Flash brackets

[tim]

One question: why use flash brackets on your camera?

[robertwgross]

Why use a flash bracket?

You want to move the external flash unit several inches away from the axis of the lens, and you want to move it in the direction of being directly above the lens, despite whether you are shooting horizontally or vertically. You really can't do that without a flash bracket.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

Is there much advantage getting the flash even higher than the 550EX type flashes stand? It's already like 6 inches from the lens. Or is it more for when you shoot with the camera sideways?

[jbradc]

The higher the flash the less noticeable the shadows behind your subject will be. Every Wedding I shoot I use the 550EX on a Stroboframe Pro-T Bracket. It gets the flash head about 12-16 inches above the camera and flips so the flash stays centered over the lens when shooting vertical.

[Huckaback Photo]

Hello Jbradc
Curious to see what this flash bracket looks like , sounds a good bit of kit
I use both 550ex and 580ex flash units and so far have never found a bracket to equal my Metz 45 series flash , been considering the new grip canon announced with the arrival of the new 580ex.not found the actual bracket in a shop here as yet also price here is £125 approx.
any info please would be much appreciated.
Cheers
Martin (huckaback photo)

[jbradc]

Hello Jbradc
Curious to see what this flash bracket looks like , sounds a good bit of kit


Here you go...
http://www.tiffen.com/Stroboframe_ProT_page.htm

[Huckaback Photo]

Really appreciate the speed of your reply.
had only a quick look at there info but will study properly later .
What can i say, you are a star.
Many thanks
Martin
P.s. just checked your gallery some real nice wedding shots you have there well done.

[jbradc]

Glad to help, and thanks for your kind words. It is always good to hear complements from fellow photographers.

[robertwgross]

I think there are few self-respecting wedding photographers that would go to shoot a wedding without a flash and flash bracket.

---Bob Gross---

[jbradc]

I think there are few self-respecting wedding photographers that would go to shoot a wedding without a flash and flash bracket.

---Bob Gross---
Agreed :wink:

[Mike Panic]

i shoot w/ the press-t bracket.. its a lil more compact then the pro-t but worth every penny

[nosquare2003]

Why use a flash bracket?

You want to move the external flash unit several inches away from the axis of the lens, and you want to move it in the direction of being directly above the lens, despite whether you are shooting horizontally or vertically. You really can't do that without a flash bracket.

---Bob Gross---

Or set the camera on a tripod. Use your hand to pick up the flash. It's just an option...though a flash bracket is convenient.

[Akreager]

I think it is best when possible to use a fast lens and available light....that said flash is often neccessary. I agree with some of what was said above and disagree with other parts. My two cents is as follows:

High eliminates some shadows behind your subject, eliminates redeye, and adds some dimension to the face. For me center of my flash mounted softbox (see below) is about a foot or so above the lens axis.

I like to get the flash high per above and off center (not straight above the lens) by about six to eight inches (off center adds a little more dimension to the face and allows you to use a very simple L shaped bracket ($30). It still works when you go verticle. It is now 12 inches off center and 6 inches above lens axis. The only trick is getting use to rotating clockwise instead of the usual counter clockwise.

Off center does not hide the shadow behind as well as on axis flash so I soften it by using a dome clipped on the front of the flash AND either a Westcott 5X8 folding Micro Appolo soft box ($35)or a 12X16 folding soft box from Photoflex ($100 with the hardware). Besides softening the shadows behind the subject it also softens the shadows on the subjects face and makes them look much better.

I use the 12X16 PF as often as possible, but it sometimes intimidates or attracts attention so I often set it up (5-10 min), stage it, start with the Westcott (less than one min), and use it after the ice is broken.

May sound like some effort but the results can not be beat. I got my first 3 wedding jobs because I used this set up for candids throughout the weekend at my brother in law's wedding. I was not the actuall Photographer, but the bride liked my stuff much better than his and reccomended me to her freinds. They obviously did too since they hired me.

If you get the right type of bracket you can take the camera off real quick and stick the bracket onto a light stand (less than one min), put the camera on a tripod real quick (less than one min), pull another flash out of your pocket and wala...a two flash system. have someone hold a white reflector for fill and put the second flash high on a second stand and use as a hair light. Unfold an 8x16 collapsable Muslin backdrop and lean it against the wall and you have a set up that comes close (no it does not equal) to a studio portrait set up. I have gotten good at this and can do the set up in less than five minutes while I am talking to people. all the stuff folds and stores in the a camera bage and one small light stand bag (the background colapses to about a 3 foot flat circle). With Nikon and Canon you can use the camera to meter and set the flash exposure using their i-ttl wireless capabilites (each has their advantages and disadvantages but both oare great). It really is amazing how well it works after the learning curve is over.

