Best Flash Bracket for Canon EOS 40D w/Battery Grip?

Man now if he would only figure out how to make it work with the RC4 system!!! I cant believe the RC4 system is so left behind... I mean the expensive bogen geared heads use them, bogen themselves abandoned them with their elbow bracket, now newton left it off...

ben_r_ wrote in post #4725709
Man now if he would only figure out how to make it work with the RC4 system!!! I cant believe the RC4 system is so left behind... I mean the expensive bogen geared heads use them, bogen themselves abandoned them with their elbow bracket, now newton left it off...

As I said in my post, if anyone could figure it out, Robert could. I am sure his quick reply is because he already looked at it.

I have never even had an RC4 in my hand. However, as I look at it closer, I can see how it could not be milled as the RC2 was on the FR2. For the CR, the RC4 plate may just be to big....however, you probably know better than most what the problem is.

Too bad about the RC4....but it seems the two "standards" are RC2 at the low end and Arca at the other.....though I find if you are carefull to "snug" down the RC2 QR, it is just as tight as the Arca's

Unfortunately the wedding I was going to shoot turned out to be a portrait shoot so I won't be getting as much money as I hoped. So now Newton yet but hopefully after the summer when I officially have a business and can claim it on taxes!

I've also been looking at getting a Newton bracket soon, but I have a question about using them with pocket wizards... It doesn't look the FR brackets can accommodate anything other than one flash, judging by the single whole on the top. It looks like the CR brackets could, but is there enough room on either side when your flash is centered on the top?

I was wanting to get the FR bracket since it looks like it would be easier to use with my 70-200 2.8 (rotating the camera without holding the lens doesn't sound like fun), but I also need to be able to use a pocket wizard. Any ideas? Are their any modifications for PWs?

Metolius81 wrote in post #4726292
I've also been looking at getting a Newton bracket soon, but I have a question about using them with pocket wizards... It doesn't look the FR brackets can accommodate anything other than one flash, judging by the single whole on the top. It looks like the CR brackets could, but is there enough room on either side when your flash is centered on the top?

I was wanting to get the FR bracket since it looks like it would be easier to use with my 70-200 2.8 (rotating the camera without holding the lens doesn't sound like fun), but I also need to be able to use a pocket wizard. Any ideas? Are their any modifications for PWs?

One could aways drill and tap another hole to mount something else. Takes no real skill to do that. Or you could simply rubberband it on or use hook and loop tape. I have a Quantum Radio Slave transmitter and have no problem using it as well as a flash on the bracket.

I've been seriously considering getting a flash bracket also, and have researched a few options and really like the Newton design. But, I have 2 concerns I'd like some feedback on from users..(I use: 580 EX & 580 EXII on 20D & 40D with Canon L IS 70-200mmf2.8, Canon L IS 24-105mm f4, Sigma 17-35mm EXDG and Sigma 12-24mm EXDG):
1; When using Newton brackets and supporting the lens with your left hand, how much clearance is there for your fingers/ can you operate the zoom comfortably (esp on wider lenses)? To my mind, it does look a bit tight,esp if wearing gloves, and I think I'd prefer an extra inch in each direction!?!
2; When the camera is oriented for portrait format shooting and the flash is rotated to sit above the lens, the flash (to my mind) isn't going to give the 'appropriate' spread of light, ie. the long side of it's rectangular reflector is at 90 degrees to the camera sensors rectangle. Does this not result in noticable light fall-off at the top and bottom of images (esp. with wider lenses) in portrait format? if it does, at approx what focal length does this begin to become noticable?!?

Hello Troll, and welcome to POTN. I have the Newton Camera rotator along with the 5D, 24-105 and 70-200 2.8. There is absolutely no problem whatsoever with the 24-105 and Newton combo. I've taken over 10,000 pictures with that configuration and have had no difficulties. The zoom ring is a little close, but your fingers "learn" the process quite quickly.

As far as the flash coverage goes, my 580ex is rated to cover the horizontal dimension on a 24mm lens. Now, I do have a little fall off at the edges in LARGE reception halls at weddings, but that has to be due to a room that is just TOO large for one single 580ex.

I have not really tried my Newton with the 70-200. That rig is heavy enough as it is, and I felt adding the bracket would make it a bit more ungainly. It certainly would be workable, but it just doesn't fit my shooting style. - Stu

I have Stroboframe Quick Flip that I used at a wedding last month, and while it worked, it was a nuisance to work with. I'm considering something more simple, like the Custom Brackets CB Mini RC, but for now, I'll leave the Stroboframe at home and bounce whenever I need to.

Hey I was wondering if this would work with my 40d (not gripped)

http://cgi.ebay.com …iewItem&item=16​0268885435

thanks

Yes, that should work nicely - I see that it's one of the older Newton's although there's nothing wrong with age if it was well maintained. I don't believe they have the foam hand grip on the right anymore - mine does not - although I'm not positive. Likely this was used by a pro a cost a fair amount of money.

Dexstar wrote in post #6089444
Hey I was wondering if this would work with my 40d (not gripped)

http://cgi.ebay.com …iewItem&item=16​0268885435

thanks

I looked it up at the newton site and it says its made for "645 type camera bodies and older 35mm film cameras without grips"

Hopefully it works for me...

Ah, that explains it. The key thing is clearance when it rotates. You don't want it banging into anything, pinching your fingers, or catching/pinching any electrical cords.

Dexstar wrote in post #6089710
I looked it up at the newton site and it says its made for "645 type camera bodies and older 35mm film cameras without grips"

Hopefully it works for me...

FWIW I ended up getting the Really Right Stuff B87-B Perfect Portrait Package (LINK) and love it! Here is my review on it: LINK

RRS B87-B looked good to me too, but I didn't like the fact that it seems very restrictive regarding LH'd access to the lens barrel, I mostly shoot handheld when I'm using camera mounted flash, after all the reason I'm using on camera flash is for it's inherent mobility.
BTW I've just ordered a Newton plus a couple of recommended accessories direct. And Stu, you're bang on about Robert Newton's customer service response. I'd forgotten to add shipping to the UK and quickly made another payment via paypal, then sent a brief email to him explaining my error. Well, by the time I'd sent it there was a reply from him acknowledging my additional payment. I know that it was just fortunate he was online at the same time, but it's real good to know you're dealing with a real being!?!
Should have it in a few days, I'll let you all know my impressions of it once I've had a play around with it.
Bye for now
G

TrollJester wrote in post #6091601
RRS B87-B looked good to me too, but I didn't like the fact that it seems very restrictive regarding LH'd access to the lens barrel, I mostly shoot handheld when I'm using camera mounted flash, after all the reason I'm using on camera flash is for it's inherent mobility.G

After you receive your Newton, keep in mind that is inherently adjustable to the configuration you prefer. For example, in addition to height of the cross piece (to fit cameras with our without battery grip, for example), you can also change it to left or right hand riser.