Are these brackets suitable for non-telephoto/non-macro shooting? Just everyday portrait and outdoor stuff? I really like the style and the sleekness, with no added horizontal width added to the camera, but the position that the flash sits in has me wondering....the flash is mounted out over the lens, and not on top of the camera. So the flash is closer to the lens face. Does this affect the exposure when using lenses that aren't super long? Is this thing suitable for portrait shooting (of course with smaller length lenses)? Or is this really just a specialty type flash mount?
Although they will probably work well and allow easy flash rotation, they don't appear to provide the amount of flash separation that portrait photographers often seek. Except for the rotation feature, it looks as though the flash is still positioned very close to the same level it would be if the flash was simply mounted on the hotshoe.
If you aren't going to use it for telephoto or macro work, you may want to consider other brackets - like the RRS Wedding Pro Flash Bracket (note how high it positions the flash above the camera) or a Stroboframe. You may also save some money that way.
If you use an L bracket with the Portrait Perfect package, the flash will sit about 4 inches higher than without a bracket (based on the B-87 model). The difference between the portrait package and the telephoto bracket is the mounting rail included for attaching to a L bracket (so, you actually have both abilities with the portrait package). They also sell extensions to lift the flash higher.
There are cheaper solutions and likely better solutions for one's needs, but the RSS bracket is very well made and functions well. I have been pleased with my purchase (several years back).