For Canon

$1000 for two 580EX and a wirless controler ST-2
100 for two light stands
135 for the Photoflex and Westcot softboxes
140 for the collapsable background
50 for two swivle mount light stand to hot shoe adaptors
30 L flash bracket........................................... ......$1450 for an amazing portable system. You can even add gels for effect or to balance abient light color temperature if ambient light is strong flourecent or tungsten. just tape them over the flash head and set the right white balance.

Maybe more information than some want but it took me a long time to get to this point and I wanted to share. If anyone wants more info they can e-mail me at andy.kreager@equistar.com
Andy K

[robertwgross]

Or set the camera on a tripod. Use your hand to pick up the flash. It's just an option...though a flash bracket is convenient.

This is an excellent solution, as long as you have three hands.

I generally have one hand around the shutter button and dial. Then one hand goes at the zoom barrel. I don't have any hands left for holding a flash unit.

The other thing is that a flash bracket holds the flash unit at a repeatable distance from your lens axis. For several dozen wedding shots, that is important to have the shadows looking the same from one to another.

---Bob Gross---

[Akreager]

To each their own. It works for me. I do not do this for every routine shot, but the feedback I get on the ones I do use it for is great. I would challenge you to even come close to this technique with just a flash bracket when you have a dificult shot of bride and groom on the bridge or in the Gazeebo - the one that is going to be blown up and hung on wall for decades. Or maybe you are one of those volume discount shooters that is just looking for quick workflow and to make a big buck. for me it quality first and I always have an assistant with me so I do have four hands, but hey....I have a day job to pay the bills. I only earn 20% of my bucks from pics.

[robertwgross]

I only earn 20% of my bucks from pics.

Well, I recommend you try a good flash bracket to improve your shots, and maybe you can increase the percentage.

Flash brackets work cheaper than assistants.

---Bob Gross---

[Huckaback Photo]

Theres a very good reason why so many professional photographers over the years bought
Metz 60 series and 45 series, hammer head type flashunits, appart the versatillity & high power.
the bracket arrangement is just great if you have used one you know exactly what i mean. as mentioned above stick a soft box over the head Wow!!!
Now Canon for some reason do not actually have something as good as far as can see.
the new bracket introduced at the same time as 580ex flash, may work ok for sum, however it needs pos 3 connection points (bottom / side / and cable.) surely it would not be difficult to produce L shape grip to accept 550/580 etc. with quick release and a compatible hot shoe allready built in (if you remember the older Vivitar 283 grip bracket you know what i mean) .
both guns swivel in all necessary directions when on bracket and work well.
some independent set ups certainly work but look a bit over the top (pardon the pun)
Any thoughts.

Bob, I go with you as above Re :assistants.
However they can be usefull ????? Take note flash on camera or bracket and you know where its pointing. put it in your mates hand and hopefully he's not pointed it at sky or even the camera.
Cheers
Martin (Huckaback Photo)

[nosquare2003]

This is an excellent solution, as long as you have three hands.

I generally have one hand around the shutter button and dial. Then one hand goes at the zoom barrel. I don't have any hands left for holding a flash unit.

The other thing is that a flash bracket holds the flash unit at a repeatable distance from your lens axis. For several dozen wedding shots, that is important to have the shadows looking the same from one to another.

---Bob Gross---

Bob, thanks for your viewpoint as a wedding photographer.

I'm not a wedding photographer but I don't think that the original question was intended to use a flash bracket in a wedding? If so, I'm not qualified for a reply.

I don't have to use my 3rd hand to zoom because I would use a prime lens.

You are right that the distance of the flash bracket is repeatable. Sometimes it's good. Sometimes it's a drawback.

[davidwegs]

The higher the flash the less noticeable the shadows behind your subject will be. Every Wedding I shoot I use the 550EX on a Stroboframe Pro-T Bracket. It gets the flash head about 12-16 inches above the camera and flips so the flash stays centered over the lens when shooting vertical.

Not to mention that if you want to use a transmitter for an off camera flash as well, the bracket gets the flash off the shoe and gives the transmitter a spot.

If you use a Lightsphere II (Gary Fongs) it sits directly on the camera and gives a nice light quality even in portrait orientation.

[blackviolet]

i use a custombrackets qrs-35-ev (http://www.custombrackets.com/scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=19) and mount both of my flashes together. it takes a little while to get used to holding it with your left hand, especially since the handle is oriented to tilt the camera down until you have it at your eye. once you are used to it, however, it's fantastic!

