Flash Brackets

[dragon300zx]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=166047&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=142741&is=REG

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278249&is=REG

I'm thinking bout buying one of these four flash brackets. Which one of these four would you guys choose?

[dragon300zx]

bump to get some feedback.

[Seymore]

The RED one!!! :thumb
I like the color red... :):



Actually, what's your purpose for this? Portraits? Just to git it above the cam? What?

[dragon300zx]

Portraits/Wedding stuff. I want to keep the flash above the lens and be able to move it around alittle bit rather than it just being on the hotshoe.

I am partial to the red one.

[Seymore]

Actually, if you ever need to use it in port orientation... you'll want a bracket that can stay straight above the lens. Actually, after looking again, the only one that doesn't say "keeps the flash over the lens in both horizontal and vertical positions" is the last one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=278249&is=REG).

And the red one would be a distraction to anyone on the other side of the view finder. JMPO... but this gets you down to 2 of um... Your choice from here.

Just playin' devils advocate with that last paragraph...

[dragon300zx]

The red one also comes in black :(

[Seymore]

OK... You're back at 3 then.

Also, you got a external battery base for the 10d, or anything else on the bottom of your rig(s)? The Stroboframe (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG) says "The Quick Flip 350 accepts all 35mm cameras except those with large, accessory battery packs or motor drives.".

I sorta like the Stratos 1035 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=142741&is=REG). Looks like the flash mount and body mount are quite adjustable. Also has the tallest post @ 10".

[dragon300zx]

No pack right now but there will be one in the future. Stratos 1035 I guess.

[Seymore]

So, do I see you're keeping this within a budget?

[USAIR]

Well I use the Stroboframe Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG)with the 20d
It's cheap and works good for the money.

Check out some of these links Custom Brackets (http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/default.asp)and Really Right Stuff (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/)
I am looking at these for rotating the camera from landscape to portrait on a tripod not so much as a flash bracket.
I have a Verdaflip (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52783&is=REG) now and it works ok but kind of clunky

Fred

[dragon300zx]

Yeah. It's not the equipment so much as it is the Photographer afterall. That and I am putting another engine in my van in the next couple weeks so alot of my money is allocated to that. I need to buy a bracket, canon shoe cord for off camera flash, new tripod, and some other stuff in the next week or two.

[david_h]

I use the Newton bracket: B&H Link (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=326962&is=REG)
On my D70 it is fantastic, but does not seem to be so balanced and comfortable on my D2H (which is where I want to use it most).
Nice thing is that Robert Newton is always available to answer questions and give advice - very nice guy.
The finish is excellent and the mechanism for rotating the camera simple and well thought out. I would buy it again, but I wish Mr. Newton would change things a bit to make it better on the larger camera body.

[robscomputer]

I'm looking at the Stroboframe Press-T, it's small and still enough to bring the flash a bit higher than the camera height. What I really like about this frame is the flash rotates to the right, so when using the battery grip the flash is still in the correct place.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=93223&is=REG

Rob

[Nikolai]

I'm considering getting SL 580EX (I was looking for used, but it ain't happening, so I might end up getting new, prolly with the extra pack). I also want to get a bracket. I have a B&H catalog, but they all look pretty much the same to me..:dunno
Can I hear somebody's experience with a certain model? Pros and cons of the certain features (or lack of thereof:-)?
At this moment I think I care about one thing, namely: being able to instantly switch between V & H grip modes while keeping the flash above the camera.
What's the difference between them all?:scratch
Thanks! :bow

[risource]

For my 10D I went thru this, and in the end found just ONE. I wanted:



vertical/horiz fast and stable
accommodate battery grip
permit easy access to vertical controls on battery grip
don't have to hold the frame; hold the camera as usual
I go Stroboframe's Press-T see http://tiffen.dtopinc.com/userimages/Strobo_ProT_PressT_Protm.pdf

The Pro-T and other stroboframes block the vertical shooting controls on the battery grip. Only the Press-T worked well, and I do like it.

