Best Flash Bracket

<p>What is a good Flash Bracket for Nikon? The one I have is horrible, the camera moves around on it.</p>

<p>Take a look here:</p>

<p>http://www.kirkphoto.com/Portrait-Flash-Brackets.html</p>

<p>I have considered the Kirk- I like the idea of a handle, but one of the original issues I always had with a bracket was packing it. So we use the RRS wedding bracket:</p>

<p>http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html</p>

<p>Now this bracket does require an L-Plate which means that al told it isn't cheap. However, once you adapt to using the Acra-Swiss type systems, it really is a joy to use. Highly recommended.</p>

 

<p>i use the CB junior flash bracket. very simple and light, but well-built. the flash unit is the one that flips.</p>

<p>a big plus to me is the handle is on the shooter's right so it doesn't obstruct the left hand that cradles the lens. also, all the buttons of the camera are accessible to your left and right hand fingers. no framework close to the camera body to block access to controls.</p>

<p><a href="http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=36">http://www.custombrackets.com/Scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=36</a></p>

<p>Jacy, steady your hand lad.</p>

<p>I think a flash bracket is such a personal item that I don't like recommending them...I had 3 different ones before I found the right one for me. Now it hangs in my office and rarely gets touched.</p>

<p>The 3 recommended above are great and I'd also suggest looking at this one...it's barely a bracket, but is what I would probably use now if I found myself wanting or needing a bracket again.<br>

<a href="http://www.dembflashproducts.com/bracket/">DEMB Flash Bracket</a></p>

<p>I have a CB Junior which I don't use at all because of odd balance when loaded. It just feels uncomfortable to use it for any extended period of time. Now I just put a large piece of white foam on my flash and bounce. It is not perfect but at least I don't feel like quitting due to stress on my wrist.</p>

<p>If you don't mind the weight and bulk the Custom Brackets CB Junior is a best buy in a flip bracket. Before getting that model I'd tried virtually every Stroboframe in two different local pro shops. The CB Junior suited my preferences better than any Stroboframe, for the reasons Ramon V described above. It was the best flip frame bracket on the market when I got it five years ago - don't know if that's still true, haven't checked recently.</p>

<p>If you get the CB be sure to get the anti-twist plate for the flash. However, I just use double stick tape because I'm a cheapskate. It works, but isn't ideal.</p>

<p>Also, if you're extra buff and you've done your curls in the gym, you can actually mount two flash units on the CB Junior top plate. Aim one backward for rear bounce or upward into a reflector; aim the second forward for fill. Lots of light. Very, very heavy. I tried this only once. It worked, but was way too heavy to manage for very long.</p>

<p>However, nowadays I'd opt for one of the nifty Demb devices. Much lighter in weight, very flexible. I think wedding pro Nadine Ohara (our wedding forum moderator) also recommends these, but check her previous posts to be sure.</p>

<p>While I usually opt for on-flash diffusers and other doodads to save weight and space in the bag, there are situations where there is no substitute for a flash bracket. Despite all the hype about the latest tupperware diffuser gadget, sometimes there is no substitute for physical separation between flash and lens. No amount of diffusion can solve certain problems, particularly red eye or pet eye with certain humans and critters with particularly reflective eyes. Only distance between flash and lens can solve that problem.</p>

<p>My favorite trick for no-bracket flash was stolen from Neil van Niekerk: reverse the flash head and bounce off the surrounding ceiling and walls. Works great when it's suitable for the environment. Doesn't always work well tho'. Dark walls and ceilings will soak up all the light - and on camera flash units don't have much to spare. And weird color surroundings, especially green and blue, can cast unpleasant colors on people. But if the surrounding surfaces have a white, neutral or warm color, I'll use that trick.</p>

<p>Before switching to the RRS bracket, we were using Custom Brackets after we too tried about every other bracket known to man! And I am not a huge fan of flash brackets myself. But, I do like to shoot with an on-camera flash (although bouncing) AND an off camera flash which means I need a Pocket Wizard and the bracket gives me someplace to put it all!</p>

<blockquote>

<p>While I usually opt for on-flash diffusers and other doodads to save weight and space in the bag, there are situations where there is no substitute for a flash bracket.</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I don't shoot with flash indoors too often, and only use a Stofen diffuser and never a bracket. Agreed that a bracket can minimize red eyes, which I correct in post processing. What other situations can a bracket help? I can think of reducing or repositioning harsh shadows in the background. What else?</p>

<p>Really right stuff<br>

one L plate <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html">http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/05.html</a><br>

One quick release lever clamp <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/03.html">http://reallyrightstuff.com/QR/03.html</a><br>

One wedding pro bracket <a href="http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html">http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html</a><br>

As stated they aren't cheap, but they work. Three years of hard use and they look like new.<br>

I don't work for them or am I compensated but it's one of the few products out there that work and work well, excellent customer service. When researching how to spend my money I called and they more than helpful and were able to answer my questions.<br>

What I like about the setup is that I can walk over and snap the whole setup into my tripod in either position, without having to adjust the height of the tripod and the fact that when in the portrait position, the flash(sb800) is in the portrait positon.<br>

They also make the type for big lenses which a friend of my has and loves it.</p>

 

<p>I've become a big fan of the Newton Brackets (http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/) after using a couple of different Stroboframes. My biggest issue is their bulkiness when trying to pack them and general awkwardness in using them (specifically the camera-flip and VH-2000 version). I use a CB bracket sometimes as well, the Mini-RC, which is limited in it's use since it just moves the flash to the right of the lens.</p>

<p>The Newton Flash Rotator Bracket is elegant, sleek, folds, and is well designed with nice beveled edges and just looks very professional.</p>

<p>I agree with everyone that the choice of a bracket is a very personal thing. I've tried a few different things and this Newton feels right for me. Good luck!</p>