Flash Photography

[Leander Khil]

Hi birdphotographers out there,

I want to start flash photography and really can't see through all the possibilities.
I'm using the Nikon 500/4 AF-S, a Manfrotto Head (503) and Gitzo 1340 tripod.

What do I need for successfull using my Metz mecablitz MZ54-4i with my equipment?
Can anyone tell me which additional plates, mounts etc. I need to use a flash bracket?
Which flash brackets do you use? I found reallrightstuff and Kirk until now - what do you prefer?

You see, I have absolutely no idea of flash photography - of course I read some tutorials about the topic, but everything concerning the equipment is totally new for me.

I'm thankful for every helpful response!

edit: Just saw that there's already a similar thread down there. Sorry for that.

kind regards from Austria, Leander

[Robert Amoruso]

Hi Leander,

Welcome to BPN. You have asked a very comprehensive question. You mention this thread http://www.birdphotographers.net/for...ad.php?t=30153 and yes good info there.

Your big problem is the 503 head. It is a video head which is not conducive to long lens usage. Most people are using the Wimberley or Mongoose M3.5 heads for 500mm lens (click FIELD STORE above to go to http://www.birdsasart.com/accs.html for these heads and other things mentioned below).

Both of these heads use the Arca-Swiss quick release clamps and brackets and this is how many off-camera flash setups are attached to the camera. Also, the Mongoose has a nice flash bracket arm that will attached right to the head.

Wimberley sells a complete system (see link above for purchase and http://www.tripodhead.com/products/f...o-brackets.cfm for details) which I use. RRS and Kirk are also options.

I do not see a way to use the Manfrotto head with any of the systems on the market using the Arca-Swiss form factor. From what I can see on the Bogen website, this head's quick release system is not the Arca-Swiss form factor.