Stroboframe Stroboflip VH 2000 Opinions

[Toogy]

Looking for a compact flash bracket that I can use basically just to keep the flash in the proper position during vertical shots. I also like it because I can still hold the camera the way I normally do.
A couple of questions.

1. Does it work with a 20D with grip? Most people say it won't but I did see a guy on DPREVIEW that had it working with a 10D and grip, anybody else know for sure?

2. How hard is it to changes lens with this setup in place?

Any other things I should be concerned about?

Thanks

[blundar]

I almost bought a Stroboframe VH2000. At the time I owned a Stroboframe camera flip and wanted someting better. I went to B&H in NY and tried out the VH2000. It worked ok. I found it to be flimsy and not very smooth in operation when flipping the flash.

I then tried a Newton Di100fr, which is a very similar in design. The Newton was a dream to use. It was smooth, rugged, and precision built. The difference was dramatic. I bought it right there on the spot.

I then sold my old Stroboframe. The price of the Newton was close to double of the stroboframe, but it was well worth it.

[markubig]

i have the stroboflip VH2000. I've used it with my Drebel+grip. I think it is a great compact solution to keep the flash above the lens. My only complaint is that the bottom of the frame that attaches to the camera has a wide plate, which kinda gets in the way of using the vertical shutter release on the grip.

It's adjustable, so you can also use it without the grip. It has a hole on the bottom so you can screw it onto a tripod or screw in a QR plate to it. I used it on my Bogen 322RC ballhead. I also tightened the arms, so they don't feel "flimsly" when rotating the flash.

And it only costs $70

I would recommend trying it. Here's some pictures of it on my drebel:

[Todd Jacobsen]

i have the stroboflip VH2000. I've used it with my Drebel+grip. I think it is a great compact solution to keep the flash above the lens. My only complaint is that the bottom of the frame that attaches to the camera has a wide plate, which kinda gets in the way of using the vertical shutter release on the grip.

It's adjustable, so you can also use it without the grip. It has a hole on the bottom so you can screw it onto a tripod or screw in a QR plate to it. I used it on my Bogen 322RC ballhead. I also tightened the arms, so they don't feel "flimsly" when rotating the flash.

And it only costs $70

I would recommend trying it. Here's some pictures of it on my drebel:


Mark,

Are you serious? I see no advantage.

1) Camera flash in horizontal camera position is in the EXACT same position it would be "on-camera". There is no vertical separation - the PRIMARY advantage for a backet.

2) With grip, it looks impossible to adjust to portrait - or if possible, a two hand manuever which cannot be gracefully attempted hand held.

3) Flash in portrait mode is right "ON" the lens vs vertically separated from lens.

[blundar]

The problem is if you separate the flash too much from the lens then you end up with weird shadows under the nose and chin. I like the look of having the flash farely low. I also add a Lumiquest minisoftbox to my flash head so it diffuses the harshness down a bit.

The only time that you would need a really high flash that is more separated from the lens is when the subject is far away. If you find yourself needing to shoot like this often, then you can add an adjustable spacer to extend the distance when you need it.

[markubig]

Mark,

Are you serious? I see no advantage.
I am not a pro and i wanted something that would keep my flash above the center of the lens in both horizontal and vertical positions. i wanted it compact and not some big huge metal frame with the flash a foot above the camera. So yes, I am serious. And for MY purposes, it gives me an advantage

1) Camera flash in horizontal camera position is in the EXACT same position it would be "on-camera". There is no vertical separation - the PRIMARY advantage for a backet.
Again, i wanted something compact and I just wanted the flash above the lens in ALL shooting positions. I can even center the flash above the lens in a diagonal shooting position. if i wanted separation then i would have gotten another bracket. and if you look at the picture closer, then you will see that the flash is actually about an inch higher than the "on-camera" position.



2) With grip, it looks impossible to adjust to portrait - or if possible, a two hand manuever which cannot be gracefully attempted hand held.
How did you get to that conclusion? Have you ever used this before? I keep my right hand on the grip and rotate the flash with my left hand. I can take three pictures (horizontal, diagonal, vertical) in succession without taking my right hand off the grip and the only thing that would slow me down is the Flash recharge


3) Flash in portrait mode is right "ON" the lens vs vertically separated from lens.
Again, have you seen one before? in the vertical position, the flash is the same distance above the lens as it is in the horizontal position (which is at or just above the "on-camera" position)

The Stroboflip VH2000 has given me the results that I wanted from it, so I am very happy with it. I guess that you are under the impression that the SOLE purpose of a bracket is to keep a far separation between the lens and flash. However, other purposes (which have been stated in this forum) include keeping the flash above the center axis of the lens. The latter was more important to me, as I was already satisfied with the height of my flash. Also I did not want my left hand holding a frame, which happens with the larger brackets. I wanted my hands on the camera in a more traditional grip. The original poster was asking about THIS PRODUCT and wanted something COMPACT. You don't like this option? Then recommend something else that fills HIS CRITERIA. Just because it doesn't work for you doesn't mean it won't work for someone else.

