The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580 II & Metz 54-4

Amazon Customer Reviews

(5 out of 5)

best $40 ever spent!

this product does exactly what it says. Gives you a stronger beam that results in faster recycle time so you don't miss shots. I can't say enough about this product.

You should note though that because this concentrates the flash it is only to be used on zoom lenses. The instructions say 300mm or higher but if you have a camera with a digital crop factor this is less important because you are croping out the edges that may not have as much light from the flash.

(4 out of 5)

Not perfect, but the best solution on the market at the best price

At the end of the day, the Better Beamer remains the gold standard for flash extenders. The availability of this flash extender at most camera stores, combined with the compatibility with most flash units and the low price make it a must have for photographers who need to use fill flash with telephoto lenses. While there is certainly some room for improvement, we can't complain much when the price is less than $40.

The Better Beamer provides a dramatic increase in the light from your external flash ... and might just make the difference between a great photograph and a wasted opportunity.

Pros:

* Effectively doubles flash reach
* Simple to use
* Easy on your wallet

Cons:

* Beam focusing could be more efficient and even
* Thin plastic build means questionable longevity?

(5 out of 5)

Works great !!!

This flash extender works great when coupled with my Canon 580EX II flash. It provides a very narrow and focused beam of light that provides fill lighting when photographing animals and birds in the wild. It works also well when the subject is backlit allowing you to get a shot that would otherwise come out too dark.

(5 out of 5)

To Expand On That Digital Crop Factor Thing...

The Better Beamer works best at 300mm or longer focal lengths because since it concentrates the beam, the flash will not be redispersed to the size of the frame until the light gets quite a ways away. However, since most digital SLR's have a "crop factor" of approximately 1.6x, that means that you reach full frame coverage at 300mm/1.6 = 188mm, or thereabouts. So if you have a lens that can reach 200mm focal length, you'll get the full frame coverage with that crop factor. It'll still work at shorter focal lengths as long as your subject is centered in the frame.

It's well made, light, and easy to assemble. I did snip the little piece of velcro so it would fit without making it hard to put on my OmniBounce and/or obscuring my 580EX's serial number, but it only took a little bit.