flash bracket ?

[cryptobranchidae]

I'm looking for sugestions on flash brackets. The camera system is

a Canon 1V HS, 100mm macro USM, and a 550EX flash. The point of

this is to be able to hand hold for frogs, insects, and such.

Thanks, Mike

[arnabdas]

Joe MacDonald has some <a href="http://www.hoothollow.com/Tip-April%202002.html">good things to say</a> about the Wimberley flash brackets.

[melissa_eiselein]

While we are on the subject, can someone tell me what instances someone would want/need to use a flash bracket? What is the main purpose of using one?

[arnabdas]

Melissa,

 

A flash bracket come in handy when you want to light subjects at an angle to avaoid distracting blown out highlights. In macro, a bracket also helps to get rid of black backgrounds to some extent.

[m._huber]

Also, it helps setting up different light ratios, giving a more natural lighting effect, should eliminate red eye and in general gives more control and "non-flash" look.

[mlfly]

I have the Wimberly flash bracket and like it. It can be positioned almost infinitely and its base fits well on the Arca Swiss bracket that always rides under my camera. You might consider a Sto-Fen diffuser which I use for everything from insects to airplane interiors.

 

Mike

[philippe]

<p>I personally use the same camera and lens, but two small flashes on a Novoflex flash bracket with flexible arms. They also provide shorter arms that you can exchange, but I usually just bend the standard arms over the lens, thereby crossing the two arms and getting the flashes closer to the lens. More info is <a href="http://www.novoflex.com/english/html/fr_eha3.htm">here on their website</a>.

[alex_p._schorsch]

I just got a wimberley kit because I decided to try macro photography without a tripod like in Shaw's book. I think it's a great bracket but you must have an Arca Swiss plate. All my cameras have arca swiss so for me it's really convenient. By the way this rig can also be used with the tripod. The plate just has to be wide enough, although the rig's clamp is quite narrow. Cheers and good shooting. P.S. I use the same equipment as you.

[davidroossien]

With a little imagination you can make a flash bracket by visiting your local hardware store. I made mine using 1/8" thick by 1-1/2" wide aluminum (sold in 10' strips at Ace for $11). Drilling the holes was no big deal. It just took some patience (about 2 hours) and pressure. Check out this link:

 

http://www.rlephoto.com/tech/flash_bracket01.htm

 

Maybe someday I'll buy a fancy bracket, but for now I'm happy.