Sometimes the simplest and least expensive products work the best. Case in point is The Better Beamer (Better Beamer at B&H) . It’s a flash extender that attaches to the strobe and concentrates and magnifies the light into a tight beam. This gives your strobe the ability to reach out to your subjects when using a long lens. If the subject is at a distance which requires a telephoto lens, the light from a small strobe could be pretty diffuse by the time it gets there having little or no fill flash effect, but the Better Beamer’s light concentrating ability helps with the distance problem. The Beamer breaks down very flat for traveling and was pretty quick to assemble. I am thoroughly happy with this small purchase as it enhanced my photos, packs small and light, and can light a hippo at dusk from a distance of 15m. I was surprised at how the animals seemed to be unfazed by the flash; if it caused an elephant to charge, I wouldn’t be here to give a review. Because I am so happy with this simple devise, I recommend that if you bring a strobe on your wildlife shoots, also pop the Better Beamer in your gear bag.
I am continually surprised by what this simple devise delivers and how it can deliver great shots even after sundown.
