RE: SB800 and Better Beamer

[Paul Lagasi]

HI, I recently bought the above, andy tips to using the beamer with the SB-800. Not much info on packaging.
I've never owned a flash, save the one on camera....any help appreciated.

[Alfred Forns]

Hi Paul When using the BB on any flash set the flash to 50mm Will work with lenses 300 mm and over.

Start with minus one and experiment. Remember to set the flash to High Speed Sync and fire away. Best way to experiment and learn is firing three quick burst, the first will be full power, second somewhat less (capacitor not charged) and third probably no flash. Easy to see after.

Remember the shutter speed will affect the flash output As you go into high speed sync power is lost ... at 1/1000 sec you are at about 1/4 power !!!

On Nikon to set the flash to High Speed Sync you do in the camera, I think is in the custom function section.

[Dan Brown]

Al is right on with his info. I have settled in at -2 for most shots but I will bracket if I get the chance to chimp and see that I maybe need more or less flash on the subject. I will add that remember, the closer that you are to your subject, the more effective the high speed sync is, at 8 feet, -2 TTLFP at as high as 2000th sec, the flash is hitting and lighting the subject well. I have done this with hummers with good results. When the subject is out past 15ft or so, the sync speed needs to be dropped for best results. I also like using the BB high speed sync sometimes just for the catchlight in the eye of a subject and this works way out in distance (to subject).

[Paul Lagasi]

Thanks for the info...will really have to read the manual....not sure what -2 is yet...

[Alfred Forns]

Paul you can dial in less light just like you do with the exposure compensation in camera !!!

[Dan Brown]

Thanks for the info...will really have to read the manual....not sure what -2 is yet...

Hi Paul, -2 equals 2 stops under what the camera is set at for exp. If you are shooting in manual, the flash will by 2 stops less, likewise for auto modes. Minus 2 stops is an old standby setting for fill flash! FYI, while in Costa Rica, using the BB while it was raining and/or very humid, I got a foggy cast in the photos. This cast was easy to PP out but was not expected by me. I guess that the flash light was illuminating the tiny water droplets in the air?

[MichaelM]

And add....

Set SB-800 to TTL BL..