[VentureFox]

Hi,

Does anyone have an idea who sell the Strobofram Pro-T in the U.K.? Are the antitwist plates necessary for a 580EX?

Responses are greatly appreciated.

Regards

[tim]

Just order fom B&H in the states, I do. The anti-twist plate sits between the camera and the bracket, and I strongly encourage you to get the metal one - a cheap cork one comes with the bracket but isn't very effective. The metal one's not expensive.

[hamm3r]

Does a flash bracket normally come with a cable to connect to your flash or must it be purchased separately?

Does the cable connect to the spot that the flash normally does?

Do you need to use your omnibounce or lightsphere II when using a bracket?

Do you still need to bounce at all?

[tim]

Does a flash bracket normally come with a cable to connect to your flash or must it be purchased separately?

Does the cable connect to the spot that the flash normally does?

Do you need to use your omnibounce or lightsphere II when using a bracket?

Do you still need to bounce at all?


1. Seperately.
2. Yes.
3. Not need, but it helps.
4. Sometimes, not so often for me.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Does a flash bracket normally come with a cable to connect to your flash or must it be purchased separately?

Does the cable connect to the spot that the flash normally does?

Do you need to use your omnibounce or lightsphere II when using a bracket?

Do you still need to bounce at all?


The purpose behind bouncing the light is to provide a broader light source as well as a change in the light(flash) direction.

The flash bracket provides neither a broader light source (flash is still the flash) nor changes the direction of the light.

The flash bracket does increase the angle between the light(flash) and the camera lens which helps one avoid red-eye.

[hamm3r]

Thanks for the responses.

...hmm

It almost sounds like if I am using the Lightsphere II and do not have a red-eye problem, then a flash bracket will not improve the lighting in my photos.

I get a feeling that I am not correct, because everyone seems to say a flash bracket is a necessity for events.

I can't find anything about this in the EOS FLASH BIBLE.

[Todd Jacobsen]

I own the LSII and it is not the diffuser godsend. It is a diffuser. You still have to worry about shadow locations and over the lens is always better than to the side. The LSII tells the tale that when shooting portrait, you don't need to worry about the light(flash) location. I would disagree.

[tim]

What Todd said - get both.

[kbsmith]

sorry to bring up this old thread, but it's what I found when I was searching brackets.

I have a 20d, and was curious which bracket to use. I have the 280ex, and soon to have the 580ex. I'm new to all of this, and would appreciate any support I can get.

oh, I mostly shoot action stuff, but have been doing portrait type stuff lately.

thanks in advance.

[tim]

I wouldn't bother for action, and for portrait since you should be using off camera flash it's probably not worthwhile either.

[robertwgross]

I have the 280ex, ...

What is that?

It isn't a Canon number that I recognize.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

What is that?

It isn't a Canon number that I recognize.

How does it help to point out trivial mistakes? A few numbers followed by EX indicate that it's an external Canon flash unit, they all do the same thing. Let's pretend it's a 580EX, like kbsmith say they'd have soon.

[gmen]

Hi,

Does anyone have an idea who sell the Strobofram Pro-T in the U.K.? Are the antitwist plates necessary for a 580EX?

Responses are greatly appreciated.

Regards

http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/

---- Gavin

[robertwgross]

How does it help to point out trivial mistakes? A few numbers followed by EX indicate that it's an external Canon flash unit, they all do the same thing. Let's pretend it's a 580EX, like kbsmith say they'd have soon.

Tim, we don't know if that is a trivial mistake. There are other similar Canon numbers such as 220EX and 380EX, and we don't want to assume anything incorrectly.

---Bob Gross---

[kbsmith]

I meant the 220ex - it's a much older model - and was a gift. I was in a hurry - sorry about that.

I'm aware I wont need a bracket for action stuff. But what I've been asked to do a lot of lately is modeling type stuff, engagement pictures etc... and I used a friends bracket, but I had to remove my battery grip for it all to fit right.

all I'm asking is what bracket would be appropriate for this type of stuff? I do not own any other lighting equipment, aside from the 220ex, and what I rent on a day to day basis for what I'm doing. I'm not looking for anything too expensive, but nonetheless - quality.

[tim]

Any bracket will do the job. Look at the Stroboframe ones at http://tiffen.com and search the brackets at B&H. Depends what you want and how much you want to spend.

[Xtrema]

I purchased a flip frame thinking I would get the flash above the lens but with the Big Ed battery pack the flash arm sits nearly at the top of the camera and you don't get any elevation change. With a D60 and BG-ED on the bottom, is there a nice bracket that would work with the 550 EX and cord? I'd like to be set up for informal portraits from tripod.

