Flash Bracket or else?

[gnnbtrn]

I am not happy with my pictures shoot vertically indoors with flash.
The pictures have light up on one side more than another one.
The only situation I really need it is wedding. I can live with it on any other occasion, but not weddings where the higher quality is expected.

I have 580 flash directly on the camera. Horizontal shoots are more or less ok, I use either built-in reflector, or piece of paper, like better bounce card.
Vertically I try to bounce from ceiling, but it does not work well with predictable results. Sometimes the ceiling is not white, sometimes it's not straight.

Tried sto-fen. It is light up more evenly, but again, only one side.

I used to have a flash bracket. I have sold it long time ago. As fas as I can remember, I liked it.
BUT.... It adds weight - I have 30D + Grip + 24-70 + 580 = BIG WEIGHT.
If I add bracket, will I be able to hold it????
The second thing about bracket is that I'd like to be able to put on and take off the bracket easily.

I'm sure I'm not the first to have this problem, please help!
What would you do?

PS - Please, do not offer Gary Fong Lightsphere as a solution. I looked at it and found that it has some limitations, and it will not work for me.

[cdifoto]

Yep sounds like you need a bracket for those times you cannot bounce. I like using a Newton, because when I bounce (which is all the time) I can leave the flash in one position and rotate my camera accordingly. I don't have to keep adjusting the flash every time I move from landscape to portrait and back again. It keeps the flash over the lens in the same manner 100% of the time. The Newton also adds virtually nothing in weight. It's also easy to remove and install, though you won't be doing it with every other shot you take. It's just easy to break down and set up before and after a day.

[gnnbtrn]

Yep sounds like you need a bracket for those times you cannot bounce. I like using a Newton, because when I bounce (which is all the time) I can leave the flash in one position and rotate my camera accordingly. I don't have to keep adjusting the flash every time I move from landscape to portrait and back again. It keeps the flash over the lens in the same manner 100% of the time. The Newton also adds virtually nothing in weight. It's also easy to remove and install, though you won't be doing it with every other shot you take. It's just easy to break down and set up before and after a day.

Thanks! I had Newton, but sold it. I am not sure about it, b/c it needs to have a plate attached to the camera body. But I already have Kirk plate on it.
What Newton model do you use?

[cdifoto]

I use the flash rotator model since it has more room under the lens than the camera rotator. It's easier to access the zoom ring. In fact there's zero interference from the bracket.

Do you really need your Kirk plate for a wedding?

[gnnbtrn]

I use the flash rotator model since it has more room under the lens than the camera rotator. It's easier to access the zoom ring. In fact there's zero interference from the bracket.

Thanks, I'll look into it

Do you really need your Kirk plate for a wedding?
Yes, i do, for formal pictures taken outside, and more importantly for group pictures. I set the camera with remote release on tripod, and direct people without looking into the viewfounder.

[cdifoto]

Ah IC. I don't use a tripod so it hasn't been an issue for me. There is a thread hole on the bottom of the bracket for a QR plate if you want to add one, but you wouldn't be able to use the L type...it's too far from center. You'd be able to use a standard flat plate though.

[gnnbtrn]

Ah IC. I don't use a tripod so it hasn't been an issue for me....

You must be very strong.:)
For group pictures, I have to copy/paste some faces more than I want to. So tripod is absolutely necessary for me.

[cdifoto]

Money gives me strength. :lol:

[Wilt]

You must be very strong.:)
For group pictures, I have to copy/paste some faces more than I want to. So tripod is absolutely necessary for me.

My medium format SLR with autowinder, zoom lens, Metz flash, radio remote and Newton bracket = 10 lb.

In comparison, a 40D and grip and 24-70, flash and bracket and radio remote is about 7 lbs.

You can see why I chose Newton as my bracket for wedding coverage!

[gnnbtrn]

Thanks!!!
I really have to look into Newton. Can I attach newton plate to existing Kirk?

[Wilt]

As cdiphoto mentioned the QR base plate of the Newton bracket has a threaded hole which can mount a QR baseplate from a tripod head.

A customized plate, such as from RRS, that fits your Canon would not be a custom fit on the Newton, obviously!

[gnnbtrn]

As cdiphoto mentioned the QR base plate of the Newton bracket has a threaded hole which can mount a QR baseplate from a tripod head.

