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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
flash bracket recommendations?

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KevinShaw
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Sep 25, 2006, 1:56 PM

Post #1 of 28 (1376 views)
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flash bracket recommendations?	Can't Post

Can someone recommend a good flash bracket for use with a Canon Digital Rebel XT camera and Canon 430 flash? I'm particularly hoping to find something where the flash unit can be swiveled to remain upright when the camera is tilted to the side for a vertical shot, preferably with a Canon hot shoe/cord included. Thanks!

(This post was edited by kwshaw1 on Sep 25, 2006, 2:02 PM)

RustyB
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Sep 25, 2006, 6:24 PM

Post #2 of 28 (1360 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Are you positive you need one? What are you seeing that you think that will be solved with a bracket? Just curious, as I'm still learning myself.

I'm sure the many thousands of photogs using big goofy brackets can't be wrong, but I haven't seen a real need for one yet. (except when using the built-in flash of a digital camera) Then again, you see photogs using some really goofy looking diffusers on their flashes as well, whereas years ago the didn't use any...and didn't even bounce them.

Since I recently got the Flipit diffuser+reflector combo kit, I can't imagine needing a bracket at all, even for vertical shots. since the flash head stays in the sideways position anyways. I really like it, but haven't used it professionally for anything, so time will tell. You can get some really neat natural-looking lighting effects with it from different angles.

Good luck!

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szerangue
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Sep 25, 2006, 8:52 PM

Post #3 of 28 (1354 views)
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Re: [RustyB] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

The main thing for me, right now, that I can see a use in the bracket is just the ability to carry the camera. You can wrap your hand around the handle and get a good solid grip on it. I think stability may also be a factor, just thinking. The position of the flash may also play a role.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
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Jeko
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:08 PM

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Re: [szerangue] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I don't use one, but as I understand it the bracket distances the flash from the lens to eliminate the creation of a shadow behind the subject in your image. That would be whenever flash is being used directly with a dim backdrop. You can be a "bouncer" of your flash which eliminates the need for the bracket (reflect off nearby walls and ceilings so light is diffused all over).

As for the better handling, get a battery grip instead.

Admittedly, a bracket would really help us if you are flashing directly (when can't bounce) when there are very high ceilings in a darker venue. For this reason, I have turned down ceremony venues which would require a more intensive light kit than I wish to carry/use... at most I use my three flashes (two remotely fired) as needed for photo sessions.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

szerangue
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:15 PM

Post #5 of 28 (1341 views)
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Re: [Jeko] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hey Jeko, can you recommend a battery grip for the Canon 30D?
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

Shadow
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:19 PM

Post #6 of 28 (1338 views)
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Re: [Jeko] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Admittedly, a bracket would really help us if you are flashing directly (when can't bounce) when there are very high ceilings in a darker venue. For this reason, I have turned down ceremony venues which would require a more intensive light kit than I wish to carry/use... at most I use my three flashes (two remotely fired) as needed for photo sessions.

Hey Jeko,

How dark would these places be that you would need more than that? Or are you describing a large, dark venue?
The most I have ever seen at a reception is a second flash.
Would this be for formal portraits or for reception coverage?

To reply to the first post - I had considered getting a bracket but think I'm going to try the off camera sync cord /flash cord / whatever the proper term is. It is around $100 and allows you to hold your flash at a different angle to eliminate shadows (or help reduce them anyway) or to adjust a different light on the subject.

Jeko
Enthusiast

Sep 25, 2006, 11:21 PM

Post #7 of 28 (1338 views)
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Re: [szerangue] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

It would be a Canon standard item... holds two batteries and engages to the camera's bottom. Go usually shoot all day on the two batteries, but can use AA's in a pinch if needed. The grip also offers the right hand controls in position for vertical positioning....

See here:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/...dedTroughType=search

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

szerangue
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:26 PM

Post #8 of 28 (1334 views)
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Re: [Jeko] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

That looks nice, thank Jeko... good info when I need it.
Miracle Pictures
"If it's a good picture, it's a Miracle!"

"Life Productions, coming out of the dark, into the light"
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

Jeko
Enthusiast

Sep 25, 2006, 11:26 PM

Post #9 of 28 (1333 views)
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Re: [Shadow] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Just refering to shooting formals in the huge churchs with all dark wood trim, dim stained glass windows and 60' ceilings. Can't bounce at all there.

As for receptions, I can always find an angle to let me bounce it seems. Side walls work too. I do use a second flash for effect or to freeze a bouquet toss.

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Shadow
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:29 PM

Post #10 of 28 (1331 views)
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Re: [szerangue] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

The grip is really good - I ended up getting it free with my camera but had considered getting it anyway. I can't remember what Jeko said so I apologize if I am being repetitive... it holds 2 batteries and if you run out it will actually work on 6 AA batteries. You can turn it sideways to take photos and not squish your wrist around, plus, it just generally looks cool.

I heard they had a recall on them at some point because the twisty turny thing that screws it to the bottom of the camera (that's the official part name by the way) came loose and the contact to the camera would be interrupted.
I've never had a probelm with mine though. I really like it.

