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

by Better Beamer

Product Details

• Item Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000SLNNG4
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Now there is an easy way to have the extra "flash power" you need in the field. The Flash X-Tender packs flat, weighs less than 3 ounces and sets up in 30 seconds and your flash output is extended a minimum of 2 full f-stops! Bring your birdsand animals to life with an eye highlight. Used and praised by nature photographers world-wide. When used with TTL (Through-The-Lens) flash metering, exposure is automatically handled by your camera and flash, and no special compensation is required.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars best $40 ever spent!, November 11, 2007

By 

Mike C. (tulsa, ok United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580 II & Metz 54-4 (Electronics)

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.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well Worth The Money, June 17, 2009

By 

W J Baker - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580 II & Metz 54-4 (Electronics)

The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580 II & Metz 54-4
When I saw it I thought it was a lot of money for a couple of pieces of molded plastic, a velcro strip and a sheet magnifier, after using it I find it is well worth the money. I can fill shadows on birds at 150 feet and with the added catch light in the eyes, the subjects like alive now. If I ever manage to break this one I will have another one ordered ASAP. I wouldn't be without my Beamer for wildlife photography, it has become a valued and essential piece of equipment in my bag. If you do wild life and bird photography you will be delighted with the results you can get with it, even if it does make your camera look like a futuristic weapon of some kind. Buy it, you will love it.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not perfect, but the best solution on the market at the best price, August 21, 2008

By 

Jerry Jackson Jr. (Cincinnati, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Flash X-Tender (Better Beamer) FX-3 Flash Output Booster for Canon 580EX, Canon 580 II & Metz 54-4 (Electronics)

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?