dual flash brackets

[david_simon]

<p>I know there are existing dual flash kits for close up photos but I already have 2 Nikon flashes and want to buy an inexpensive stand that can place one flash on each side of my lens. Manfrotto has a 2 arm thing for about $60 but it seems the flash heads would be too high above the lens. Plus I have seen a double C ring that goes around the lens and that you can place flahes on at various points. Does anyone have any experience with any of these? Or suggestions as to how to make a do it yourself stand for the 2 flashes?</p>

 

[Ed_Ingold]

<p>Are you looking for a stand or a bracket (that mounts on the camera). Stands are easy, other than being bulky. Manfrotto (and others) make swivel adapters which attach a flash to a standard 5/8" stud. You need to insulate the shoe with tape or something.</p>

<p>There are also a lot of double flash brackets. You can start by looking at Stroboframe (<a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">www.bhphotovideo.com</a>). The best can be found on <a href="http://www.ReallyRightStuff.com">www.ReallyRightStuff.com</a>. Sadly, things that work consistently are usually on the expensive side. If you start cheap and work your way up, you'll wind up spending 3x as much as you need to on the way ;-)</p>

[geoffm]

<p>I use a Wimberley macro flash bracket which is very flexible, but quite heavy. You can gang two of these together for a dual set up: <a href="http://www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-macro-brackets.cfm">http://www.tripodhead.com/products/flash-bracket-macro-brackets.cfm</a></p>

<p>I haven't tried it, but one caught my eye on Ebay (I'm not allowed to post a link but search for "macro flash bracket"). It has twin goosenecks and looks very flexible, but may not support heavy flashes. At least it's cheap, so you don't lose much if it doesn't work out!</p>

[dan_fromm2]

<p>The great classic inexpensive flash bracket that attaches to a lens' filter threads is the Spiratone MacroDapter. I've used 'em since the late '70s, find them very useful.</p>

<p>Two possible drawbacks. I mount my flashes on the MacroDapter with little tilting flash feet. And my flashes are little Minolta units that are roughly the size of a cigarette pack. Auto 14s on manual, 20s. On a 50 - 60 mm lens the flash feet can put the flash behind the subject. This isn't a problem with a 105 MicroNikkor.</p>

<p>Your Nikon flashes may be too large and heavy for a MacroDapter.</p>

<p>If you're patient and watch eBay you'll get one sooner or later, they're not that rare. You could also take a lens hood, drill two holes at opposite ends of a diameter, and attach a cold shoe to each hole. One of my friends did that. Inexpensive, simple, functionally equivalent to and same drawbacks as a MacroDapter.</p>

<p>Jones made a conceptually similar bracket with little arms to hold the flash shoes. It works well with a 55 MicroNikkor. Same flashes, 'cos I've standardized on them. Jones brackets are quite hard to find, though.</p>

[stemked]

<p><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5107/5620526101_f1078bd685_m.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="159" /><br>

I have a homemade one that works great. Three pieces of strip metal,the middle one with three holes, the two outer bars with two drilled holes. The middle one also has a felt attached to aid in keeping the body in place.Two 'wing-nuts' to attach and move the outer bars. Then two very small ballheads to attach the flashguns. You have to supply the cords of course.Works great for smallish ballheads. You can probably make it for less than $15. I'll attach a photo.</p>