Should I Use a Flash for Nature Photography?

[427l]

I typically shoot wildlife at distances greater than 50ft, will a external flash really do anything for me? Aside from that I was thinking an external flash may be handy especially for the occasional people shots - was looking into a speedlite 430EX II. Any one have any comments on this or whether I should look for the 580EX II? I've been using the pop up on my 40D but saw the results from some of my nikon-shooting family members this past christmas and thought maybe I should get a flash.

[Bob Atkins]

An external flash is sometimes useful for fill purposes when shooting in bright daylight, but images shot using flash as the main source of illumination don't usually look very good.

You can extend the range of external flash units by using something like the Better Beamer. This narrows the flash beam and extends the range for use with telephoto lenses.

[KeithB]

Here is a review of the Better Beamer:
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/better_beamer.shtml

Even if it does nothing but put some catch-light in the eyes, it can really improve a photograph.