[bokeh'ed]

thanks to Tim, i just got my Pro-T and AT plates after 4days' of waiting:D everything works fine.....
Any bracket will do the job. Look at the Stroboframe ones at http://tiffen.com and search the brackets at B&H. Depends what you want and how much you want to spend.

[Mark_48]

It might be worth noting to the folks that have EX series flashes and are considering a bracket, that they'll also want to get Canon's "Off Camera Shoe Cord 2" to couple the flash back to the camera to maintain the ETTL-II capability.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=12972&is=REG&addedTroughValue=348457_GREY&addedTroughType=accessory

I presently have a Stroboframe Folding Flip bracket. It does fold up nicely for stowing in the camera bag, but the additional hinge joint allows a bit more looseness than I particularly care for. For now it does the job, I will upgrade to something better in the future.

Tim, Good thread you've gotten started here !!

[Inspired Photography]

I use a Stroboframe Pro-RL on my 20D w/grip, using anti-twist plates on the camera and flash. It gets great results with the 420EX or 580EX (and i assume everything else, but haven't personally done it). Attached is a pic of my rig if that is of any help.

Rob

[Todd Jacobsen]

I use a Stroboframe Pro-RL on my 20D w/grip, using anti-twist plates on the camera and flash. It gets great results with the 420EX or 580EX (and i assume everything else, but haven't personally done it). Attached is a pic of my rig if that is of any help.

Rob

I second the Pro-RL, I have two of them (one for my wife and I). What you can't see very well is the grip on the RL which is immediately under the lens.

This forces the shooter to position his support arm against his body which is INFINITELY easier on long shoots (weddings) compared to a side grip (off of the flash support).

The RL is heavier than the Pro-T but the bracket isn't the weight factor it's your camera and lens.

The RL also allows you to attach it to a tripod and you can get both portait and landscape shots because the swivel is actually the camera mount which part on the bracket itself.

Nice pic Rob

Rob's picture shows an additional purchase which is the stroboframe flash release under the Canon cable. You can attach the Canon cable directly to the RL but that limits your ability to move the flash off of the bracket. I haven't found a good reason to remove the flash yet so I would debate that purchase (the extra strobo flash mount).

[Mark_48]

Is the Pro-RL swiveling of the camera orientation fairly easy - can it be changed quickly without too much difficulty ?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Is the Pro-RL swiveling of the camera orientation fairly easy - can it be changed quickly without too much difficulty ?

Yep. Can be done with the shooting hand. There is a locking mechanism you can employ to keep it in the landscape (normal) orientation. Or you just keep it "unlocked" if you are adjusting on the fly.

Highly recommend locking it while NOT taking photos, not a big deal but the camera can rotate while you are walking and it is a little unsettling.

[kbsmith]

I purchased the Pro-RL a couple of days ago, to shoot a wedding. Although the pictures turned out nice, I didn't like the loose feeling that my RL had. It might be the individual bracket, or maybe they're all like that. either way - I also wasn't a fan of only the camera flipping to put it into portrait, while the flashed was still in landscape. I think I'm going to go with the Pro-T to keep both my body and flash on the same page - portrait/portrait landscape/landscape.

[EOSX]

I use a Stroboframe Pro-RL on my 20D w/grip, using anti-twist plates on the camera and flash. It gets great results with the 420EX or 580EX (and i assume everything else, but haven't personally done it). Attached is a pic of my rig if that is of any help.

Rob Shooter-boy,
I am interested in purchasing the RL but just can't seem to see how this things works. Picture looks complicated. Can you post how it looks like from the back end?

Also, what optional equipment did you buy to complete your outfit? Is it easy to change and shoot from horizontal to vertical? Looks like the vertical shots would be obstructed by the plates and gears on the frame? Is that a kickstand? Is it built in or removable or must you carry it around with the frame? TIA.

[Todd Jacobsen]

Shooter-boy,
I am interested in purchasing the RL but just can't seem to see how this things works. Picture looks complicated. Can you post how it looks like from the back end?

Also, what optional equipment did you buy to complete your outfit? Is it easy to change and shoot from horizontal to vertical? Looks like the vertical shots would be obstructed by the plates and gears on the frame? Is that a kickstand? Is it built in or removable or must you carry it around with the frame? TIA.

I own two Pro-RL's. I've used it with 20D & 10D w/grip.

The camera sits on a rotating platform within the RL bracket. This rotating platform can be locked in landscape orientation with a red switch at the bottom of the camera mount. You cannot lock the camera in portrait orientation.

There is an additional mount below the rotating platform to allow a QR to be attached. This area is already conformed to fit a Stroboframe QR negating a need for a QR plate. I use Velbon QR's so I attach the additional plate.

