Good entry level flash bracket

Chimper

Hello All - I'm looking for a good (not flimsy) entry level flash bracket to use with my Canon Rebel xti and 420 ex speedlite - I'd also appreciate knowing what accessories, e.g. connectors, etc. I'd need. All suggestions gratefully accepted - including anyone who has a bracket to sell.

Thanks a lot - (still a) Chimper

ziggy53

Be sure to check out some previous similar threads:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=44414
http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=11568

I happen to like a "flip" type bracket but I prefer to keep hold of the camera with my right hand and use my left hand to flip the flash. My (current) favorite is a Stroboframe Press-T:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/93223-REG/Stroboframe_310_810_Press_T_Bracket.html

I like that I can "sweep" the flash off to the side if needed and it works well with either a "scoop" or a "bounce" type of flash modifier and it allows proper positioning above the camera in portrait position. The bracket is large enough to handle any of the common dSLRs including grip. (I use it with the Canon 1D cameras and it works fine.

For sure you will want a compatible off-camera cord and you may want a quick release mechanism as well. An anti-rotate plate is also a good idea.

Ooops, I have the Pro-T which is a bit larger than the Press-T, but otherwise very similar.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/69327-REG/Stroboframe_310_800_Pro_T_Flash_Bracket.html

Scott_Quier

Here are a couple of other threads with information on the subject (and there's lots of other threads as well....)

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=110481

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=93030

For some uses, a flash flipping bracket is adequate. These have some issues (see the first thread). A better and more flexible option is any one of a number of brackets which flip the camera under the flash (again see the first thread for more on that as well).

chrismoore

Hi, I've been looking for a bracket for awhile as well and have pretty much settled on a Custom Bracket recommended in a previous post. I know that getting the flash off the camera is essential (currently I hold it out with my left hand but that starts to hurt after a while), it's just hard for me to get past looking at the pictures of the bracket and seeing the flash only a few inches off the camera, and how much difference that would make. I'm trusting it does make a huge difference? Thanks for sharing your experiences and recommendations.
Chris

ziggy53

chrismoore wrote:

... I know that getting the flash off the camera is essential (currently I hold it out with my left hand but that starts to hurt after a while), it's just hard for me to get past looking at the pictures of the bracket and seeing the flash only a few inches off the camera, and how much difference that would make. I'm trusting it does make a huge difference? Thanks for sharing your experiences and recommendations.
Chris

A flash bracket helps to move the flash away from the lens, and then I use a flash modifier which allows the flash head to point up and the modifier re-directs the light forward. The net effect is to move the light considerably away from the lens and the modifier spreads and softens the light from the flash, all very good things.