[Toogy]

Well I got one off ebay for a decent price, I like Mark said, am just looking for a bracket to keep the flash above the lens in protrait position.
I also didn't want a huge beast of a flash bracket.

[dunpeal]

Aloha Guys,
this is the information I was looking for, last week I shot at a friends wedding and was always dissapointed with the shadows I got in horizental mode, the pictures showing the 350D with the battery grip mounted on the VH 2000 is what i wanted to see . I now will defenitly by me a Stroboframe VH 2000.
Regards
Stephan

[markubig]

Aloha Guys,
this is the information I was looking for, last week I shot at a friends wedding and was always dissapointed with the shadows I got in horizental mode, the pictures showing the 350D with the battery grip mounted on the VH 2000 is what i wanted to see . I now will defenitly by me a Stroboframe VH 2000.
Regards
Stephan that was my old 300d, which was larger than the 350d, so figure it should be no problem for the smaller 350d plus grip.

[mrclark321]

Jeff have you tried the Stroboframe Pro T?

[blundar]

I have pretty much the same thing as the Stroboflip VH2000, just a different brand instead (Newton Flash Brackets). The only time that I have ever needed a taller flash was when I had to use my 70-200mm lens to shoot at more than 40 feet away. I ended up with some red-eye because of it. I'm farely good with Paint Shop Pro, so it did not take me long to fix.

[tim]

You guys realise this thread's two years old, right?! :p

[dunpeal]

that was my old 300d, which was larger than the 350d, so figure it should be no problem for the smaller 350d plus grip.

Thanks for the information - I just bought it and will try it out on the next weekend.
Regards
Stephan

[jr_senator]

You guys realise this thread's two years old, right?! :p

I have the VH2000 and I use it with my 20D+BG. However, I had to get the BE-1 plate for it to fit right.

[Curtis N]

1) Camera flash in horizontal camera position is in the EXACT same position it would be "on-camera". There is no vertical separation - the PRIMARY advantage for a backet.I hate generalizations like that. It depends on how you're using it, and where. If you're bouncing the flash or using a Lumiquest Bouncer then the flash-lens distance isn't an issue. The bracket merely needs to keep the flash above the lens and pointed at the ceiling. It appears this bracket will perform that task, in a compact package. And it looks like it's adjustable for those addicted to vertical grips.You guys realise this thread's two years old, right?! :pI know. But the laws of physics are like narrow minds. They don't change over time. ;)

[fraggle_rock]

I know. But the laws of physics are like narrow minds. They don't change over time. ;)

If i had been drinking coke I would have snorted it over my keyboard! nice one!

[chris ho]

don't mean to bring this back up. but i just bid on a vh2000 too. i really hope all goes well and fits my 400d with grip. i also bought a pocket bouncer as well.

[gcobb]

I bought the Stroboframe camera flip, can't beat it and the lens/flash are aligned either way.

[_aravena]

Alright, it's a new year so time to bring this back to life. I'm looking at this and the camera flip. My problem with the camera flip, which I've used before, is everything. Is it not annoying to anyone else on how to hold it or maybe I was holding it wrong. This is the design I want, only I want the Newton. I do believe though this would be perfect to see if the Newton is really what I want before I spend that much money. The design is the same, I would just be buying a much better built product from what I've read.

Any opinions? Some say go camera but after reading this thread I will confident in the flash flip.

[yallcome]

Well, if this is still alive after two years, we're getting some interest, so -- I just bought the FlashFrame H.O.T. (Hand On Top) which seems to be a quite ingenious design. Of course, like most ingenious designs, I'm sure I'll discover it's drawbacks soon, haha.

But I think it'll do. Check it out. It's claim to fame is that it's built "backwards" so you have your shutter controlling hand in the right place at all times.

m2

Alright, it's a new year so time to bring this back to life. I'm looking at this and the camera flip. My problem with the camera flip, which I've used before, is everything. Is it not annoying to anyone else on how to hold it or maybe I was holding it wrong. This is the design I want, only I want the Newton. I do believe though this would be perfect to see if the Newton is really what I want before I spend that much money. The design is the same, I would just be buying a much better built product from what I've read.

Any opinions? Some say go camera but after reading this thread I will confident in the flash flip.

