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Latest in Flash Brackets?
Tommyboy
Registered Users Posts: 590 Major grins
I realize that this is an oft-broached topic, but a search of this forum revealed discussions that were a year old or more.
I'm tired of not being able to have my flash above the camera when I shoot vertically. In fact, I shoot nearly everything horizontally as a result. I have an ancient Storboframe, but that's not my speed any more.
I shoot hand held with a 580EXII—currently on a 40D and soon on a 5DIII.
Some cursory research has led me to the Ray Flash Rotator and the Newton Camera Bracket. Both look appealing: compact, good for hand-held, and not too obtrusive.
Can anyone recommend either of these, or point me in the direction of something else?
Thanks.
I'm tired of not being able to have my flash above the camera when I shoot vertically. In fact, I shoot nearly everything horizontally as a result. I have an ancient Storboframe, but that's not my speed any more.
I shoot hand held with a 580EXII—currently on a 40D and soon on a 5DIII.
Some cursory research has led me to the Ray Flash Rotator and the Newton Camera Bracket. Both look appealing: compact, good for hand-held, and not too obtrusive.
Can anyone recommend either of these, or point me in the direction of something else?
Thanks.
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I can still recommend the Stroboframe Pro-T for many applications. I appreciate the way that the Pro-T mounts and keeps ready access to both camera and lens controls. Unfortunately, tripod use with the Pro-T is less than optimal, but still usable.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Stroboframe is a great choice... Another I found recently that seems to rival RRS stuff is http://promediagear.3dcartstores.com/
Cowboydoug
Certified Journeyman Commercial Photographer
www.iWasThereToo.com
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
Whilst I've never used (or seen in the flesh) a newton bracket, I made a rig based on the same principle - specifically for macro purposes - because I wanted the flash head to be in the same position relative to the lens front element in either position.
Whilst the promedia rig looks very nice / well made, the flash to lens distance changes - probably irrelevant for 'normal' work - but could be an issue.
pp
Flickr
consider the RRS WPF-1 Wedding Flash Bracket (video):http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=43
Works great and packs very small.
― Edward Weston
I think I've settled on one of two brackets, both Really Right $tuff. I want an L-Bracket and one of their ball heads, so one of their flash brackets seems natural.
Medium Portrait Perfect Package vs. Wedding Pro Flash Bracket
The Wedding Pro has a number of advantages:
Much less expensive
Folds flat for storage
The rectangular aspect-ratio of the flash follows that of the imaging sensor when rotating the camera
The Portrait Perfect is more expensive, more difficult to store, and when you shoot a portrait shot, the flash remains in the "landscape" position.
In spite of these shortcomings, I vastly prefer the elegant design of the Portrait Perfect bracket. It also seems as though it would be a superior rig for macro work. The Wedding Pro is oversized and ungainly; although very functional, it leaves much to be desired in terms of design ethos.
So my question is this: How big a deal is it if the flash and the imaging sensor are perpendicular rather than parallel?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
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Neither looks ideal (to me) for macro work.
Many (most?) macro flash rigs that use std flashes invariably have an articulated arm with at least one (small) ball head somewhere in the linkage to allow as much versatility as possible.
Especially important if the (macro) lens in use changes its length for different magnification ratios.
Not being able to place the flash where you want it will drive you nuts
pp
Flickr
On the very contrary, the WPF (Wedding Pro) is one of smallest and fastest (switch form horizontal to vertial)
flash bracket I've ever used. The other one is the better setup for macro and RRS used to advertise
it in the last years only for that. Not sure why they stated to recommend it for weddings and portraits.
I've used the WPF for macro work and it worked although there are much better solutions (from
the Wimberly) it worked. The biggest drawback is that you can't tilt the flash downwards on the WPF.
Why don't you order both, try them side by side and and keep only the one you like most?
― Edward Weston
Yours is the only negative comment I can find on Newton products. They have a sterling reputation on multiple forums. What is your specific complaint with his brackets? Have you held one or used one?
