Flash brackets: Does anyone use flash brackets and do they like them?

cjeisch

Does anyone use flash brackets and do they like them?

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I used to do a fair amount of "corporate fund-raising event coverage"-- and always used one. A Stroboframe flip bracket. I modified it to use with Macro-- and have several other options for that purpose. They have their place

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I have a Kalt "L" Flash Bracket from B&H. Cheap ($25) but works well. I use it a lot indoors. :)

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

cjeisch wrote:

Does anyone use flash brackets and do they like them?

First time I used one was when required by my company for environmental portraits and action handshake shots at graduations. They worked very well so I also used one for a wedding and I liked it. Had to be careful though since I was used to bouncing light from ceiling with flash bracket you can get shadow behind subject. No red eye though. I used Strobo frame from B&H for $20. One issue though is that you constantly have to be checking for looseness and even when everything seems tight you can still get shifting - esp when trying to zoom in or out.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Most field macro-photographers use a flash bracket to separate speedlight angle from lens angle. It has applications for other uses as well. I use a $25 Kalt L-grip.

Kalt L-Grip Flash Bracket
Kalt L-Grip Flash Bracket...

My hand-held field macro set-up

bull drink water Loc: pontiac mi.

I have 2 from 40 yrs ago, they work just as well today.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

Once I aquired my Flip-It flash diffuser, I found no need for a bracket.

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

I have one, and I use it frequently when taking flash photos of people. My hot shoe flash often creates red-eye, unless I use my flash bracket. Adds some weight to the total rig, but definitely worth the weight and hassle in "roaming" flash photography of people. You will have to have an off-camera flash cord compatible with your camera and flash if you want the flash to be controlled by your camera while on the flash bracket.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

cjeisch wrote:

Does anyone use flash brackets and do they like them?

If I have to use on/near camera flash, I like small, light flexible flash brackets.

This works for me.

http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/new_page_24.htm

It rotates the camera, not the flash, so the flash is always in the same orientation.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Gene51 wrote:

If I have to use on/near camera flash, I like small, light flexible flash brackets.

This works for me.

http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/new_page_24.htm

It rotates the camera, not the flash, so the flash is always in the same orientation.

Wowza!!! Is it really worth $170 more than the Stroboframe, Gene?

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Above all great suggestions ... here are some less professional looking alternatives

For an easy off the camera (small)flash a Selfi Stick will extend quite a distance in the left hand while shooting with right hand. They have an adjustable angle head and a 1/4 - 20 screw mount. Virtue, very light and collapsed, very small. I also use a heavy duty magnet with a center hole, with mount. Low cost ($5) at Harbor Freight. Flash activated by flash pulse or radio.
http://www.harborfreight.com/66mm-round-magnet-96650.html

I have the Magnetic mount so that this coming cool days in FL I can get a lady friend to go to "U-Pull" auto junk yard to shoot a few. The fill flash can be mounted any where there is metal.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

donnahde wrote:

Wowza!!! Is it really worth $170 more than the Stroboframe, Gene?

I have two. One I bought new, and the other I found on eBay for $90. Yes, it is totally worth it for me. It folds down and fits in a small pocket in my camera bag.

Conceptually, this $27 Bower bracket is similar in that the camera rotates, but the build quality isn't even close, the bracket is heavier and it doesn't fold.

http://www.adorama.com/BOWPFB.html

My preference is to not use an Erector Set style flash bracket.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Gene51 wrote:

I have two. One I bought new, and the other I found on eBay for $90. Yes, it is totally worth it for me. It folds down and fits in a small pocket in my camera bag.

Conceptually, this $27 Bower bracket is similar in that the camera rotates, but the build quality isn't even close, the bracket is heavier and it doesn't fold.

http://www.adorama.com/BOWPFB.html

My preference is to not use an Erector Set style flash bracket.

Thanks for the clarification, Gene. I think I'll continue with my Stroboframe for now but will keep your recommendations in mind if I find myself using the bracket more frequently than I do now.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

cjeisch wrote:

Does anyone use flash brackets and do they like them?

It also depends on what camera and flash you are using. If you are using a Nikon camera with commander mode and a Nikon SB Flash that supports commander mode, you may need to either get an Itt-l connector cable, use the built-in flash on the camera to control the external flash, or shoot with the flash in manual mode...All are good options but just want you to be aware of them... A Nikon external flash with itt-l expects to be able to communicate with the camera through the hot shoe, a i-ttl cable, or the popup flash on the camera which can be set to send data only and not particpate in the exposure.. it will flash but the camera will not see the flash in the image.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

For event photography they are absolutely necessary because they eliminate red eye and the annoying shadow on the wall behind your subject. I use stroboframe and newton but there are some newer products advertised in the trade journals.