i have been practicing with my 500/4 and my new 580EXii. getting lots of reflections in the eyes (as i expected), but i have spent the time learning how to use the flash under different conditions so all has not been in vain. however, i now have some extra cash (woo hoo!), it is now time to buy a bracket to get the flash off the camera and get rid of this pesky eye reflection.
i would ideally like to get something that clips onto the plate that connects my lens to my wimberley head. i would prefer to have the bracket mounted to the lens plate (versus the tripod) so that i can remove the whole setup from the tripod should i need additional maneuverability.
any and all suggestions appreciated!
thanks
dorian
swainson't thrush - eye reflection in this one was east to fix, so here you go!
I use the RRS B87 Portrait Perfect package (medium, B87-B). As you would like, it attaches to the front of the lens foot (RRS LCF-50 lens foot on my EF 500/4L IS). It's great for super teles, and also for events with a 24-70/2.8 or 70-200/2.8, and for macro. I bought a second flash bracket for it, and so I can use two flash for macro. It's great.
The current B87-QR model has a new quick release gizmo on the top of the flash bracket, which my older B87 does not, but it's plenty easy to use, anyway.
I use the Custom Brackets TFM. It attaches to the lens plate, has a wide range of adjustments and can also be tilted forward to be used for macro shooting.
Given the long focal length how much difference would having the flash slightly more off axis than it is currently?
The 580 isn't a small flash so there's already a little difference in distance and I'd wager a bracket might only double the distance unless it was quite ungainly.
Would it be worth considering a lightweight stand to go by your side for the light? Something like the Dedo stands collapse very small, give a height range of about 1-5 ft and have the benefit of having legs that fold out flat to the floor if practical so you can put your foot on it for stability.
(A simple long ETTL cable would do nicely if you've not got a radio link).
Given that you're not running around with a 500mm lens anyway, perhaps something small and lightweight like this may not prove an issue?
