Flash Brackets

GadgetRick

Ok, scratching my head on this one, too. When I got my flash--Canon 580EX II--it came as a package which also included a bracket. I figured that would be good as I've read that brackets are good. So I've been playing around with it and, honestly, I see no real use for it as it doesn't really get the flash all that much farther away than when it's directly connected to the body (a couple of inches). It also makes the camera WAY unbalanced and hard to hold.

So, am I missing something? Are brackets really worth using? If so, how?

Thanks.

Qarik

GadgetRick wrote:

Ok, scratching my head on this one, too. When I got my flash--Canon 580EX II--it came as a package which also included a bracket. I figured that would be good as I've read that brackets are good. So I've been playing around with it and, honestly, I see no real use for it as it doesn't really get the flash all that much farther away than when it's directly connected to the body (a couple of inches). It also makes the camera WAY unbalanced and hard to hold.

So, am I missing something? Are brackets really worth using? If so, how?

Thanks.

the main function of a flash bracket is to keep the flash above the camera at all times to avoid sideshadows. Try this..without the bracket..turn you camera in portriat mode with the flash in the shoe..turn the flash head at the subject to and take picture with a wall close behind the subject. Look at the shot. That is what bracket is for.

ziggy53

Flash brackets are extremely valuable, but (of course) all flash brackets are not created the same.

A good flash bracket raises the flash fairly high above the lens axis to place the light source and subsequent shadows at a more natural position with respect to the subject(s). I also prefer a bracket which allows the flash to rotate to a position so that in the camera's portrait position the flash is positioned above the lens (or so that the flash modifier is positioned above the lens.)

Typically you would also use an "off-camera" cord with the bracket to allow full flash functions.

GadgetRick

Ok, so I'd only really need/want it when turning the camera to shoot? That makes sense.

The bracket I got (I'm sure) is a cheapie as it was included in a package with my flash. That might explain it.

Seems like it's not a MUST have though but a nice-to-have if you use it properly.

Thanks.

insanefred

what I hate about most cheaper flash brackets is that they won't turn over the camera when shooting in the normal portrait angle.

Art Scott

GadgetRick wrote:

Ok, so I'd only really need/want it when turning the camera to shoot? That makes sense.

The bracket I got (I'm sure) is a cheapie as it was included in a package with my flash. That might explain it.

Seems like it's not a MUST have though but a nice-to-have if you use it properly.

Thanks.

Could you post a pic of it and also tell us the brand and model.....so we know what you are dealing with.

GadgetRick

Art Scott wrote:

Could you post a pic of it and also tell us the brand and model.....so we know what you are dealing with.

Don't have a pic handy (fighting problems which is why I popped in here to post a question) but it's a Flashpoint from Adorama. You can find it here.

Surfdog

It is a cheap bracket, but functional nonetheless. As mentioned before, the main advantage of using the bracket is to keep the flash above the camera when shooting in portrait mode, thus causing the shadow from the flash to fall behind your subject.