Tripod accessory for EOS Speedlights

[bonneyda]

I want to use my 580EX as a "master" and (2) 550EX units as "slaves". I have tripods for the 550's. What is the best brand accessory to attach the 550's to the tripods?

Thanks for your thoughts.............

Dave

[Az2Africa]

The little stand that came in the case with the speedlight has a tripod thread on the bottom. Any $20 tripod will screw into it.

[bonneyda]

Thanks, this is the first time I will use all three flash units so I didn't discover that it was fitted with a female thread on the bottom to accept a tripid.

:D Thanks again......

Ps. Any suggestions on shooting a wedding using this flash set up? I will be using a 20D with a flash bracket (quick flip), 17-40L, 28-135IS, and 100-400LIS and of course (3) tripods.

[PacAce]

The stand that comes with the flash is OK for home use but if you're going to be doing anything serious, I would recommend you get a real flash bracket. The stand that comes with the flash is made of plastic and that goes for the screw hole, too, and is very easy to strip. Sigma does a better job with their flash stand since the female thread is actually made of metal.

Something like this is what I'd recommend (there are several companies that make them). This bracket has provisions for mounting an umbrella, too, in case you wanted to go that route, too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=298709&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[markubig]

Is there a specific stand/tripod that you can use for speedlites? I've been using a cheap tripod, but want something more sturdy that is made for lighting.

[PacAce]

I have one of these:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=253069&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

But if you want a regular one (non-heavy duty), there is this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=253074&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

There are other brands out there, too, but get the air-cushioned ones if you can help it.

[Headcase650]

A speedlight and an umbrella weigh nearly nothing compaired to a monolight. If you dont plan on buying heavier lights there are plenty of less exspensive ($15) stands on ebay, and many come with the umbrella bracket.