What makes this bracket easy to use is that your supporting arm never moves during the rotation. I use my left arm to hold the grip that is centrally located below, and in front of, the rotating platform.

If you utilize a tripod and/or monopod, this bracket has definite advantages over the Pro-T since your camera - and bracket - always stays centered over the tripod.

Your "shooting" hand never has to leave the "trigger" when you rotate the camera since it is not load bearing. Use of the grip trigger is impeded while in the horizontal (normal) orientation, but is available when camera is rotated to portrait.

In addition, the flash can be adjusted to various angles (red button at top of bracket) as well as lowered (as pictured) or raised (to about twice picture height).

[EOSX]

I purchased the RL and I like it. Only thing is, you really can't use the battery grip in vertical mode. It's obstructed by the bracket's camera base. Is everyone able to use their battery grips or is it just me?

[richardho11]

Just another dumb question. What else would I need to purchase besides the Pro-RL to mount the flash on? I know I need the off shoe cord. But does it come with the base too hold the off shoe cord on to the frame?

[Todd Jacobsen]

Just another dumb question. What else would I need to purchase besides the Pro-RL to mount the flash on? I know I need the off shoe cord. But does it come with the base too hold the off shoe cord on to the frame?

The RL comes with a screw for a flash mount. That mount can be the off shoe cord (screw hole at bottom) or a separate flash mount.

I purchased the stroboframe flash mount in order to provide the possibility of quickly removing the flash w/off-shoe cord attached. I really haven't found a reason to do this though.

I purchased the RL and I like it. Only thing is, you really can't use the battery grip in vertical mode. It's obstructed by the bracket's camera base. Is everyone able to use their battery grips or is it just me?

I have lost the use of the grip while attached to the RL. Your primary means of support is the bracket grip, which is located under the lens. All I ever use my right hand for is to push the shutter button or change orientation of the camera. You don't need the "grip" in order to use either shutter release.

[richardho11]

I use a Stroboframe Pro-RL on my 20D w/grip, using anti-twist plates on the camera and flash. It gets great results with the 420EX or 580EX (and i assume everything else, but haven't personally done it). Attached is a pic of my rig if that is of any help.

Rob

How is Rob able to use his camera with grip in vertical mode? Or do you have to dismout it and remount it? I just ordered mines so Im kinda bummed if I can't rotate my 5D with the grip attached from horizontal to vetical mode! :(

[canon shooter]

I use a Stroboframe Pro-RL on my 20D w/grip, using anti-twist plates on the camera and flash. It gets great results with the 420EX or 580EX (and i assume everything else, but haven't personally done it). Attached is a pic of my rig if that is of any help.Rob,

RobRob,

I am just doing some research now. But with camera on its side don't you want flash bracket to put flash also on its side (portriate to portraite or landscape to landscape).

[DavidW]

There's arguments both ways about tilting the flash onto its side.

If you wish to bounce the flash in portrait mode or use modifiers that sit on top of the flash (like many of the Lumiquest accessories, or a StoFen Omnibounce), you don't want to tilt the flash on its side the flash. There's also an argument that tilting the flash puts a lot of strain on the hotshoe.

The counter argument is that tilting the flash avoids the possibility of light fall off in the corners of the image because the flash head and sensor (or film) are in the same orientation. If this is an issue, you can always manually zoom out the flash, or on a flash like a 580EX, unset the custom function that makes the flash sensor size aware so it stays more zoomed out (this will work for all DSLRs other than the 1Ds, 1Ds Mark II and 5D, which are full frame).


The brackets I'm seriously considering don't tilt the flash over. Comments from users of such brackets would be welcome.



David

[bbulldog]

I got this Flash Bracket, is sent from Hong Kong but it got here ok. The good thing is it already has a ball joint on it. He also does Canon Off-Shoe Cable 2

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Flash-Bracket-Hakuba-LH1-Ball-Head-New-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ7582604015QQcategoryZ64354QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem

[SuzyView]

I got this Flash Bracket, is sent from Hong Kong but it got here ok. The good thing is it already has a ball joint on it. He also does Canon Off-Shoe Cable 2

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Flash-Bracket-Hakuba-LH1-Ball-Head-New-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ7582604015QQcategoryZ64354QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem

bbulldog, is that bracket good. I'm looking to get one and the ones recommended seem too much for me as far as for my needs. Something small would be better. Is that one really good?

SuzyView

[lesleysmeshly]

Bulldog, I would also be interested in what you think of your new bracket. In the same boat as SuzyView that the recommened ones seem a bit too much for me right now.

Thanks,