Do you use a bracket?

[frule]

I just posted this on another forum and would like to try it here,too.

I've been experimenting with all types of devices for use at weddings to diffuse,prevent redeye,get the best(and most efficient) use of on-camera flash with my 580EX.
I've tried the Fong products(LS and Whaletail),the Demb Flipit,ABBC,the 580EX with it's small bounce card,and a couple of brackets.I still am not certain which I will end up using.
I like the quality of light from a bracket(and find the "diffusers" to sometimes be too soft).But the hassle of using the heavy bracket is a consideration.
Why do you "bracket-users" prefer them over the other devices.Also,what is your preferred method of shooting in a large,dark room where bounce surfaces are poor?Thanks for advice!

[billash3]

I use a couple of Fong Lightspheres, one clear, one white. I tried the bracket route, shot a couple of weddings with one, then went back to Lightspheres. Not only like the quality of light from them, but couldn't handle all the flipping and awkwardness of brackets. That was my biggest obstacle.....their handling (or lack thereof....).

[ImagesByInku]

I hate brackets. I've never used one, but they just look big and cumbersome.

[DC Fan]

Stroboframe Flip 350, (http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=stroboframe) sometimes with a Lumiquest softbox. Prevents side shadow.

[PacAce]

I hate brackets. I've never used one, but they just look big and cumbersome.

Interesting how you can hate something if you've never used it just by what it looks like. :)

[QX56]

Hahahaha Leo ....you got him .

[Wilt]

Some brackets are cumbersome, some are not. Some are heavy and bulky, some are not. Some required that you reorient the flash head to keep it pointed at the ceiling for bounce, and some do not. Some are 'affordable' (under $100) and some are for someone serious about using brackets ($180+)

Custom Brackets and Newton Brackets are $180+ products that meet the needs of wedding professionals. Both meet the criteria above (except Custom is heavier and bulkier than the awesome Newton).

When bounce surfaces are poor, I like using mini softbox on the flash (mounted on a Newton).

[mckc]

I hate brackets...they are awkward, uncomfortable, heavy, ugly, and do not make much of a diff. at all. IMO.

[SkipD]

I hate brackets...they are awkward, uncomfortable, heavy, ugly, and do not make much of a diff. at all. IMO.If you ONLY shoot with the camera in the "landscape" position - with the flash above the lens - I would agree that a flash bracket would not make much of a difference.

However, if you switch the camera back and forth between "landscape" and "portrait" position, using a decent bracket that can keep the flash above the lens will make a tremendous difference in the images, assuming the flash is contributing a significant percentage of the lighting of the subject(s).

[Curtis N]

I use a bracket when I'm getting paid, and when conditions indicate it.

A bracket can help improve shadow placement for more pleasing images and eliminate redeye. Again, it depends on the conditions.

A bracket is not a substitute for tupperware diffusers or other flash modifiers. But with a good understanding of basic lighting principles, a bracket and the right modifier can be used together quite effectively.

While brackets can be cumbersome, they also help to identify you as the "hired gun", which sometimes makes the job easier.

[jrsforums]

Some brackets are cumbersome, some are not. Some are heavy and bulky, some are not. Some required that you reorient the flash head to keep it pointed at the ceiling for bounce, and some do not. Some are 'affordable' (under $100) and some are for someone serious about using brackets ($180+)

Custom Brackets and Newton Brackets are $180+ products that meet the needs of wedding professionals. Both meet the criteria above (except Custom is heavier and bulkier than the awesome Newton).

When bounce surfaces are poor, I like using mini softbox on the flash (mounted on a Newton).

Wilt...

Agree with everything, particularly "awesome Newton".

Only difference is I prefer my $2. 9"x12" "softbox" (diffuser)
http://super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

I started only using my bracket for special events. I, now, never leave home without it (except for longer range stuff....where I might exchange it for a Better Beamer). Even just shooting the g'kids, the image quality is so much better. I actual use the FR Newton for "everyday" and the CR Newton for "events".

[Mike McCusker]

I appoligize for the momentary hijack. Wilt do you have any shots you can post that you used your softbox set up on?

I have been considering purchasing one...

[Mike McCusker]

I hate brackets...they are awkward, uncomfortable, heavy, ugly, and do not make much of a diff. at all. IMO.

Back on topic, they certainly do make a difference especially in portrait position...

[m3rdpwr]

I have a Custom Bracket's CB Junior that I use on my 20D.

What a solid piece it is and works extremely well.

My only complaint is that it blocks the battery cover and must be removed to replace the battery.

Yes, I have a battery grip that would eliminate that problem, but that it is far too much weight to deal with for me.

-Mario

[bigbaby987]

Stroboframe Flip 350, (http://www.tiffen.com/products.html?tablename=stroboframe) sometimes with a Lumiquest softbox. Prevents side shadow.


I just bought this today.. I let you know if I return it.. Have a wedding to do tomorrow.. I'll shoot with it tonite first though

[m3rdpwr]

On another note, this particular one intrigues me for its compactness STROBOFLIP VH 2000.

http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=300-100

Granted it doesn't get the flash high above the camera, but it does put it on top in correct orientation or so it seems...

-Mario

[cdifoto]

I hate brackets...they are awkward, uncomfortable, heavy, ugly

Some are, yes.

and do not make much of a diff. at all. IMO.
The ones that make very little difference are poorly designed units.

