High shutter speed with flash

[smoke665]

I use a Better Beamer on my flash and it adds signifigant reach.

Fresnel lens attachments have been around for a long time, they increase the relative brightness by "concentrating" the light into a narrow beam. Despite manufactures claims, putting something in front of a flash does not magically increase the "power output" of the flash. I'm somewhat doubtful of the claims by Better Beamer, Magmod and others that it can extend the useful range to 100ft, but the the term "useful" is subjective.

I've used Fresnels in studio but but found grids just as effective with less heat build up. The advantage of the Fresnel's concentrated beam is also it's drawback, as it creates an extremely hard light by virtue of it concentrating the light into a smaller source. Unless you're lighting straight on the shadow transitions are a problem. It likely wouldn't be as much of an issue at extended distances in something like bird photography where the flash is serving more as fill.