I'm looking hard at the FR3. It does everything I want: L bracket, low flash profile, rotating flash. . . . It even has a built in stand.
I'm not trying to be argumentative. . . . I'm just wondering if you've had negative experience or if you hate it in theory. Either way, I'd be interested in knowing why.
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― Edward Weston
Subjective indeed. What a flash bracket "looks like" is definitely a secondary, of not tertiary concern. It is, after all, a tool. Having said that, the RRS wedding bracket is the most awkward looking and cumbersome bracket out there—judging by appearances, yet you and others swear by them. I can appreciate its functionality and its compact size, though it does not appeal to me.
I look at the Newton bracket and see form supported by numerous functions. I don't want my flash a foot above my camera; I don't need it. I only need my flash above my camera when shooting vertical. Everything I shoot is bounced or diffused so shadows are a non-issue. I do need an L-plate, though and I would like to use my existing Manfroto set up with its proprietary QR plates. And I want a small, light weight bracket. And I don't want the flash to flip on its side putting undue stress on the foot and causing the hold rig to be out of balance.
In my research, only the Newton FR3 offers all of that, in addition to providing a stand on which to rest your camera. I don't usually even consider price, and generally buy the best that I can afford. But I do note that the Newton provides all of the above for a price less than $300. I've read a half-dozen reviews of his brackets that rave about its build quality, its function, and its lack of maintenance. People seem to really dig them.
Were I to go with an RRS Portrait Perfect Package, I would need to buy an A/S ball head. That, the L-plate, and the flash bracket would cost well over $750. That's a big difference. Their design, fit, and finish are unquestionable. What is questionable is whether it's worth more than double the price. I've contacted RRS, Pro Media Gear, and Newton. All were responsive and helpful, but Robert Newton offered the most detailed and personal response. He recommended the FR-3 and if I didn't like it, he would sell me a different bracket or refund my purchase price. Kind of hard to argue with . . . .
As you have indicated, though, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If I wind up buying the Newton, I'll post a review here.
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― Edward Weston
My macro rig version, based on the Newton linkage has proven to be very easy to use and quick in operation over many 1000s of frames.
I suspect the 'proper' one is even smoother in operation than mine
pp
Flickr
Paul,
You've mentioned your home-made rig a couple of times. I'd love to see a photo of it—just for curiosity's sake.
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Stuff to do atm, so may be a few days ...
pp
Flickr
Originally made for a 20D + 550ex (now use a 40D) and 3 lenses
100mm macro (non usm) / mpe65 / 180 Tamron
4 led ring clips into the groove at front of the 2 Canon lenses.
Shown in Lscape.
Can be locked in both L and P
3/8in tripod mount.
Whole arm removable via split clamp arrangement.
flash arm pivoted to provide greater forward 'throw' when using the 180
Off cam flash cord fixed into top of small ball head.
Cam fixed by screw poking thro' flat base plate @ upper centre of pic.
'Teeth' - white nylon, base of large ball head are for locating in 'bean pole' ... when used ... as per LordV technique ...
Idea worked thro' using Wings3D - a free (but excellent, in my biased opinion
I found the flipper alone (arm removed) useful on a tripod for L/P changes - and fast.
Most of the macro pics on site taken with this or with same base / different arm.
hth
pp
Flickr
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cool.
you should market this
Tommyboy, thanks for starting this thread. It got me thinking and looking very hard at the images I was getting with my Demb Flip-it. After digesting all the offerings on the market, I pulled the trigger on the Newton Di100FR2. Waiting anxiously.
Natural selection is responsible for every living thing that exists.
D3s, D500, D5300, and way more glass than the wife knows about.
Looks simple and effective (to me) - be interested to hear how you get on with it.
<< cool.
you should market this
Dunno about 'cool' - I came across issues - like trying to see fruit flies in a poorly lit kitchen - during shooting (macro) and tried to solve them. Other ppl manage to produce way better shots than me with simpler rigs
Newton's design is patented.
pp
Flickr