Flash bracket recommendation needed

[puggle]

So many to choose from, I'm confused what to get!

Can anyone recommend one?

I'm using a 5D classic.

[TMR Design]

I don't own a flash bracket yet but I'm in the market for one.

You will find a ton of really great information and reviews by searching this forum using the keywords 'flash bracket' in the subject of the post.

[H2OSkier]

I tried a couple of cheaper brackets and was never really satisfied. I broke down and ordered the Newton DiF100FR2. I have to say the quality of the bracket is very good. I'm going to use it for the first time this weekend. So far, it seems like the bracket will not be too obtrusive. For me, I have to slightly change the way I hold my left hand. I don't think it will be a big deal but I'll see.

Ken

[TMR Design]

I've narrowed things down to Really Right Stuff, Custom Brackets and Newton but there are many different models and the associated hardware can be a bit confusing and expensive.

I still have a lot of research and ultimately I'm going to try these out before I make a final decision.

[Wilt]

I have used the Newton flash rotator for well over a decade -- the same bracket! First with my medium format SLR system, more recently with my Canon dSLR. It is a superbly made product, very light and compact yet sturdy and able to meet professional demands. Flexible enough to be rapidly adapted to using a body with or without a film camera motor drive or digital camera battery grip. I have recommended for a very long time to others who cover weddings, and just about everyone who I have recommended it to have become ardent supporters. In fact, someone here on POTN is a much more vocal supporter of Newton than I, after I recommended it to him. Hard to fault an 8 oz. sturdy product that achieves the goals of event shooters who have to lift the camera to their faces over the course of an 8-12 hour day!

Go to www.newtoncamerabrackets.com and get Robert Newton's telephone number from the web site. He is very willing to volunteer lots of information and recommendations, and even has customization willingness, and long term support. Tell him Wilt sent you -- I last talked to him to advise him about his web site being down last year. (I'm not on commission, nor kickback...it is just a great product!)

[cdifoto]

I like the Newton as well. The lack of size and weight makes it seem like you're simply adding rotating capability to the camera body itself.

[puggle]

Thanks! I'll check out the Newton!

So far, I'm most impressed by the Really Right Stuff bracket, and there's a good video on how it works. Only thing is, it's pricey, and there's no neoprene handle. I would guess that the neoprene or rubberized handle would be more comfortable for longer periods of hand-holding.

Your thoughts?

Also, a friend of mine was in the B&H NY City store two days ago, and they recommended a stroboframe Quick Flip 350.

Has anyone tried this one?

So many choices are making me dizzy!!

[Wilt]

Thanks! I'll check out the Newton!

So far, I'm most impressed by the Really Right Stuff bracket, and there's a good video on how it works. Only thing is, it's pricey, and there's no neoprene handle. I would guess that the neoprene or rubberized handle would be more comfortable for longer periods of hand-holding.

Your thoughts?

Also, a friend of mine was in the B&H NY City store two days ago, and they recommended a stroboframe Quick Flip 350.

Has anyone tried this one?

So many choices are making me dizzy!!

The RRS product is a very lightweight product (about the same as the Newton). Its major advantage over the Newton is the integration with other RRS products into a 'system' that works well together. None of the pro level choices are cheap, but the Newton is a relative bargain compared to Custom Brackets and RRS pricing. Newton, Custom, RRS...all are products I think are worthy of pro consideration, but may be out of the budget for amateur needs. If you want quality you pay for quality, like tripods and ballheads!

The Stroboframe Quick Flip is an enthusiast level product that has many of the shortcomings of most every bracket under $150...when you flip the flash, you have to reorient the head if it is aimed up at the ceiling for bounce; or it does not perfectly keep the flash over the lens axis regardless of orientation; or it forced you to rotate the camera body in the wrong direction so that the advantages of using a battery grip are lost; or...

[SillyGuy]

i have the newton too

FANTASTIC bracket.

lightweight, durable, compact, and reliable.

if you have any issues, you call Robert Newton himself (his #'s on the site) and he will answer questions, help you, and make sure you get the right parts.

[Familiaphoto]

I use the RRS bracket and am thrilled with it but know those that use the Newton and enjoy it very much. I don't think you can go wrong with either.

The drawback to the RRS is the price and the added cost of needing an L-Bracket for the B-87B bracket. As noted above, this drives up the price a bit. For me though, I'm a L-Bracket user regardless of the bracket so the RRS bracket actually made the most sense as I don't take the L-Bracket off my body.

Below is a thread on the B-87B if you want to look it over.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=544273&highlight=RRS

[puggle]

All of you have been so helpful! Thanks!

I'm leaning towards the Newton now.

I already own a RRS ballhead (BH-55), and it's amazing. It might make sense to splurge for the flash bracket, but I want to be sure I make the best, most informed decision. There is one thing I really dislike about the RRS products. You need an ALLEN wrench to attach the plates to the camera body. There's no provision, or holder, built into the plate to hold the wrench. Makes it too easy to misplace. I hate this. I sent and email to RRS to make this suggestion, and I got canned response - "Thank you for your suggestion". I see it as a huge oversight, and inconvenience.

Frankly, I don't see a need to place the camera on tripod, if I'm using a flash bracket! The RRS video demo, shows it used, and easily mounted to their ballhead, on a tripod. This contradicts the purpose of having a flash bracket, in my opinion.

I would like the product to last a long time, work with future EOS Camera upgrades, and be flexible enough to work with larger bodies, or added battery grips.

One thing my friend liked about the Stroboframe - he wears a baseball cap and it fits perfectly, between the raised flash and the camera body. Yeah, this is goofy reason to base a purchase on, but I also like to wear a baseball cap when shooting!!!

Yikes! Decisions, decisions!!

[cdifoto]

You need an Allen wrench to tighten the plate for the Newton on the body as well. I just leave it on the camera all the time. It's not exactly in the way and it has its own tripod threads, as does the bracket itself.

[puggle]

I just read the RRS Perfect Portrait thread that "Familiaphoto" posted, and I must say, this looks like a perfect solution for me!!!

I think I'm going to go for it, despite my hatred for allen wrench's to attach "L" plates. The Newton came in a close second.

Very cool. Thank you all very much for your input!

It's greatly appreciated.

[puggle]

One last comment -

Why can't RRS, Newton, or any other manufacturer who uses Allen wrenches to attach plates consider a better, integrated method?

I have plates from Bogen/Manfrotto that have a built-in device for attaching and tightening.

Hmmmm...any manufacturer's out there interested in this?

I bet you'll sell more bracket and plate systems that way to!!!

[Familiaphoto]

Guess the allen wrench never bothered me as I never remove the L-Bracket, but I always carry one in my bag just in case. :D

[Wilt]

One last comment -

Why can't RRS, Newton, or any other manufacturer who uses Allen wrenches to attach plates consider a better, integrated method?

I have plates from Bogen/Manfrotto that have a built-in device for attaching and tightening.

Hmmmm...any manufacturer's out there interested in this?

I bet you'll sell more bracket and plate systems that way to!!!

My own ballhead is a Linhof, with a Profi II QR system...that has two places to hold an Allen wrench -- which fits both the Newton bracket and the Linhof plate. If I get rid of the Profi and replace it with the RRS lever clamp (which I would like to do because of the L bracket benefit) I lose a nicely integrated Allen wrench holder. Compromises, compromises!

[René Damkot]

Why can't RRS, Newton, or any other manufacturer who uses Allen wrenches to attach plates consider a better, integrated method?

Because the plate is meant to stay on the body permanently? ;)

I have an L bracket on all my camera's and it never comes off..