Buying a Bracket: need recs

urbanaries

My first wedding (on my own) is in three weeks, and I have yet to buy a bracket. I have assisted/used another pro, and liked the way his felt, but he had a D2X + Metz? and I have a 20D + 580ex. I have rented a Stroboframe on my camera, but it was REALLY heavy and awkward, made my hands cramp, and I didn't like that the 'handle' was in front of the camera, and I couldn't get to my controls well.

I do have a battery grip but am not sure whether I'll use it. I'm not completely comfortable with how its changed my shooting style. So that's negotiable.

I also have an ST-E2 and like the thought of using it instead of a cord, which i don't yet have.

I've heard good things about the Press-T and the Pro-T, that they're more lightweight and allow you to hold the camera instead of the bracket. That appeals to me.

I've also read posts implying that LightSphere users don't use a bracket at all. interesting, although I am not sure about flipping the speedlite all the time...but then again I only have 7 weddings scheduled this year.

Thanks all-

lynne

spider-t

CB-Junior
I like the Custom Bracket CB-Junior. Really solid. Easy to flip. Small (compared to most). And the handle is on the right which leaves my left hand free to zoom. You can either hold the camera or the handle. Your choice.

I use a d2x, but it also fits a smaller camera.

-Trish

Terrence

I'm not a pro by any means, but I've seen a lot of posts and read a lot of debate on this subject. There is a big camp that believes in "the better bounce card" method at http://www.abetterbouncecard.com/. Worth a look and some experimentation?

Scott_Quier

There are a number of thread along this line. I'm guilty of starting one that uncovered a lot of information. Check it out here.

I ended up getting a Newton bracket (based on recommendations I got on another forum) and I think I like it. I've used it a lot at sporting events - testing it out before I have to use it under fire - and I think it's going to work out well. You can see it here.

If you go with the Newton and if you are going to shoot without the battery grip, you will want the Di100CR Camera Rotator. If you want the battery grip, you will want the Di400CR Camera Rotator Bracket.

One thing you REALLY want is a bracket that rotates the camera rather then the flash. Rotating the flash around is a serious PITA. I have the Pro-T. This is a flash rotator and after just one wedding, I was ready to toss that thing in the trash. If you want one, I have one that I am willing to sell you. It's just collecting dust!

urbanaries

Scott_Quier wrote:

There are a number of thread along this line. I'm guilty of starting one that uncovered a lot of information. Check it out here.

I ended up getting a Newton bracket (based on recommendations I got on another forum) and I think I like it. I've used it a lot at sporting events - testing it out before I have to use it under fire - and I think it's going to work out well. You can see it here.

If you go with the Newton and if you are going to shoot without the battery grip, you will want the Di100CR Camera Rotator. If you want the battery grip, you will want the Di400CR Camera Rotator Bracket.

One thing you REALLY want is a bracket that rotates the camera rather then the flash. Rotating the flash around is a serious PITA. I have the Pro-T. This is a flash rotator and after just one wedding, I was ready to toss that thing in the trash. If you want one, I have one that I am willing to sell you. It's just collecting dust!

Thanks Scott, this is just the type of experiential wisdom I was looking for. Can you elaborate more on why rotating the flash vs. the camera is more of a hassle over the long haul? Maybe its an obvious answer, I've just not used a bracket for any length of time.

I think I'll need to try a few out with my cujrrent setup in-store. Its funny how much we resist the old fashioned method of researching equipment in this brave new e-world.

Scott_Quier

urbanaries wrote:

Thanks Scott, this is just the type of experiential wisdom I was looking for. Can you elaborate more on why rotating the flash vs. the camera is more of a hassle over the long haul? Maybe its an obvious answer, I've just not used a bracket for any length of time.

I think I'll need to try a few out with my cujrrent setup in-store. Its funny how much we resist the old fashioned method of researching equipment in this brave new e-world.

With flash rotation and if you are doing bounce-flash, you will (usually) need to re-orient the flash head when you move from portriat to landscape (or back). At least I did with the Pro-T bracket. Example: If you are in landscape orientation and bouncing off the ceiling and move to portrait orientation - now your flash head is IIRC pointing to camera right (bouncing off a wall now). So, you have to move the flash head to point up.

With camera-rotation systems, the flash stays put, right over the lens and pointing where you last left it so you don't have to re-orient it when you change the orientation of the camera. Conceptually, it's almost like you're holding the flash and moving the camera underneath it to the orientation you want.

One other problem I have with the flash-flippers is my fear of, in the emotion of the moment, snapping the flash-foot off the unit by too enthusiastically flipping that flash around.

There are at least three very good sources for such brackets:

• Newton Brackets
• Really Right Stuff
• Custom Brackets (here)

I'm sure there are others, I just don't remember them all.