speedlights for their bird photography and was thinking of buying one (Nikon Speedlight SB-700 - Hot-shoe clip-on flash - 28M),most of my attempts at taking birds are reasonably close and i do take into account the disturbance factor after saying this i do notice that even using the flash on my camera it does improve the image .I would appreciate any tips on this and if it would be worth having one and is the above one ok?
To be honest Keith, I've very rarely ever used flash with birds. The Americans do use it all the time, but generally in an effort to even out some of their harsh light (and a lot of them use it badly too!).
After joining NPN many years back, and seeing a lot of the US shots, I decided to go and buy a Better Burner (and have the scorch marks in the flash to prove I've used it!), but again have barely ever used it. I think the last time was about 5yrs ago photographing some puffins - and the shots without the flash looked better to me.
Keith - you'll hear quite a few for and against arguments on this, and having never tried it on birds, i'm not really qualified to comment. All i would say is that to me, it's just something that doesn't feel right.
I've only ever used flash on badgers, and they didn't seem to mind at all, so I guess that common sense has to prevail and the wellfare of the subject must take precedence.
I use flash with a lot of my bird shots, particularly those shots that are captured at feeder set-ups. The reason for doing so is because if you are going to be in a hide at a set-up for 3 or 4 hours, the sun will have move a considerable way across the sky and you end up with unwanted shadows in the image. Shooting with flash provides you with better control of the light in the image.
Because shooting with flash is so involved, its difficult to discuss it fully in a forum post, but in response to your question about the SB700, I would say that it would be OK, but you would be better off with an SB900 or SB910. The greater output of the 900/910 allows you to shoot at reduced power which reduces recycling time. The advantage of the 910 over the 900 is the way in which the thermal protection issue is addressed; the 900 can shut itself down unexpectedly if the unit gets hot i.e. left in the sun.
A couple of years ago we had a big influx of waxwings locally, which attracted quite a few photographers. On the first day, I was the only one shooting with flash and there some mutterings as you might expect, until the others saw the shots on my LCD. The next day, everybody was shooting with flash.
If you want to give me a call, (my number is listed above) I would be happy to talk it through with you.
I will use flash if the light demands it, usually too harsch required some fill. Best handled off camera though, a tripod bracket best IMO. Better beamer has never been my thing, just dont see enought use unless you are far off....and they are dangerous, my hire car seats in Kruger got a nice melted hole in em to prove it.
Discussion
4 repliesThanks Keith.
After joining NPN many years back, and seeing a lot of the US shots, I decided to go and buy a Better Burner (and have the scorch marks in the flash to prove I've used it!), but again have barely ever used it. I think the last time was about 5yrs ago photographing some puffins - and the shots without the flash looked better to me.
I've only ever used flash on badgers, and they didn't seem to mind at all, so I guess that common sense has to prevail and the wellfare of the subject must take precedence.
Just my tuppence worth.
Graham
Because shooting with flash is so involved, its difficult to discuss it fully in a forum post, but in response to your question about the SB700, I would say that it would be OK, but you would be better off with an SB900 or SB910. The greater output of the 900/910 allows you to shoot at reduced power which reduces recycling time. The advantage of the 910 over the 900 is the way in which the thermal protection issue is addressed; the 900 can shut itself down unexpectedly if the unit gets hot i.e. left in the sun.
A couple of years ago we had a big influx of waxwings locally, which attracted quite a few photographers. On the first day, I was the only one shooting with flash and there some mutterings as you might expect, until the others saw the shots on my LCD. The next day, everybody was shooting with flash.
If you want to give me a call, (my number is listed above) I would be happy to talk it through with you.