Pros:


Fast and light; compact
Very rigid. High quality construction. You can customize it.
5cm of vertical adjustment
plenty of pre-drilled holes for various uses
Cons:


you do need anti-rotation plates for camera and flash (extra $)
need an external hot shoe w/cable (extra $)
the camera mounting screw is slotted and flush/flathead. Not easy to put camera on/take off without 3 hands and a coin.
the bottom of the frame is shaped for their own quick release system, but I already use an Acratech ball with Arca Swiss QR system. While the Press-T looks like it would fit, it is too wide for Arca Swiss.
with the BG on the EOS plus any lens longer than 85mm the assembly tips forward. I guess I can't have everything.
Overall it added up to real cash, but the setup is rock solid and I don't regret getting it at all. I strap it to the outside of my vert bag when not in use. Hope this was helpful.

[USAIR]

Here's the one I use it's a down and dirty nothing flashy.
Stroboflip Quick Flip 350 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/52728.jpg

About $45
I use(d) it on 717,828,k-1000,20d all with the Sunpak 383 works great
Have not used it with the 580ex (don't have a sync cord yet) but it should be no problem.
Very simple to use
It's very light
Never worry about red eyes again :clap

I have heard that some are having trouble keeping the flash on...
that the flash has fallen off the bracket....
I have not had any problem with this
Really the only thing I don't like is my right hand is on the bottom when shooting portrait...
but it doesn't take long to get used to this

Been think about this one Stroboframe Folding Flip Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=325513&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) folds up fits in your bag easier.
That's about it I think hope it helps lots to chose from :D
Lets us know which one you picked up

Fred

[Nikolai]

Your comments are very helpful!:thumb
I have a much better understanding on what to look at..
However, one thing remains unclear to me: How easy/fast is to switch the braket from horizontal to vertical (and vice versa)? Do I need to unscrew anything or to reattach something?
I mean, under normal circumstances all it takes is "a twist of a wrist" (sorry, did't mean to be rapping:-). If it takes longer than 2-3 sec - the opportunity can be long gone..:dunno

[patch29]

F The Pro-T and other stroboframes block the vertical shooting controls on the battery grip. Only the Press-T worked well, and I do like it.


The Pro-T is only a taller version of the Press-T. I have 1DmkII's so the extra height is nice, on a camera with not vertical grip a Press-T should be fine.

I like the Pro-T/Press-T better than the Quick Flip because it puts the flash over the camera in portrait (vertical) mode with the right side (grip side) of the camera up, making it a lot easier to hold.

The P/T does put the flash slightly forward, something to be aware of if you shoot a lot of very close shots.

It switches from H to V with a very simple flip, no hassle at all.

[Nikolai]

The Pro-T is only a taller version of the Press-T. I have 1DmkII's so the extra height is nice, on a camera with not vertical grip a Press-T should be fine.

I like the Pro-T/Press-T better than the Quick Flip because it puts the flash over the camera in portrait (vertical) mode with the right side (grip side) of the camera up, making it a lot easier to hold.

The P/T does put the flash slightly forward, something to be aware of if you shoot a lot of very close shots.

It switches from H to V with a very simple flip, no hassle at all.Patch,
Thank you for you comment!

I have a few more questions re this Press-T guy.
1) I don't have an extra grip/battery holder on my 20D now, but when I get - will it still fit?
EDIT: oops, risource already answered that, sorry, short memory lapses:-)
2) Is it portable in a folded state (i.e. when not in use)? Shape of the bottom part (base) seems kinda odd..:dunno
3) I see it comes with the shoe holder. Can it also accomodate tripod-screw mounted units (like my big Sunpack 555Ex), or do I need to purchase a separate accessoty for that?

Thanks!

[Phil U.]

If you've already using Arca-Swiss style stuff you might want to check out RRS' flash arms. I don't have one but the concept looks really good. I think that'll be my next RRS purchase.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash/index.html

(sheesh - two RRS posts in the past 2 minutes. You'd think I was a fanboy or something)

[patch29]

1) I don't have an extra grip/battery holder on my 20D now, but when I get - will it still fit?
EDIT: oops, risource already answered that, sorry, short memory lapses:-)



Yes, but you might want the Pro-T with a taller camera.


2) Is it portable in a folded state (i.e. when not in use)? Shape of the bottom part (base) seems kinda odd..:dunno


I would not call it flat. I toss it in a case with my tripod and put the bottom at one and and extend the arm up so it makes a line and it fits ok. The bottom does have an L(ish) shape to it, but it is very thin.


