Flash Brackets

[manncer]

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :shock:

Anybody know what would be a good flash bracket for the 10D and Rebel. I looked at some on BH Photo, but am getting confused as to how they hook up and how to keep the dedicated function for the 550EX?

Thanks
manncer

[MediaMagic]

:?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :?: :shock:

Anybody know what would be a good flash bracket for the 10D and Rebel. I looked at some on BH Photo, but am getting confused as to how they hook up and how to keep the dedicated function for the 550EX?

Thanks
manncer

I shoot with the 10D + BG-ED3

For starters, you'll need a Canon off camera shoe cord II
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=12972&is=REG

I use two different brackets:
First one for tripod work
Custom Brackets camera rotation bracket
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=271335&is=REG

if you use the BG-ED3 battery pack, you'll need this mounting plate for the Custom Brackets (this is the one I use)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=283922&is=REG

or you may be able to use this one (says EOS with battery grip, but I've never tried it. It doesn't have the "foot" that allows the bracket to stand flat on a table):
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241714&is=REG

Without BG-ED3, it'd be best to check the website www.custombrackets.com and ask, or ask at B&H because I don't remember what part number it is.

you'll need this flash arm attachment because the off camera shoe cord will mount right on the screw:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241724&is=REG

if you want to mount it on a tripod, you'll need this adapter:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=241689&is=REG

Unfortunately, there are no anti-twist plates available for the CB camera rotation brackets. Stupid.

*note* you cannot mount a 70-200L or 100-400L to the Custom Brackets using the tripod ring. The foot of the ring is too long. You have to raise the mounting plate, then use the tripod ring for the rotation. I mostly use the CB with the 50 and 85mm primes, or the 24-70L.


Second bracket for hand holding and monopod use with my heavier lenses:
Stroboframe ProT flash flipping bracket.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=S earchBar&A=search&Q=%2A&shs=stroboframe++proT&imag e.x=0&image.y=0

This hot shoe mount will keep the flash from twisting. Mount the Off Camera Shoe cord to this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=52772&is=REG

It's not necessary for operation, but, you will want this anti-twist plate to make your life easier:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=AaOgx7Cb5z!-1916331409?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=103039&i s=REG

Stroboframe Contact info:
The Saunders Group
21 Jet View Drive
Rochester, NY 14624
Phone: 585.328.7800
Fax: 585.328.5078

That's my bracket list. The Stroboframe is quite a bit lighter and probably the most versatile because of that light weight. I'm pretty sure all the parts are correct, but, just in case, be sure you call and ask B&H for the exact parts you'll need. They're very helpful.

There are a number of other brands and styles you can check. Stratos is one, for example. Stroboframe also make the Press-T, a shorter version of the Pro-T, and Custom Brackets makes the new CB Junior, which is a flash flip similar to the Press-T.

Hope this gets you started at least.

[manncer]

:)

Thanks for the great reply

manncer

[scottbergerphoto]

Two other options that I am partial to are:
1. Stroboframe Pro RL http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=S earchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=stroboframe+pro+rl
2. Bogen/Manfrotto 3429. This is my most used bracket because its adjustment knobs and telescoping flash arm allow it to fold up nicely and fit into my shoulder bag. It's also inexpensive. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=AgCLLEJMRi!-159803130?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=ye s&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=bogen+3429
Regards,
scott

[PhotoSlacker]

Good Info here :) thanks
:D

[kanwingshing]

I am a user of the Pro-T by stroboframe also but I must say I am not too impressed :(
First, hinge on the arm gets lose easily. So when you put the flash on, sometime it's gonna rotate itself and gets into your way.
Second, the anti twist made of EOS 1 is not suitable for 10D, as it block the door to the battery compartment (when you are using battery grip). So if you are using it, try to find another kind of anti-twist plate.
Third, the screw that fix the backet onto the camera gets loose very easily too. It's a headache.

[scottbergerphoto]

I am a user of the Pro-T by stroboframe also but I must say I am not too impressed :(
First, hinge on the arm gets lose easily. So when you put the flash on, sometime it's gonna rotate itself and gets into your way.
Second, the anti twist made of EOS 1 is not suitable for 10D, as it block the door to the battery compartment (when you are using battery grip). So if you are using it, try to find another kind of anti-twist plate.
Third, the screw that fix the backet onto the camera gets loose very easily too. It's a headache.
Take a look at the Pro RL.
Scott

[DaisyHead]

Another vote for the Pro RL, coming from a wedding guy. The "problem" with the CB recommended to you above, is that there is a "handle" on the left hand side. This handle does absolutely nothing but get in the way. If you think about it, you hold the camera grip with your right hand. Your left hand is either on the lens for zooming or at the camera base for support. What's the handle on the left side for?

With the Pro RL, the post/handle is on the right. The base has a hand grip for support while focusing/zooming and a kickstand. Check it out.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=S earchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=stroboframe+PRO+RL

Another company called JustRite brackets make some very good ones too. When my ProRL retires, I will get a JustRite.

