flash bracket recommendations

I am looking for a good quality, yet not too expensive flash bracket. Do any of you have suggestions? I'd like to keep the cost down to less than $100 or $125. I expect to need to get a remote cord and a shoe mount for the flash.
What characteristics should I be looking for in macro use? I have the 430EX II flash for my T2i.

THe Hakuba LH-1 ballhead bracket (Ebay) works pretty well but you may need to replace the ballhead with a generic one with the preferred male 1/4" screw fitting which fits into the base of the off camera cord. I just modded an old vidcam light bracket by removing the top light clamp fitting and putting a ballhead there instead. You can also just modify a straight flash bracket by putting a ballhead on the end.

Brian V.

Thanks, Brian.
I looked at the Manfrotto 233b and some other brackets - like the Stroboframe pro digital and Alzo flip-flash. Is it important for your macro work to have the flash off to the side, on the right or left? People usually want the flash over the lens in many general use situations, like portraits. Is a small ball head for mounting the flash really needed? Manfrotto makes a small ball head, and I assume that it could be mounted on most of the brackets. Is this correct?

artyH wrote in post #11282422
Thanks, Brian.
I looked at the Manfrotto 233b and some other brackets - like the Stroboframe pro digital and Alzo flip-flash. Is it important for your macro work to have the flash off to the side, on the right or left? People usually want the flash over the lens in many general use situations, like portraits. Is a small ball head for mounting the flash really needed? Manfrotto makes a small ball head, and I assume that it could be mounted on most of the brackets. Is this correct?

I certainly prefer the light to be coming from the left or right rather than overhead - reduces shadow underneath subjects. I think just about any ballhead will do with a male 1/4" fitting as long as it will hold the flash in position. With my MPE-65 rig the old Jessops ballhead also rotates when you loosen the clamp which is very handy.
Brian v.

Thanks again. I am getting close to a decision. From looking at setups you have posted, and others have posted, I still need one piece of information. Is there an advantage to having a flash bracket that positions the flash forward, as in the Custom Bracket Jr., or in one that has the bracket further back, at about the level of the film plane, as in the Manfrotto 233B?
I have a soft box on the way for use on the flash.

artyH wrote in post #11289974
Thanks again. I am getting close to a decision. From looking at setups you have posted, and others have posted, I still need one piece of information. Is there an advantage to having a flash bracket that positions the flash forward, as in the Custom Bracket Jr., or in one that has the bracket further back, at about the level of the film plane, as in the Manfrotto 233B?
I have a soft box on the way for use on the flash.

Don't think it really matters as long as you can get the flash diffuser near the end of the lens. The macro lenses I use all extend when focusing so you need a system that allows you to move the flash so you can straighten it out to keep it near the lens end.
I actually have the manfrotto with just one arm fitted, it does fulfill the requirement above with a ballhead fitted on the arm end but I find it more difficult to hold comfortably than my modded vid cam bracket which actually has a handle.
Brian v.