Need help finding the right flash bracket for a 580ex (and second in the future)

[Eyal]

I'm trying to avoid buying the MT-24ex as it cost too much for me right now.

I'm trying to find a bracket with adjustable arms so I can hook up the 580ex and maybe a second hand 430ex or maybe a 270 at a later point (master+slave setup).

I have seen on ebay something I have also seen on the macro rig thread, but it says its not meant to support over 300g, while the 580ex weight almost twice as much (with batteries and ettl cord attached).

I have also seen the novaflex bracket, but it cost a pretty penny.

Any ideas into something similar which can give me a good flexibility?
I'm saving my spare funds atm to buy a new monitor, so I don't want anything expensive.
I could see in adorama something similar to a boling c bracket (same thing?), but I'm not sure it will be usable and flexible enough for dual flash.

Really could use some help

[Overread]

The ebay bracket simply hasn't got the strength to hold a 580EX2 - its ideal for the twinflash units, but the larger speedlites are just way too heavy for it.

The Novoflex will probably work (not used it nor seen a review) but does come with a high cost.

Personally I would advise using a RAM-Mount based setup. These are units made for holding GPS and map items steady on bikes and thus have more then enough strength to securely hold a heavy flash like the 580EX2. They even stick a little when the pressure on the ball is released so that the flash won't suddenly drop.

2x RAM-B-237 one on both end, for the tripod collar and the off camera cord, it is a 1/4" male threaded ball (standard camera/camcorder screw)
2x RAM-B-201-A the shortest arms
1x RAM-B-230 double ball to connect the arms.

This is their US:
http://www.ram-mount.com/
and current UK:
http://www.ram-mount.co.uk/

since I'm not sure what country you are in.

I've used the RAM mount setup mounted to the tripod collar on the MPE with good effect, if you want you can also fashion a simple bracket for the cameras tripod mount (as strip of strong metal with a screw thread and hole) or you could easily add another joining bar and bracket and mount the screwthread direct to the tripod socket on the camera.


For the price I think the RAM Mount will give you the most gain for the least cost - Novoflex is stop of the game, but come with a much higher price.

[gmillerf]

The stuff on the E-Bay bracket looks like 1/4" Loc-Line, it will not hold a 580exII even a little bit, I've already tried it. 1" Loc-Line will hold a 580EXII in any position.

[algold]

I use this arm:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/11-Magic-arm...ht_4061wt_1344
holds 430ex and metz 58 with a diffuser or softbox without problems