LeeinNC Loc: Morganton, NC

As of now, I don't have one, but Spring is just around the corner! What do suggest so I can aim my speedlight towards the bug. I know I will also need a diffuser, but first things first.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Hi, I tried a speedlight bracket with its own ball and socket to angle the flash but found it added weight to my set up, made it a little top heavy and awkward to use. There may be other brackets which are easier to use but now I am trying a simple flat portable and foldable diffuser which just fits on the lens and packs away easily when not in use. I purchased it from Amazon UK, it costs around £4 and appears to be working alright but early days. Below is the description on Amazon, I cannot seem to post the actual link.

MCLseller Flash Diffuser,Foldable Portable Softbox Flashlight Diffuser Easy Install White Universal Camera Accessories for DSLR Camera Lenses

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I have an ancient Lepp dual flash macro bracket, but you will need and off camera cord to use it. The bracket mounts to your tripod socket.
You can have for the price of the postage and packing.
It's not pretty but very functional!!
Frank
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=george+lepp+photographer&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

tinusbum Loc: east texas

i used a bracket for years,now i just have the flash on the hot shoe.works for me

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

Or, you can take your hot shoe-mounted flash, put a bounce card/reflector on it, give it a tilt angle of about 60 degrees, which will cover a subject very close to your lens. Works well in a lot of situations.

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

I'm with Brenda. Had the same problem with the connection between the bracket and the flash. They are awkward, and too easily start to droop or swing loose at very inconvenient moments.
Still, some major types of photographers use them. The advantage of course is that having the flash real close to the bug means you can put a lot of light on them at low power. So here is one very similar to the one I have: https://www.amazon.com/Neewer-Rotating-Bracket-Digital-Speedlight/dp/B00MUNPUXM/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=Flash+bracket&qid=1579990241&sr=8-7
I think the idea of these things becomes much more viable if the flash is one of those 'compact' flashes. A lighter one taking two AA batteries rather than four would be a lot lighter.

Here is a very interesting dual head type: https://www.amazon.com/MENGS-Flash-Bracket-MT-24EX-Olympus/dp/B07G5VLR85/ref=sr_1_63?keywords=Flash+bracket&qid=1579990402&sr=8-63 I don't believe it will work with full size flashes depicted there. But smaller flash heads could work well. I have been eyeing this one to hold LED bicycle lights.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

If you have not tried the two arm bracket I can give you a critique. Save your money.
I have had two, slow learner.
The flex arms are very stiff. I have trouble bending them in an arc. The arms are a plastic clad rod of 3/16" aluminum. It compresses under pressure from set screws, these were soft so I replaced them with 1/4-20 screws, then the wire broke.the other one I bought was also stiff. It is free to first to ask for it.
Bill

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Hello, Bill, AKA new to you.
I have some suggestions for you. I need to get pictures.
So tomorrow.
Bill

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Maybe if they are stiff they would hold the full size heads after all. there are several of these on Amazon under different brand names (the usual odd thing about Chinese products). I wish for more reviews, but several recount your experience about it being too stiff, and other issues. So good to know!

LeeinNC Loc: Morganton, NC

I'm glad I asked the question. Thanks to all. I believe My issue is solved!