3) I see it comes with the shoe holder. Can it also accomodate tripod-screw mounted units (like my big Sunpack 555Ex), or do I need to purchase a separate accessoty for that?


I don't think it came with any shoe mount, or I forgot about it? :scratch It has holes through the end that you put the screw through, so it should work fine with it. Depending on how tall your flash is could be a factor into which unit to get. It might also make you flash sit off to one side when you switch it to vertical if it is a lot taller than a shoe flash (580EX) etc. So no you should not need to buy anything else. They supply a screw with it.

One thing you might want is the Stroboframe Quick Release plate for the tripod head. It is fast to use and I have not had any problems with it. The bottom of the bracket is machined to fit it, saving bulk on the bottom of the unit.

[david_h]

If you've already using Arca-Swiss style stuff you might want to check out RRS' flash arms. I don't have one but the concept looks really good. I think that'll be my next RRS purchase.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/flash/index.html

(sheesh - two RRS posts in the past 2 minutes. You'd think I was a fanboy or something) Another vote for RRS. The fuctionality and quality of their flash bracket is fantastic.

A nice feature is that it clamps on the side part of the L bracket, keeping the portrait grip clear for your hands. The Perfect Portait package is the way to go.

I've used several brands of flash bracket and nothing comes close.

[USAIR]

Anyone using these ?
I have fooled around with just the camera rotation device
It seems real nice and well made
You just rotate just the camera not the flash

Custom Brackets (http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=27)
http://www.custombrackets.com/ProdImages/QRS-35-H.gif

Thanks
Fred

[goodcrna]

I have the 350 and must admit, it seems rather cumbersome. The bracket needs to be attached on the camera's right side (viewed from behind) in order for the flash to be over the lens in portrait mode (with the shutter controls on top). I find this rather difficult to shoot. I do like the price though. I'll check into the custom brackets..



Here's the one I use it's a down and dirty nothing flashy.
Stroboflip Quick Flip 350 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/52728.jpg

About $45
I use(d) it on 717,828,k-1000,20d all with the Sunpak 383 works great
Have not used it with the 580ex (don't have a sync cord yet) but it should be no problem.
Very simple to use
It's very light
Never worry about red eyes again :clap

I have heard that some are having trouble keeping the flash on...
that the flash has fallen off the bracket....
I have not had any problem with this
Really the only thing I don't like is my right hand is on the bottom when shooting portrait...
but it doesn't take long to get used to this

Been think about this one Stroboframe Folding Flip Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=325513&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation) folds up fits in your bag easier.
That's about it I think hope it helps lots to chose from :D
Lets us know which one you picked up

Fred

[wxwax]

Good info in this thread. :thumb

[Blurmore]

Anyone using these ?
I have fooled around with just the camera rotation device
It seems real nice and well made
You just rotate just the camera not the flash

Custom Brackets (http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=27)
http://www.custombrackets.com/ProdImages/QRS-35-H.gif

Thanks
Fred

I know someone who uses this on a Fuji S2, and loves it. I think it appeals to former medium format shooters with already highly developed arm muscles. Compared to a Mamiya C330 on a similar bracket with a pro flash it is a waif. For anyone else it is a cumbersome tank. If you've never shot with a left hand off camera grip I would not recommend it. It makes composition more a of an artilery like aiming exercise. It DOES have nice sturdy feet (something medium format shooters really like). When I am forced to use a bracket I use the cheapest lightest dirtiest generic one I could find, I removed the stickers the first day or I would tell you the name. Suffice to say it is a stripped down quickflip knock off. If I had mondo casho to spend on a bracket system it would definately be RRS (really right stuff) in my opinion the best bracket for leaving on the camera and transitioning between hand held and tripod work. The RRS L bracket is custom made for the openings for each camera model and looks to provide some torque bracing of the battery grip for models which use them.


http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/

[Art Scott]

http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=stroboframe

If you'll lok here it show the bracket on the left side from behind, this should work fine unless your left handed...then it will have to go on the right....I prefer the older "R" Series....flash mounted above and camera rotates on a cammed base....a little larger than the 350 but once you get used to them they are great.

http://a763.g.akamai.net/7/763/1644/v0-2/app.infopia.com/img/image/fp/VPID/2024180/img0-2/img.jpg
This one is no longer shown on the tiffen/stroboframe site...but is avail on Ebay right now[ http://cgi.ebay.com/Stroboframe-R4b-Camera-Bracket-645-winders-35-112338-NR_W0QQitemZ7577070214QQcategoryZ43479QQrdZ1QQcmdZ ViewItem#ebayphotohosting ].....this is what I use and I have a mount for shoe mounts also for my vivatar flashes.