Brackish
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:29 PM

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Shadow
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Sep 25, 2006, 11:31 PM

Post #12 of 28 (1330 views)
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Re: [Jeko] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I never realized how hard it is to take the perfect picture of a bouquet toss until recently.
:)
I guess it takes some practice to know when to press the shutter to have the flowers up in the air in the photo.

H

Jeko
Enthusiast

Sep 25, 2006, 11:37 PM

Post #13 of 28 (1326 views)
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Re: [Shadow] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I try to have 20D capture in bursts, while the 5D requires better timing. But, if need be a bouquet can be photo shoped into the frame these days. Heck, in an album it can be PSd above the shot and still make sense... we're story-tellers with the albums too you know.

But yeah, hark reception and keeping a bit of distance during toss may benefit from a remote flash firing to light up the "receivers" while the oncamera flash is bounced to illuminate the "tosser".

Jeko

Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.

Shadow
Veteran

Sep 25, 2006, 11:41 PM

Post #14 of 28 (1323 views)
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Re: [Jeko] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Very clever - thanks for the tip.

:)

Brackish
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Sep 26, 2006, 12:17 AM

Post #15 of 28 (1315 views)
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Toogy
User

Sep 26, 2006, 9:19 AM

Post #16 of 28 (1301 views)
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Re: [Brackish] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

I used to use the Custom Brackets flash bracket and still use it occasionally. The only time I use it for weddings is the processional, it is about the only time during a wedding, where I usually have to use direct flash. And it can help reduce redeye and side shadows as I tend to shoot the processional in the vertical orientation.
After that I take it off and don't bother with it for the rest of the day. It REALLY makes the camera heavy.
But if you really want a bracket, I recommend the Custom Brackets one. It is extremely well built and works great, no parts that loosen over time like other brackets I've used. Great piece of equipment, but I guess you get what you pay for. It isn't cheap.
------------------------->
Jeff Toogood
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videochicke
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Sep 26, 2006, 10:17 AM

Post #17 of 28 (1296 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

The main purpose of a bracket is to hold the flash above the lens. When the flash is on top, the shadows fall invisibly behind the people. If you turn the camera sideways with direct flash, you get a shadow you can see to their side. The bracket allows the flash to be swiveled over the lens no matter when shooting vertically or horizontally, hiding the shadows.
Julie

Jenn M
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Sep 26, 2006, 1:37 PM

Post #18 of 28 (1283 views)
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Re: [szerangue] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Hi Shane,

I got the vertical grip for the 30D and love it. Now when I pick up the 20D, I miss it b/c I only got one. I got mine used on Fred Miranda. They pop up on there every now and then.

WLR
User

Sep 26, 2006, 9:50 PM

Post #19 of 28 (1270 views)
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Re: [kwshaw1] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Doesnt the 430 have a swiveling head? If it does, grab one of those LightSpheres by Gary Fong.
Forget the Rube Goldberg brackets...

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

WLR
User

Sep 26, 2006, 9:57 PM

Post #20 of 28 (1269 views)
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Re: [Brackish] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

... to have a handle to carry it around with.

Get the battery pack. It has a hand strap and balances the camera just fine. No need for something else to get the weight up to that of a Hasselblad.

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

WLR
User

Sep 26, 2006, 9:59 PM

Post #21 of 28 (1268 views)
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Re: [Shadow] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

it will actually work on 6 AA batteries.
For emergency use only according to the manual

Friends don't let friends shoot jpeg.

Shadow
Veteran

Sep 27, 2006, 4:47 PM

Post #22 of 28 (1257 views)
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Re: [WLR] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yeah, I wonder how long the 6AA would last. The battery grip kit I received came with an extra battery which was great, and a lowpro bag, although it hardly holds my stuff. I can just squeeze in there my camera with lens, extra lens, flash and light meter, it's stuffed.

KevinShaw
Veteran

Oct 1, 2006, 3:07 AM

Post #23 of 28 (1206 views)
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Re: [RustyB] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Are you positive you need one? What are you seeing that you think that will be solved with a bracket? Just curious, as I'm still learning myself.

We take a lot of pictures vertically, and if you do that with a shoe-mounted flash as the main source of light it casts a prominent shadow just to one side of the subject on whatever's behind that. Not very flattering for people shots, but we've been getting by like that for now. My wife sees other photographers with big brackets and figures there must be a reason for it - I guess we've got "bracket envy."

Smile

P.S. How's the photography going so far? For us it's proving to be a breeze compared to video, at least so far.

Brackish
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Oct 1, 2006, 8:00 PM

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Shadow
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Oct 1, 2006, 8:51 PM

Post #25 of 28 (652 views)
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Re: [Brackish] flash bracket recommendations? [In reply to]	Can't Post

It gives you the functions for vertical photos, you can hold your camera sideways and have the shutter release button there plus the controls on the back as well.
It holds an extra battery so you will probably last all day.
I find it is a more secure hold of the camera.
the 6AA are for a back up use. If your two batteries die then you can use 6 AA in a pinch. I don't think it will last you a long time though, especially if you are using the LCD at the back.
It basically powers the camera as the regular battery would.

Also, it looks cool. Wink

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