Flash bracket w/ vertical grip on D200/D80?

JAMoore

I'm wanting to get a vertical grip for my D200 and D80, but also need a flash bracket for vertical shooting.

I have read good things about the stroboframe vh2000, and I like the design and price. I also like the stroboframe quickflip 350 (I've had one before) for it's simplicity and price.

I can't find any info or pics on whether it is feasible to use these brackets with vertical grips. One review I read for the vh2000 said that using the vertical shutter with the bracket is painful.

Any experience with these configurations? If you have any other bracket suggestions that would work with a v. grip for under $60 that be cool too.

Thanks!

-Josh

Art Scott

I have a RL 2000 and older version of the Pro-SQ......these 2 are adjustable for battery grips and motordrives......most of the others (VH2000) is not adjustable..........can't help with the under $60 part.....I personally only use camera flip brackets and they are some what more expensive (starting around $125+).................

ziggy53

I have a Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 and I can confirm that if you use it as it was intended to be used, on the left side of the camera, it is a three-handed operation in portrait configuration. The flash winds up on the bottom, or, if you move the flash to the top, the portrait shutter button is on the bottom. You can reverse the bracket and use it on the right, but it tends to interfere with your right hand in that configuration.

A much better solution for gripped cameras, either integral or add-on grips, (from the Stroboframe product line) is the "Pro-T" bracket. This bracket positions the flash bracket on the right and moves everything forward, out of your way. I prefer this bracket to a bracket which always positions the flash on top and rotates the camera. I sometimes like to "sweep" the flash off to the side and the Pro-T allows this motion (two-handed operation.) The Pro-T also has more "lift" for the flash, positioning the light at a generally more pleasing angle especially with gripped bodies.

jchin

ziggy53 wrote:

I have a Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 and I can confirm that if you use it as it was intended to be used, on the left side of the camera, it is a three-handed operation in portrait configuration. The flash winds up on the bottom, or, if you move the flash to the top, the portrait shutter button is on the bottom. You can reverse the bracket and use it on the right, but it tends to interfere with your right hand in that configuration.

A much better solution for gripped cameras, either integral or add-on grips, (from the Stroboframe product line) is the "Pro-T" bracket. This bracket positions the flash bracket on the right and moves everything forward, out of your way. I prefer this bracket to a bracket which always positions the flash on top and rotates the camera. I sometimes like to "sweep" the flash off to the side and the Pro-T allows this motion (two-handed operation.) The Pro-T also has more "lift" for the flash, positioning the light at a generally more pleasing angle especially with gripped bodies.

Ziggy, can you show me a picture of the Pro-T mounted? I am looking for something a little lighter than the Stroboframe VH2000 bracket. Thanks.

ziggy53

jchin wrote:

Ziggy, can you show me a picture of the Pro-T mounted? I am looking for something a little lighter than the Stroboframe VH2000 bracket. Thanks.

Surely I can. Do these help?

jchin

wow ... the Pro-T really puts the flash up high.
Would you mind showing me a photo of the space between the grip bump and the bracket? I am curious how much room is there. Thanks again!

ziggy53

Side view:


Top view:

jchin

WOW ... great photos! Thanks Ziggy! You the best!

jchin

Seymore, thanks for those photos. Love the APC velcro by the way, I do the use them for my camera wires too

JAMoore

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies. I ended up getting two stroboframes. One VH 2000 flash flipper and a Pro-RL camera flipper. I use the VH 2000 on my D80 w/ an SB600 and the Pro-RL holds my gripped D200 also w/ SB600. Both pictured below (sorry for the sub-par pics). My wife (D80) and I (D200) are really enjoying these... especially when we ended up having to document an engagement party on a boat... at night.
I got them for a song at KEH (those guys rock).

jchin

Given you have both, VH 2000 flash flipper and Pro-RL camera flipper, can you tell me which is heavier (bracket alone) and which feels more rigid? Thanks.

JAMoore

jchin wrote:

Given you have both, VH 2000 flash flipper and Pro-RL camera flipper, can you tell me which is heavier (bracket alone) and which feels more rigid? Thanks.

The Pro-RL is definitely heavier, but the VH2000 is more rigid because of it's small/tight construction.

They both have their advantages. The VH is compact and light(er). The RL is more versatile - the flash can tilt forward and backward and can be raised and lowered by about 14" and it fairly vertical grip friendly.

I picked them up used for a little over $100 (for the pair).