my cousin is getting married and asked if i could be a side photographer, but i ran into a few questions.. i hope you can help..
i am looking into purchasing a flash bracket, but i wasn't sure which would be best for me.
i have a canon 40d w/ battery grip, (these are coming in the mail this week!) 580ex II, and a g.f. lightsphere II. i'm using a tamaron 18-250, and i plan to purchase the canon 70-200L IS USM f2.8
i want to purchase a flash bracket where i would have to move the flash around to take vertical and horizontal shots. i wasn't sure what flash bracket to purchase since i do not plan to remove the lightsphere just to position my shots.
i hope that makes sense... i don't want a flash bracket and have it interfere or be a problem! haha i also need more advice on what other things i need to purchase such as cords? i heard i need some type of cord to connect the flash to the camera once it is used on a flash bracket.
i'm a tiny person and carrying around the 40d with all the gizmos attached is a bit heavy for me. please help me find a light and functional flash bracket.
your words and advice is needed. if you have pictures or sites that show the flash brackets functionality, please post!
First question: why do you feel a need for a flash bracket? Some folks use them, others don't. I tried them years ago; wasn't for me. I've survived very well without it. Too bulky for my taste.....and I'm not a small guy.
i'm sorry ... but lightsphere's for dorks. It screams "i'm compensating for something...guess what?" Leave it at home. Use an Omnibounce or bounce the flash off the ceiling. Better yet when you go vertical, aim the flash straight out and pull out the included white card. I've had pretty good results doing those 2 things. Believe me it'll save you some money.
Stephanie, it's a good thing to check this stuff out, adding on a grip can change everything
I found the perfect bracket for me, small, light, easy to use, etc. It was a Camera Flip by Stroboframe (http://www.tiffen.com/Stroboframe_ProRL_page.htm), and better yet, I found it used for 1/2 price at a camera store. I have used this bracket for 5 years with my other cameras . They didn't have a grip, but it was the size of basically having a grip built in (with the portrait release).
I recently bought un upgraded body which didn't include the "grip" built in, and I had to purchase and add the grip separately. When I added the grip (for the portrait release & battery options), it became unusable with my current bracket, because once the grip was added it made the camera like 1/2 inch too high to rotate in the bracket
I haven't replaced my bracket yet, but I will be soon!
My suggestion for you is that if you can find a camera store close to you that carries brackets, is to take your camera in, and try out different brackets, and see if you can find something that works for you.
I know that Demb (maker of "Flip It") also makes a bracket, that is supposed to be able to be used with pretty much any camera with a grip (http://www.dembflashproducts.com/bracket). It definitely would fit the small & light category.
ya you'll need the off camera cord...about $60 i think....I tried the flash bracket and hated it. I got a flip stoboframe and some of the holes weren't drilled thru all the way or were drilled in the wrong spots....You'll be able to make do very well without a bracket. You also may want to check out a demb flip it instead for some very nice light, lighting
Stephanie, For any bracket you are going to need the Canon Off Camera Cord OC-E3 to retain the ETTL. For a lightweight bracket, as already suggested the Joe Demb bracket is only 7oz and very quick to go from view to vertical in less than a second, plus also using the flipit you can control your light with a bit of practise. See how light they are: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/snapper1/bracket_demo2.jpg
STEPz wrote:
thank you all for the help. i think i'll stay away from the flash brackets for now.. haha so many choices! i'll keep searching.
Good choice. If you want to get the flash REALLY above your subject for REALLY nice light, nothing beats a well placed bounce. Plus you don't have to lug that nasty bracket contraption with you all day long.
I've tried many different things including the lightsphere with and without a bracket.
I definitely agree that the both the bracket and lightsphere are bulky so when put together, you'll have a 2 foot rig to lug around. I've also tried a different version of the better bounce card that I put together using specs from a DIY website, again with and without the bracket.
So, for those of you who do not use a bracket, I'm curious as to how are your rigs setup?
1) really fast prime lenses when the light is good and in dark churches and reception halls
2) off camera flash for dealing with noon day sun, dark reception halls and when I just feel like cool lighting
3) direct fill flash when couple is backlit with the sun filtered by trees.
4) bounce flash every so often when nothing else works.
works pretty darn well and no flash bracket needed...
I too use a bracket. Stroboframe flip bracket, but unlike the ones I see on the 'Net, mine is equipped with a wooden handle that is off-set from the vertical bar.
Light-weight and strong: I use a hammerhead Metz 60CT4 on it using the Metz adapter.
But to be honest, I don't really see much difference using the standard Metz bracket over the Strobo one. The Strobo gives me more configuration options.
Another thing you might want to consider is the ability to mount it on your tripod. If you can't screw a quick-mount plate to it, it's less functional imho.
i've often considered a Joe Demb flip it, is there a video out there that shows it in use? Also, do you guys use the single bounce/diffuser or the double?
I used a bracket for the first time recently.It is a copy of Stroboframe's VH2000.It and a short off-camera cord totalled $65 off Ebay.It worked VERY well,though it seemed very awkward until I practiced with it for a few days.The flash stays properly positioned above the lens,you can use it with a Fong LS or ABBC,Demb,etc.And it is lightweight.
I've also tried a different version of the better bounce card that I put together using specs from a DIY website, again with and without the bracket.