Attaching a external flash to tripod

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.

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.

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

"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.

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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.

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

The cited and depicted lightstand/umbrella/fl​ash 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/fl​ash adapter under several names.

I bought these and I am very happy with them.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ghType=category​Navigation

Enjoy! Lon

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!!

Big WIll wrote in post #2901260
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.

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

JuSlaughter wrote in post #2901740
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

JuSlaughter wrote in post #2901964
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!"