Curent price on the above is 5.55 and no reserve..s/h 9.95.......

[goodcrna]

Here is an interesting article regarding flash brackets.

http://www.aljacobs.com/BEST_WORST2005A.htm

Greg Good


Well I use the Stroboframe Bracket (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52728&is=REG)with the 20d
It's cheap and works good for the money.

Check out some of these links Custom Brackets (http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/default.asp)and Really Right Stuff (http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/)
I am looking at these for rotating the camera from landscape to portrait on a tripod not so much as a flash bracket.
I have a Verdaflip (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52783&is=REG) now and it works ok but kind of clunky

Fred

[Mitchell]

Another vote for RRS. The fuctionality and quality of their flash bracket is fantastic.

A nice feature is that it clamps on the side part of the L bracket, keeping the portrait grip clear for your hands. The Perfect Portait package is the way to go.

I've used several brands of flash bracket and nothing comes close.

$335 for the RRS Perfect Portrait bracket plus $ for the L bracket! I almost fainted when I saw that price.:wow

[Nikolai]

Not so long ago I asked a similar question here at dgrin.
Later I made a decision and picked up Stroboframe Press-T (http://froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?q=stroboframe+press-T&pid=4813673996745648219&oid=13470607609280387019&btnG=Search+Froogle&lmode=&addr=&scoring=p). I got mine from B&H, but the choice is yours.

Pros:

Convenient natural hand position both in H and V positions.
Flash is on top of the camera in bowh H and V positionsCons

does not fold completely
requires an extra plate to secure the camera (maybe others do too, I don't know)
Requires a coin or a tool to attach the camera. Requires a philips tool to extend/secure the boom.As you may have already figured out:-), the "pros" won - for me, that is.

HTH

[erich6]

Not so long ago I asked a similar question here at dgrin.
Later I made a decision and picked up Stroboframe Press-T (http://froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?q=stroboframe+press-T&pid=4813673996745648219&oid=13470607609280387019&btnG=Search+Froogle&lmode=&addr=&scoring=p). I got mine from B&H, but the choice is yours.

Pros:

Convenient natural hand position both in H and V positions.
Flash is on top of the camera in bowh H and V positionsCons

does not fold completely
requires an extra plate to secure the camera (maybe others do too, I don't know)
Requires a coin or a tool to attach the camera. Requires a philips tool to extend/secure the boom.As you may have already figured out:-), the "pros" won - for me, that is.

HTH

So Nick, are you shooting with a 20D? Do you use the battery grip?

Erich

[Nikolai]

So Nick, are you shooting with a 20D? Do you use the battery grip?

Erich

Erich,

Yes, I'm using it with 20D. No, no battery grip.

[goodcrna]

Not so long ago I asked a similar question here at dgrin.
Later I made a decision and picked up Stroboframe Press-T (http://froogle.google.com/froogle_cluster?q=stroboframe+press-T&pid=4813673996745648219&oid=13470607609280387019&btnG=Search+Froogle&lmode=&addr=&scoring=p). I got mine from B&H, but the choice is yours.

Pros:

Convenient natural hand position both in H and V positions.
Flash is on top of the camera in bowh H and V positionsCons

does not fold completely
requires an extra plate to secure the camera (maybe others do too, I don't know)
Requires a coin or a tool to attach the camera. Requires a philips tool to extend/secure the boom.As you may have already figured out:-), the "pros" won - for me, that is.

HTH

Nikolai,
I agree with your review. :thumb I couldn't get to Ann Arbor (2.5 hrs away) to have a look at the Custom Bracket. My local camera store (Norman Camera- www.normancamera.com (http://www.normancamera.com)) had the stroboframe Pro T. I have the Canon 1DmkII and I was able to play with it on a store camera. Your pros and cons are right on. I bought the Pro T and will be using it at a volleyball tournament tomorrow (1/7/06) if the refs allow flash!!...Did you get the quick release with the Press T? Any other advice on using a flash bracket?

Greg