5d MKII w/ 580...need flash bracket recommendation

I use a 5D MKII with 580 and need a flash bracket that folds small.

* want to be able to pack away for vacation use.
*light weight but sturdy.
*economical.

Any recommendations appreciated.

I have the Newton folding bracket. It needs very little space when folder and very sturdy.

for your needs there isn't too many that are economical/foldable. check out the rrs wedding bracket

Here is my review on the RRS Perfect Portraiture Package that I went with: LINK

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Camera_Flip_Br​acket.html

This is as close as you are going to get to meeting all your criteria. Why do you need a flash bracket for vacation?

gonzogolf wrote in post #12332947
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Camera_Flip_Br​acket.html

This is as close as you are going to get to meeting all your criteria. Why do you need a flash bracket for vacation?

I also use the Stroboframe bracket with a Canon 550EX which I bounce modifying the light with a Joe Demb Flash Diffuser Pro. I trigger the flash with a Canon off-camera cord. This does a nice job with single flash portrait work.

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …LJM#1244320241_​7kTXJ-A-LB

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …LJM#1244551055_​ox8GE-A-LB

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …LJM#1245211231_​aEf5x-A-LB

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …d7Vf#858912578_​fw3gE-A-LB

IMAGE LINK: http://rpcrowe.smugmug​.com …d7Vf#858911199_​3wdQp-A-LB

Why do you think you need a flash bracket? The only use I can think of for one these days is if you MUST use direct flash when there's a wall close behind the subject, especially in portrait orientation.

Wow. That is a lot of posts there Tim. You are one busy person. I took a lighting class and the instructors basically said if they have to shoot direct getting the light higher helps even if it is a little. They did not try to sell me one. They never pushed any products and besides I already had one.

In Neil van Niekerk's tutorials he states he stopped using one because cameras have higher ISO capabilities these days so you can dial down the flash. The wall thing you mentioned - it's not the first time I have heard about it and it makes sense .

I'd be interested in more detail, especially the effect if I am shooting without a wall and no bracket. After my course I abandoned my tupperware but am still clinging to the bracket. If I have areas to bounce I take it off as I prefer not to use it. It is amazing how an additional 11 ounces can add up at the end of the day.

To the OP. Here is the one I use. Very solid and works well.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …ket-with-QR-Flash-Adapter

I took a hard look at this one.

http://reallyrightstuf​f.com …-Perfect-Package-(Medium)

Taking advice of RPCrowe and just bought a demb....seems like an economical choice.

As always I thank everyone's thought process as I have learned much from POTN.

The only advantage I see in getting the light higher is the shadows from direct flash falls behind the subject, at least party. If you're using direct flash, honestly, you're doing it wrong. Off camera or bounced flash is much much nicer, but off camera takes more effort and equipment. I have a bracket, I recently found it in the bottom of a cupboard, where it's been for the past few years.

You can shoot available light, high iso, but ambient light is rarely the best quality available. Usually it's overhead tungsten or fluorescent lights.

Have a read of this thread.

That would make sense. I shot a benefit concert a few weeks ago and there was absolutely nowhere to bounce. I also shot a few fashion shows and again nowhere to bounce. They were in the retail store and conditions were terrible. Too many people (other photographers) and guests around me. If I can I prefer to bounce.

A flash bracket's not going to make a significant difference with the sort of distances you're working with, unless you're shooting portrait and there's a wall close behind them, IMHO.

Thanks. I will have to try it out. I at all times try to avoid walls which people automatically seem to migrate to when doing group shots, etc. It is amazingly consistent.