As a whole, these brackets are called "camera rotator". There's also "flash rotator" made by Newton that is also very nice.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=225038&is=REG

[MediaMagic]

Another vote for the Pro RL, coming from a wedding guy. The "problem" with the CB recommended to you above, is that there is a "handle" on the left hand side. This handle does absolutely nothing but get in the way. If you think about it, you hold the camera grip with your right hand. Your left hand is either on the lens for zooming or at the camera base for support. What's the handle on the left side for?


Well, I use the CB for tripod work, as mentioned above, so the handle doesn't get in the way of anything. What the handle is good for is an aid for positioning the camera and holding it steady while you tighten down the head, or for panning. Other than that, I have to agree, it serves no useful purpose. I certainly wouldn't recommend the CB for hand holding, walking around taking candids. It's simply too heavy - handle "problem" aside.

The other good thing about the CB for tripod work is that the EV model is so sturdy that you can mount a ton of other stuff to it if you want. That sturdiness has a price of extra weight.

For hand holding, also mentioned above, I prefer the light weight Stroboframe Pro-T. The Pro RL does look good. I did try one and liked it in the store, but it's quite a bit heavier than the flash flip and since I already had the CB "rotation bracket", I opted for the flash flip for the very light weight.

I think for handholding, the lightest weight possible with the functionality you want is the ultimate goal for shooting comfort over time.

Pro L = net 33 oz.
Pro T = net 14 oz.
Press T = net 11 oz.
CB Junior = net 17 oz.

[MediaMagic]

I am a user of the Pro-T by stroboframe also but I must say I am not too impressed :(
First, hinge on the arm gets lose easily. So when you put the flash on, sometime it's gonna rotate itself and gets into your way.
Second, the anti twist made of EOS 1 is not suitable for 10D, as it block the door to the battery compartment (when you are using battery grip). So if you are using it, try to find another kind of anti-twist plate.
Third, the screw that fix the backet onto the camera gets loose very easily too. It's a headache.

As with any camera gear, it's a very personal choice. I haven't had the problems with the hinge or mounting screw. Yes, the anti-twist plate does block the battery door. Maybe there is a better one available? I don't know. The thing is, for me, I've never needed to change batteries. The most shots I've taken at a single event was around 500. I was never really close to being out of power. I can see it could be an issue for someone needing to swap batteries in a hurry.

The Pro-L is more solid, but wouldn't that bracket have the same issues with the anti-twist plate and loosening of the camera mount screw?

[DaveG]

I am a user of the Pro-T by stroboframe also but I must say I am not too impressed :(
First, hinge on the arm gets lose easily. So when you put the flash on, sometime it's gonna rotate itself and gets into your way.
Second, the anti twist made of EOS 1 is not suitable for 10D, as it block the door to the battery compartment (when you are using battery grip). So if you are using it, try to find another kind of anti-twist plate.
Third, the screw that fix the backet onto the camera gets loose very easily too. It's a headache.

As with any camera gear, it's a very personal choice. I haven't had the problems with the hinge or mounting screw. Yes, the anti-twist plate does block the battery door. Maybe there is a better one available? I don't know. The thing is, for me, I've never needed to change batteries. The most shots I've taken at a single event was around 500. I was never really close to being out of power. I can see it could be an issue for someone needing to swap batteries in a hurry.

The Pro-L is more solid, but wouldn't that bracket have the same issues with the anti-twist plate and loosening of the camera mount screw?

I agree.

I wish that the anti-twist plate had Mamiya type pins but Canon's don't and probably never will, so that lip thing is all they can do. I just wish that the lip went all around the plate so that the bottom of the grip was supported on both sides of the plate.

For the user who said that the screw loosens, it will; UNLESS you make sure that the whole edge of the lip is very snug against the camera or BG-ED3. If there's the least amount of space between the anti-twist plate and the camera, then the whole thing will loosen and far too quickly. But if it IS snug then it won't loosen at all.

I don't particularly care that the plate covers the battery door. Changing the batteries is something that I just don't need to do very often. And this type of anti-twist plate is on every bracket - as far as I know- including the camera rotating ones. And let me say right here that the cork "anti-twist" pad isn't worth a pinch of salt!

I'm also not too keen on how the flash arm flips over if you aren't careful. But the solution to that is my biggest gripe about any of the camera rotating brackets and that's their weight. They are far too heavy for me. And having some type of pivot clamp would mean more weight on the Pro-T bracket.

If I do wish that the vertical arm on the Pro-T was about another inch longer. With the 10D, the BG-ED3 and a 550 EX; the flash is not quite over the lens when you are in a vertical shooting position. Since the whole purpose of this bracket is to do this, then there is a design fault, at least for this camera/flash/bracket combination. Still, it's a lot better than having the flash in the hotshoe.

[MediaMagic]

I just wish that the lip went all around the plate so that the bottom of the grip was supported on both sides of the plate.



Here is one I was looking at. The dimensions are not listed though so I have no idea whether it would fit properly. It's for the Elan II/e with BP-50. This anti-twist plate has the double lip. Of course, I bet the dimensions are different for the BG-ED3, and I can't find dimension specs for the BP-50.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=201262&is=REG