[_aravena]

What is it? Can't find it

[johnstoy]

I wonder if it's OK to attach this Stroboframe Stroboflip VH 2000 flash bracket, to the pod mount ring on longer lenses... I like to use my 70-200mm 2.8L IS on my 30D at weddings. and having flash to compliment it indoors would be great...

I'd think a 580EX II on this bracket, mounted on the lens pod mount ring should be OK, no? Any one experienced with the longer lenses with these small brackets here?

[Wilt]

I have pretty much the same thing as the Stroboflip VH2000, just a different brand instead (Newton Flash Brackets). The only time that I have ever needed a taller flash was when I had to use my 70-200mm lens to shoot at more than 40 feet away. I ended up with some red-eye because of it. I'm farely good with Paint Shop Pro, so it did not take me long to fix.


this issue can be resolved on the Newton, thru the use of one of the Newton extensions that can be used to elevate the flash higher away from the lens.

[johnstoy]

The Newton apparently has much better tooling and finish than most brackets offered for sale... The accessory options are also veristile... http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/default-old1.htm

I'm leaning toward the Newton camera flip model... Just need to narrow down the one small accessory needed to match my camera...

Have considered the less costly options... However, the rough finish on the less expensive brands just won't cut it. They simply don't look professional enough to be representative of real high quality work... I'm afraid of losing deals cause a bracket looks flimsy, or poorly finished. After all, it all reflects on our work.

The long lens issue puzzles me... Am still wondering if the bracket could be attached to the tripod mount ring of the longer (white) lenses...

[Wilt]

John, how many customers inspect your EQUIPMENT before hiring you? My experience is Zero! They hire for the examples I show, and the description of the service I provide (that someone else might not).
The reason for the better bracket is that cheaper, poorly constructed brackets slow you down or get in your way, and make your job more difficult than it needs to be or prevents you from getting the shot you need! The bracket is YOUR tool, the difference between using a Craftsman vs. a Dewalt power tool...you benefit, the customer doesn't necessary see any specific difference necessarily.

[johnstoy]

It's not always the case... at the theater where I shoot, a thousand patrons pass by me... I'm particular about who I show my portfolio to, and won't waste their time or mine... It works the same way from their end... 1st impressions are important to me... It's all downhill from there...

I see jagged metal finish on some of these brackets... Semi sharp edges on others... That's not for me.

I'd rather approach it form more of a medical point of view than a journey man's tools.

But I also have to get a $5000 camera, that's another issue.

[Wilt]

It's not always the case... at the theater where I shoot, a thousand patrons pass by me... I'm particular about who I show my portfolio to, and won't waste their time or mine... It works the same way from their end... 1st impressions are important to me... It's all downhill from there... .

I forgot about the bystanders who are impressed by fancy equipment and assume the person knows how to use it well, but ask them to shoot for them, too!


...another reason to not have a Fong Lightsphere, then!

[johnstoy]

I forgot about the bystanders who are impressed by fancy equipment and assume the person knows how to use it well, but ask them to shoot for them, too!


...another reason to not have a Fong Lightsphere, then!

Fong's got a sweet deal going... I'm not into the quality of the items... Innovative, maybe... I'm passing on his stuff...

What I need are the entertainers to keep my pictures on their web sites for more then a few months... That would be ideal.

[yallcome]

If you're asking about the FlashFrame HOT, do a search at bhphotovideo for FF400.

I'm attaching a scan from the package which illustrates how it works. I never would have figured this from the photo seen on ANY of the equipment sites.

Nice design, I think.

Take care


What is it? Can't find it

[Tim S]

If you're asking about the FlashFrame HOT, do a search at bhphotovideo for FF400.
The Stroboframe Quickflip 350 is basically the same thing for $20 less.

[yallcome]

Maybe, hey ...

I'm happy with the bassackward orientation on the HOT as compared to alot of them (left hand/right hand) and the large footing for the camera base.

The Stroboframe Quickflip 350 is basically the same thing for $20 less.

[_aravena]

Yeah,I really don't like those

[johnstoy]

That HOT and many other brackets look like they would shake the camera. They seem to have these long extensions that will definitely shake the flash, let alone the camera... I'm opting for the sturdiest bracket... Most likely will call Mr. Newton to get the info on all the accessories for one of his brackets, and buy the whole deal...

I need to stick to my policy of save, save, save, and buy once...In this case it will be the bracket.

[_aravena]

Well, you have the option to do that. I have too many weddings coming up. I need a bracket

[markubig]

wow . . . old thread!

Still using it today, guys! I think I paid $70 bucks for it, so you gotta think that I got my money's worth.