Attaching a external flash to tripod

[JuSlaughter]

This is probably going to sound really lame and stupid but, hey, here it goes.

Is there a way of attaching an external flash unit to a tripod or light stand? Is there some kind of hotshoe adapter with a 1/4" screw mount on the bottom.

I know what you're all thinking, why not just buy a studio flash. Simple answer, can't afford one at the minute.

[Heatseeker99]

Yes, the bracket comes with my 430EX...and I'm assuming many others include it too. You can use it to stand upright on a flat surface, or use the thread underneath for a tripod etc. Then you'd need a IR trigger from the camera to fire it.

[John_B]

JuSlaughter,
The Canon off shoe extension cord has a screw mount so it can be put on a tripod.

[MarKap77]

"The only stupid question is the one you don't ask."

Hey, we've all been there. Short answer is Yes.

Now, how to do it is a much bigger answer. If you have one of the Canon flash units with the included foot, that has the 1/4-20 threaded hole and can be mounted on a tripod or light stand. Lacking that, there are any number of other devices that would work.

For less than $50 US you can probably find a lightweight light stand and put an umbrella holder that has a cold shoe on it. Just a bracket similar to what is on top of your camera, but no electical contacts. About $20 US for that. Add an umbrella and you have a nice little lightweight light modifer setup that is easily transportable. Visit The Strobist for some ideas along that line.

Here is an image of just such a device from The Strobist.



Good luck.

[hawk911]

I didn't get a stand with my 550ex, but the bracket pictured above will help you. Otherwise, call the manufacturer and open the wallet.

[Big WIll]

If you didnt get one i personally would ring CANON in your local area and demand one!

[FlashZebra]

The cited and depicted lightstand/umbrella/flash adapter above will make a nice connection for almost any hotshoe flash.

But, it only makes a mechanical connection to hold the flash. No electrical connection to fire the flash is provided.

Several companies sell the exact same lightstand/umbrella/flash adapter under several names.

I bought these and I am very happy with them.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

Enjoy! Lon

[JuSlaughter]

Thanks for all the replies. I looked at something similar to the umbrella bracket earlier today but did not realise it had a cold shoe one it. I wish B&H would deliver to the UK!!

[hawk911]

Originally Posted by Big WIll

If you didnt get one i personally would ring CANON in your local area and demand one!

Mine was bought used, so no luck ringing Canon.

[JuSlaughter]

BONUS!!!!! The wife has just said I can have some lights for my birthday in May. Downside, cost. In a recent Digital Photo mag they did a review on budget lights and the best of the bunch was the Interfit EX150 Home Studio (2 lights, stands, umbrella and softbox) for £200 (approx $400). Has anyone used these? Or am I better off getting a single light to start with?

Cheers

[FlashZebra]

Originally Posted by JuSlaughter

Thanks for all the replies. I looked at something similar to the umbrella bracket earlier today but did not realise it had a cold shoe one it. I wish B&H would deliver to the UK!!

The one I suggested is a "cold shoe".

Enjoy! Lon

[MarKap77]

Originally Posted by JuSlaughter

BONUS!!!!! The wife has just said I can have some lights for my birthday in May. Downside, cost. In a recent Digital Photo mag they did a review on budget lights and the best of the bunch was the Interfit EX150 Home Studio (2 lights, stands, umbrella and softbox) for £200 (approx $400). Has anyone used these? Or am I better off getting a single light to start with?

Cheers

Sorry that I cannot comment on the specific package you are considering, but I would say any setup that includes 2 lights gives you vastly more options that a single light setup. Having said that, there are certainly a number of photographers that use only a single light and do outstanding work. Being more on the side of "I'll take all the help I can get", I think two lights would be better than one for learning. And you can always just use one if you want to experiment along those lines.

Oh, and "Happy Birthday!"