New Better Beamer variants

[DaveB]

The Better Beamer is used by at least a few people here: it's a fresnel lens that goes on the front of your flash to concentrate the beam for telephoto work. There are currently 4 versions of it (FX-1, FX-1B, -2, and -3) and the difference is the shape of the side arms that grip the flash head (you'll see on the above page the list of which suits what flash). I have an FX-1B that I used to use with a Canon 420EX, but the FX-3 that I now use with a 580EX is perfectly moulded to the head and provides a much more solid mount.

The reason I'm mentioning this here is that I know there are some SB-600 and SB-800 users who use the BB, and until now there has been no specific model for those flashes. That means that like with my 420EX you need to adjust it with velcro-felt shims to try to get the right alignment.

The above link is at the NSN Store who sell the beamers, and from their latest newsletter:

To add to the Flash Extender "Better Beamer" product line, the FX-4 will be available around May 1, 2006. The FX-4 is designed to custom fit the Nikon SB 800 and SB 600 flash units, eliminating the need for the FX-1B with shims package. Also available soon: The FX-5 was designed for the Canon 430EX flash unit. These items will be listed in stock at the NatureScapes.Net store when they are available.

Just in case you're interested...

[birddog114]

Very interesting and thanks for the new infos.

[fozzie]

Dave - thank you for the info. BTW: have you been to Werribee Treatment Plant lately?

[Willy wombat]

Thanks for that info Dave - will have to think about it.

[DaveB]

I'm not trying to make this an ad for NSN, but this came through in their latest newsletter:

For a limited time only, purchasers of the FX-1B can upgrade to the FX-4 by purchasing the flash arms only. The current price of Flash Extenders is $36.00 at NatureScapes.Net; purchase the FX-4 flash arms only for $20 until July 31, 2006.

Check it out after May 1... (those prices are in US$ of course).

Fozzie, the last time I was there was with kipper in early March.

[Manta]

Thanks for the heads-up on this deal Dave. I'll certainly be taking advantage of the offer on the FX-4 arms.

Plus - although I was registered with NSN, I wasn't a newsletter subscriber. I am now.

[avkomp]

I use mine often so may have to think about updating as teh original can take a little setting up
I am registered with NSN but dont get the news letter.
might have to figure out how to get the newsletter.

Steve

[Manta]

I use mine often so may have to think about updating as teh original can take a little setting up
I am registered with NSN but dont get the news letter.
might have to figure out how to get the newsletter.

Steve

Steve - just go to the Store page and you'll see the newsletter sign up in a banner on the right of the page.

[fozzie]

Steve - I think if you register for their on-line store there is a check box at the bottom of the form to receive the newsletter.

I use mine often so may have to think about updating as teh original can take a little setting up
I am registered with NSN but dont get the news letter.
might have to figure out how to get the newsletter.

Steve

[avkomp]

just done it, thanks fozzie.

I found a full wimberley on ebay for not much money. shame they wont ship to australia though. sitting at $40usd with no bids.
bummer.

nsn and of course wimberly still out of stock.


Steve

[fozzie]

Steve - they have a 'USED WIMBERLEY HEAD WH-101' for US$375 + Shipping:

http://www.naturescapes.net/store/produ ... t=0&page=1

just done it, thanks fozzie.

I found a full wimberley on ebay for not much money. shame they wont ship to australia though. sitting at $40usd with no bids.
bummer.

nsn and of course wimberly still out of stock.


Steve

[Manta]

just done it, thanks fozzie.

[avkomp]

the newsletter simon, not the wimberley
not sure if I want to get the used one @ that price or a brand new 200 @ lots more.
@40usd was a no brainer though.

the newer one is 1 pound or so lighter too. I already often carry 20kg or more with bodies, lenses tripod food and water.

Steve

[avkomp]

woo hoo, just heard the nsn has just shipped my wh-200
decided to bite the bullet.

now all I need is a new gitzo or benro big enough to carry it, and perhaps a quick release bracket, so it will be a while before I can actually get out and use it.

Steve

[marcotrov]

Thanks for the heads up Dave. Has anyone else had trouble getting on to order the FX-4 arms?
cheers
marco

[Manta]

Marco - they'll be up on the normal order screen after May 1. I had an email from NSN yesterday confirming this.

(Those that already have an FX-1B combo will also be able to order just the FX-4 arms via this page as well)

[marcotrov]

Thanks Simon. I'll be ordering the arms.
cheers
marco