Flash for FZ 30

[birder]

Hi All,

I am more of a bird watcher who has started taking baby steps to bird photography. I promptly brought FZ 30 for it’s 420 mm range and with my Raynox 2020 TC it gives me a range of ~ 920 mm; A DSLR with 400 mm lens would have be beyond my (student’s) budget. I am reasonably satisfied with the performance save for the noise which is often at unacceptable levels even though I shoot at constant ISO of 80! I wish to buy a Flash that would be strong enough for bird photography. Can some one recommend me some brands & models that work well with FZ 30 and the prize range for the same. I fear I am rather novice when it comes to photography so would appreciate your help.

Cheers
B

[saifulbahar]

You should consider a flash extender, a cheaper consideration and works well. Bought mine from Sulhan, try to check with him.

[metallilan]

Some flash like the emoblitz flash has the ability to pull the front head to extend the flash's range. Im not sure what flash is good or recommended for the Fz30 but im sure the Fz30'ers would help you out.

But i have taken bird shots with my FZ5 + Tcon17 before, and i didnt actually need a flash as going closer to the bird and steadying yourself actually helps. Unless you're taking the shot in dim lighting conditions will the flash be actually usefull...not sure if a monopod will help in your case...

I have some birds shots over here : http://metallilan.multiply.com/photos/album/2 and http://metallilan.multiply.com/photos/album/22 and

[ExplorerZ]

Originally Posted by metallilan Some flash like the emoblitz flash has the ability to pull the front head to extend the flash's range. Im not sure what flash is good or recommended for the Fz30 but im sure the Fz30'ers would help you out. But i have taken bird shots with my FZ5 + Tcon17 before, and i didnt actually need a flash as going closer to the bird and steadying yourself actually helps. Unless you're taking the shot in dim lighting conditions will the flash be actually usefull...not sure if a monopod will help in your case... I have some birds shots over here : http://metallilan.multiply.com/photos/album/2 and http://metallilan.multiply.com/photos/album/22 and

cannot compare... most of ur birdies shot are pretty well litted except for few. but as a nature photographer, there are high chance the bird are hiding in very dense bushes or trees making photography without flash hard especially since he can go up to 900+mm.

[birder]

Hi metallilan,

Thanks for your reply. In fact even in relatively good light fill in flash helps to bring about the shaded features, besides given the high noise of FZ 30 i thaught a flash would help..... still don't know which one !!!!!!!

b

[metallilan]

Originally Posted by birder Hi metallilan, Thanks for your reply. In fact even in relatively good light fill in flash helps to bring about the shaded features, besides given the high noise of FZ 30 i thaught a flash would help..... still don't know which one !!!!!!! b

Depends really. Reason why i sometimes don't use flash is because it might scare the bird away. I do agree it helps to lighten up the image, but unless it is necassry, i dont usually take that risk...

I've never shot eagles in flight using a flash though, perhaps you can try next