A customized plate, such as from RRS, that fits your Canon would not be a custom fit on the Newton, obviously!

ThankS!

[sapearl]

Hi Gnn, like Wilt I am partial to the Newton and have used mine for a little over a year and half now for about 8000+ shots - weddings, bar mitzvah's, social events. I can't say enough good about it. Here are some related posts that may be of interest to you:

About Brackets:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=300375 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=300375)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=138405 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=138405)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=159280 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=159280)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=185051 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=185051)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=150493 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=150493)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=212708 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=212708)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=214657 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=214657)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=225538 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=225538)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=226539 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=226539)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=249796 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=249796)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=259060 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=259060)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=151127 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=151127)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3854117 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=3854117)

I do have a Newton plate always mounted on the bottom of my 5D, but it's not a problem. I think that particular bracket only added around 12 oz or so. - Stu

I am not happy with my pictures shoot vertically indoors with flash.
The pictures have light up on one side more than another one.
The only situation I really need it is wedding. I can live with it on any other occasion, but not weddings where the higher quality is expected.....

[sapearl]

Here is a series of photos I shot of my Newton:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=338933

[cdifoto]

And here's mine (the flash flip model):

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/gear/2007-07-16-newton.jpg

[sapearl]

Nicely done shots cdi - illustrates the bracket function well.

[cdifoto]

Thanks Stu.

[sapearl]

Hey, it's always a pleasure to recognize good work ;).

Thanks Stu.

[joeseph]

All this technology! you could always shoot landscape & crop later...

[sapearl]

Sure, you could - I've done it, but then you're not making full use of the negative/sensor. Better yet, shoot medium format square ;).

All this technology! you could always shoot landscape & crop later...

[Ray Marrero]

Being able to hold a heavy camera for hours is part of job. That's why we get paid the big bucks. Maybe you should stick to a small point and shoot.

[Mark_48]

And here's mine (the flash flip model):

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/gear/2007-07-16-newton.jpg

Umm, what's up with the custom mod :cool: of the flash cord at the shoe? :smile:

[jargaguy]

I got a Custom Bracket Pro M. Last week and find it very useful! It swivels easily from Hor. to Vert. and keeps the flash in place. It has a foam pad to grip & it another foam pad for support under lens.

I got the Lumiquest Pro-Max 80-20 System to go along with it and it works very well for my needs.

It's not that heavy, but it's not light!


JA

[cdifoto]

Umm, what's up with the custom mod :cool: of the flash cord at the shoe? :smile:

I shortened the OC-E2 but had no proper way of professionally soldering it and sealing it. So I just electrical taped the snot out of it.

I use a the Shoe Cord 3 now, but haven't shortened it. I simply twisty-tied it to the bracket instead.

[sapearl]

I haven't shortened mine cdi - not that brave ;) - but I take up the modest slack with a velcro strap... the kind that you use to hold Cat5 cable or other wiring together.

....I use a the Shoe Cord 3 now, but haven't shortened it. I simply twisty-tied it to the bracket instead.

[cdifoto]

That's cool. I just found a black twisty tie from one of those corded electronics items I buy every now and then. Or maybe it was from a loaf of bread. I dunno. Works great though because it fits in through the quick release plate and lets me set the cord right up on the ledge you see there next to the shoe of the cord itself.

As a side note...I'm not really that brave either. I had already ordered the Shoe Cord 3 and just wanted to see if I could successfully shorten the old one. The threads are busted and I had to super glue a 1/4" to 3/8" tripod bushing in it, hence the electrical tape helping hold it onto the bracket. I figured the cord for a total loss anyway. But it still works so I keep it in the bag just in case.

[sapearl]

Asolutely.. ;), have used many a "twisty" over the years for tidying things up. I just happened to have the velcro straps left over from an unrelated project, was staring at them one while trying to untangle the OC cord... and bingo - inspiration hit.:lol:


That's cool. I just found a black twisty tie from one of those corded electronics items I buy every now and then. Or maybe it was from a loaf of bread. I dunno. Works great though because it fits in through the quick release plate and lets me set the cord right up on the ledge you see there next to the shoe of the cord itself.

[cdifoto]

Nice. I think that's how I came across the twisty idea. Frustration, look over... and as Gomer would say... SHAZAM! :lol: