does anyone use a flash bracket anymore?

I always bounce my flash indoors, is there any benefit to using a flash bracket?

Last thread I saw concerning this, the consensus was no. It would be interesting to see if anyone does still though.

Skrim17 wrote in post #10394610
I always bounce my flash indoors, is there any benefit to using a flash bracket?

No, not when bouncing.

A flash bracket is for when you are unable to bounce (outdoors, dark ceiling) where you have to shoot direct. By dragging the shutter a bit and getting the flash away from the lens centerline you can get very good results.

Yes. When shooting video and need another shoe. One to hold shotgun mic and the other a video light

JeffreyG wrote in post #10394726
A flash bracket is for when you are unable to bounce (outdoors, dark ceiling) where you have to shoot direct.

I don't see it that way. Many brackets today don't put that flash head more than 2 or 3 inches higher than they would if mounted on a gripped camera so how does this replace bouncing?

Brackets are necessary to keep the flash on axis when shooting vertical shots when you can't bounce and thus minimizing side shadows. Most of them flip or rotate the flash these days but that's all they're good for IMO. (I've certainly been down this path and have paid my dues).

What does slow shutter speed have to do with the flash axis?

If you are using the little pull out bounce card, or a modifier like an 80/20, and you flip the camera to portrait orientation; you would lose that ability without a bracket.

And imo, the best brackets turn the camera, not the flash.

I used one all the time to get rid of side shadows but my new 50D camera is so doggon heavy that I cannot hold the bracket in the left hand while rotating the camera with my right and shoot..my left hand/arm is bearing all the weight and I can't do that so I'm learning bouncing but in a room where it is all dark wood and tungsten lighting I'll have to risk the side shadows (when shooting portrait orientation) and use a flipit or lightsphere. Tried the betterbouncecard and that produces side shadows also. (sigh)

I haven't used mine in years.

Well, I just got mine two months ago, a Custom Bracket. It works great with my 5D2 and 24-70. I used it at a wedding I just shot as the reception was in a tent and there was no angle to bounce and we needed flash for every shot. Made a huge difference for me. I don't like shadows.

I use mine at weddings because it maintains the position of my bounce (essentially rotating the camera) without having to turn the flash head itself all the time. Most brackets are poorly designed and you end up fiddling with the flash all day anyway, which makes THOSE useless, IMHO.

When I'm doing portraits, I can take my time so I set up lights off camera and seldom use a flash on camera at all.

I have the rotating one and it's great. The flash is always above.

SuzyView wrote in post #10396424
I have the rotating one and it's great. The flash is always above.

Mine is the stroboframe camera rotating one.

Do you shoot straight on or have a modifier on your flash while it is on the bracket?

I use a sto-fen one some of the time. Depends on the room and the situation. I do try with or without it. But it's a nice bracket. I have this one:

http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1277073​518&sr=1-4

Why do I like it? It's lightweight, the camera is very solidly on it, I can put it on a tripod and it's not awful to carry around all day long.

Wow, flash bracket, tripod, and an omnibounce, sounds like me five years ago!

use mine all the time.