Canon 10D, Flash Bracket, and BG-ED3 oh my!

I know, I know... the subject is a mouth full.

I was wondering if one had a BG-ED3 connected to a Canon 10D, would it be able to be mounted to a Stroboframe flash bracket (Camera Flip model).

Also, what is the real benefit to having the BG-ED3, besides being able to have two batteries in at the same time. (I know some say it is easier to hold for vertical shooting, but with a flash bracket, does the BG-ED3 become redundant?)

Thanks!

I have the grip and I really think it's worth it if only to hold the extra battery. I can get through two weddings on the batteries between charges...that's about 1600 or so images!!!! In regards to the bracket I use the quick flip model and not the camera flip type. With the quickflip it does take the vertical shutter release button out of play but I beleive with the model that flips the camera body itself, it flips the proper way to allow the use of the verticle shutter realease. I am not exactly sure on this though.

I use a Stroboframe bracket and a 10D and it fits fine. The canon flash extension device sits mounted to the flash shoe. Theres very little space between the flash extender and the bottom of the bracket, but the two do not touch and that's all that counts. I got the bracket at B&H for about $50 and the flash extension is the same price. Buy the battery pack. The camera feels so much more solid and is easier to hold. I really would not be without mine.

As Canon users, how long have we had to wait for Canon to provide us with a Flash Bracket. Wait no longer Canonites, the Speedlite SB-E1 has arrived and I was real pleased to have purchased one of the first or should I say that I owned one for about an hour.



You would think that Canon with all its technological capacity, that brings us state of the art photographic equipment wouldn’t employ a retarded monkey to design anything that was going to have the Canon name branded on it – but they have.



I was going to use the SB-E1 on my 10D with Vertical Grip BG-ED3, Handstrap E1 and a 550EX. I know the publicity blurb states the SB-E1 is designed for the 580EX but I’d heard it could also be used with the 550 - silly me, what was I thinking of !!



The 550 only but only just fits onto the SB-E1 when attached to the Off Camera Cord and this is only after having to remove the SB-E1 580EX securing screw. Also, the base of the Vertical Grip doesn’t sit squarely onto the bracket because of the Handstraps lower securing strap.



Now comes the best bit or should I say the “Canon Design Masterpiece”. Using the camera in portrait mode so the VGs controls are where they should be – on the top, the flash is hung directly below the camera. This positioning provides perfectly exposed flash shots of the subjects groin areas.



It’s “specifically designed for Wedding photographers etc” says Canon. What they should say is it’s designed for ex-Wedding photographers as the exploratory photographs I took with and without the SB-E1, showed a marked increase in shadow size when USING the bracket.



In the UK the SB-E1 costs about £125.00. Anyone with brains (unlike some at Canon) may as well buy a straight flash bracket like those available from Hama for about £8.00.



As for me, well I went and bought a Stroboframe Pro-T and the results are night and day when compared to the very expensive flop called SB-E1. Are you listening Mr Canon – hello – is there anybody in?