[ironchef31]

On another note, this particular one intrigues me for its compactness STROBOFLIP VH 2000.

http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=300-100

Granted it doesn't get the flash high above the camera, but it does put it on top in correct orientation or so it seems...

-Mario

Or you can get it here
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Flash-Rotating-Bracket-fits-all-SLR-DSLR-camera-US_W0QQitemZ120257017462QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30084QQ cmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

what a price difference

[m3rdpwr]

Or you can get it here
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Flash-Rotating-Bracket-fits-all-SLR-DSLR-camera-US_W0QQitemZ120257017462QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30084QQ cmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

what a price difference

I wouldn't but direct from them.

I was just posting the home site, but thanks... :)

-Mario

EDIT: Just realized it was a copy cat version.
It doesn't appear to come with an anti-twiste plate like the genuine one does.
And maybe can't add one.
I wonder if the installed bracket flash shoe can be removed so I could just screw in my TTL cord in instead of that side grip attachment.
But perhaps okay none the less, thanks...

[René Damkot]

Friend of mine had the Stroboframe RL2000 (http://www.tiffen.com/displayproduct.html?tablename=stroboframe&itemnum=300-300), and wanted to sell it. I gave it a try, but didn't like the bulk.
Also, I didn't like the grip. (Grip was nice, but I think I'd prefer a bracket without one)

Nicely made, but not for me.

I'll bounce or shoot landscape and crop for now ;)

[René Damkot]

Or you can get it here
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Flash-Rotating-Bracket-fits-all-SLR-DSLR-camera-US_W0QQitemZ120257017462QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30084QQ cmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

what a price difference

Hahahaha. Seeing image two they *almost* understand how it's used.
Nice to see though that it makes a Nikon Speedlite work wireless on a Canon camera :lol:

[frule]

Or you can get it here
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Flash-Rotating-Bracket-fits-all-SLR-DSLR-camera-US_W0QQitemZ120257017462QQihZ002QQcategoryZ30084QQ cmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

what a price difference

I have that bracket from that dealer.I'd read about it on several forums and thought I'd try the "cheap" version.

It has 3 main flaws:
(1)It is a bit flimsy-but I don't think it will tear up with moderate use.

(2)The flash,with the camera in vertical orientation,is slightly off-center.....0" to 2"...... depending on the height it is raised to.In horizontal,it's right above then lens.

(3)In vertical position,the height is only at one level where the height is adjustable in horizontal-i.e.if you raise it above it's minimum height in horizontal it moves off-center in vertical.

But,it's very light(8-9 ounces) and does keep the flash higher than the camera's hotshoe and close to centered.And it allows you to bounce in positions other than straight-up vertical(like the WhaleTail).It operates fairly smoothly from horizontal to vertical.

I looked at the "camera-flip" version by Stroboframe and decided against it due to the weight(it's about twice the VH2000).The weight is a big consideration for me and 8 more ounces is a good bit).I'm still experimenting with it.

[DC Fan]

I just bought this today.. I let you know if I return it.. Have a wedding to do tomorrow.. I'll shoot with it tonite first though

I once used one of the inexpensive right-angle flash brackets, then switched to the Stroboframe. The flip function works well when you need to switch from landscape mode to portrait mode, a switch I need to make from shot to shot when taking flash images.

I made a couple of changes to the bracket. There's no retaining strap, so I made one out of a leftover strap from a camera bag. I just like having that strap on the back of my hand so there's a smaller chance of dropping the thing.

I also removed the bracket's screw shoe and attached the shoe from a Canon off shoe cord to the bracket's swingarm. The cable stays with the bracket all the time so it doesn't get lost.

I've had five cameras and four flashes on the Stroboframe over the last few years, and the bracket has lasted well. The only adjustment it's needed is to tighten the swingarm pivot every year or so. Also, the plastic flange on the original tripod mount screw fell off, so I had to buy a replacement.

[_aravena]

I was thinking about the VH2000 being somewhat similar to the Newton and then I read the review on the ebay version. Idk, might get the Ebay version and some light spheres and see what I like. Weddings coming at the end of the season so I need something, more like a second body first than anything. *sigh*

[m3rdpwr]

I also removed the bracket's screw shoe and attached the shoe from a Canon off shoe cord to the bracket's swingarm.

That's what I needed to know.

Now I wonder if the copy cat ebay version does the same...

-Me

[ben_r_]

I use the Stroboframe Pro RL bracket. Im not 100% happy with it, but among those that I have tried I like it the best.

[ImagesByInku]

Interesting how you can hate something if you've never used it just by what it looks like. :)

I'm all about looking cool. In my mind, flash bracket = jean shorts or head gear for your braces. Just kidding. Sort of. So far, I haven't felt the need to use one. I suppose if ever a time came when I felt that I needed one, I might try one. As long as it didn't deduct points from my coolness factor. :lol:

[airfrogusmc]

this is what I use

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_5090.jpg

I try and use a gel to match the ambient. Those are Nikon gels and they fit the Metz 58 pretty good.

A piece of white art board and velcro. It works as good if not better than anything else I've tried.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_5091.jpg

Results (Past Sat AM) not a great photo but you can get an idea of the results.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y118/airfrogusmc/IMG_7067.jpg

[claybuster]

I use the Stroboframe Pro RL bracket. Im not 100% happy with it, but among those that I have tried I like it the best.
I also have this bracket. And I feel the same about it as Ben. I also use this bracket for macro work by hanging my 580exII upside down and directing the flash head towad the front of the lens.
Mike