Rotating flash brackets ...

Timbo1961 · 01-07-2009, 03:02 PM

Hi Everyone ...
Just a quick thread to find out what you are all using for a rotating flash bracket.
I have a D700 with battery pack and an SB900 and am looking for a rotating bracket that allows me to easily switch from portrait to landscape and back again while keeping the flash over the lens.
I have seen a couple models ... the Really Right Stuff and also ones from Stroboframe and Custom Brackets ....
Any experiences or suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Tim

**Big Mike** · 01-07-2009, 03:14 PM

I think the big decision is whether you want one that flips the flash or one that rotates the camera. If you use any sort of flash accessory, it may or may not work the way you want if the flash is turned 90 degrees, as with a flash flip type bracket.

I have a Stroboframe Press-T bracket. It flips the flash but it's main feature is that it's made so you hold the camera itself and not a handle on the bracket. I like it but honestly don't use it as much as I used to...the whole rig is just too big and cumbersome for a fast paced wedding.

Stroboframe is a good brand and I have heard really good things about C.B....but they are not cheap.

Don't forget that you will need a TTL cord as well.

JerryPH · 01-07-2009, 04:44 PM

Ijust picked THIS up for my dad... cheap and effective... but honestly, if you want to light things up PROPERLY using that D700... go completely off camera flash, you won't regret it, even if you have to hold the flash in your left hand!

Do'Urden's Eyes · 01-07-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by JerryPH

Ijust picked THIS up for my dad... cheap and effective... but honestly, if you want to light things up PROPERLY using that D700... go completely off camera flash, you won't regret it, even if you have to hold the flash in your left hand!

Jerry, ive experimented very lightly with this sort of technique with favourable results. But, it seems very uncomfortable/awkward, especially with my heavier lens. i cant see this being very comfortable with say a 24-70mm. Or have i just not gained enough experience with this technique?

ksmattfish · 01-08-2009, 04:46 AM

Light and will fold up small enough to fit in your pocket; I love my Newton bracket. Welcome Page

JerryPH · 01-08-2009, 07:02 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Do'Udren's Eyes

But, it seems very uncomfortable/awkward, especially with my heavier lens. i cant see this being very comfortable with say a 24-70mm. Or have i just not gained enough experience with this technique?

Nah, you just need to spend a little more time in the gym (lol).

I use this technique on a D700 with grip, Nikkor 24-70 and a wireless solution using gadget infinity triggers and receivers. Now, granted I don't do 200 pictures in a row (my setup *is* too heavy to control with one hand over several hours time), but the results are a lot better than that forward pointing flash on the camera hotshoe. If I wanted to lower the weight, I could use a smaller lens and leave the battery grip off, that would shave the weight significantly.

Double H · 01-08-2009, 07:17 AM

I fully agree with getting the flash off the camera any time you can. I am thinking of hiring an assistant just to hold my SB-800 a little farther than I could with my left arm when shooting weddings. But when I need to move quickly I use this: Flash Bracket for Digital Cameras by ALZO digital

01-07-2009, 03:02 PM	#1
Timbo1961 No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 30 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Rotating flash brackets ... Hi Everyone ... Just a quick thread to find out what you are all using for a rotating flash bracket. I have a D700 with battery pack and an SB900 and am looking for a rotating bracket that allows me to easily switch from portrait to landscape and back again while keeping the flash over the lens. I have seen a couple models ... the Really Right Stuff and also ones from Stroboframe and Custom Brackets .... Any experiences or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Tim

01-07-2009, 03:14 PM	#2
Big Mike I am Big, I am Mike Site Moderator Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Edmonton Posts: 19,488 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 19 Times in 18 Posts My Gallery: (86)	I think the big decision is whether you want one that flips the flash or one that rotates the camera. If you use any sort of flash accessory, it may or may not work the way you want if the flash is turned 90 degrees, as with a flash flip type bracket. I have a Stroboframe Press-T bracket. It flips the flash but it's main feature is that it's made so you hold the camera itself and not a handle on the bracket. I like it but honestly don't use it as much as I used to...the whole rig is just too big and cumbersome for a fast paced wedding. Stroboframe is a good brand and I have heard really good things about C.B....but they are not cheap. Don't forget that you will need a TTL cord as well. __________________ Edmonton Wedding Photographer Blog Updated

01-07-2009, 04:44 PM	#3
JerryPH TPF Junkie! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 5,329 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Ijust picked THIS up for my dad... cheap and effective... but honestly, if you want to light things up PROPERLY using that D700... go completely off camera flash, you won't regret it, even if you have to hold the flash in your left hand! __________________ * Just a very enthusiastic "kinda-sorta" amateur with a Nikon * "If I throw enough crap at the wall... *something* has to stick..." Before posting, please read, understand, and follow "THE PACT".

01-07-2009, 08:36 PM	#4
Do'Urden's Eyes I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Mississauga, ON Posts: 840 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by JerryPH Ijust picked THIS up for my dad... cheap and effective... but honestly, if you want to light things up PROPERLY using that D700... go completely off camera flash, you won't regret it, even if you have to hold the flash in your left hand! Jerry, ive experimented very lightly with this sort of technique with favourable results. But, it seems very uncomfortable/awkward, especially with my heavier lens. i cant see this being very comfortable with say a 24-70mm. Or have i just not gained enough experience with this technique? __________________ 40D EF 24-105 F/4L EF 50mm F/1.8 EF 100 mm F/2.8 Macro Speedlite 430EX Stand in the thrall of My Tidal Wall

01-08-2009, 04:46 AM	#5
ksmattfish Now 100% DC - not as cool as I once was, but still a stud! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Lawrence, KS Posts: 7,023 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post My Gallery: (0)	Light and will fold up small enough to fit in your pocket; I love my Newton bracket. Welcome Page __________________ "There's no particular class of photograph that I think is any better than any other class. I'm always and forever looking for the image that has spirit! I don't give a damn how it got made." -Minor White http://www.henrypeach.com http://www.mattneedham.com

01-08-2009, 07:02 AM	#6
JerryPH TPF Junkie! Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Montreal, QC, Canada Posts: 5,329 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 14 Times in 14 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by Do'Udren's Eyes But, it seems very uncomfortable/awkward, especially with my heavier lens. i cant see this being very comfortable with say a 24-70mm. Or have i just not gained enough experience with this technique? Nah, you just need to spend a little more time in the gym (lol). I use this technique on a D700 with grip, Nikkor 24-70 and a wireless solution using gadget infinity triggers and receivers. Now, granted I don't do 200 pictures in a row (my setup is too heavy to control with one hand over several hours time), but the results are a lot better than that forward pointing flash on the camera hotshoe. If I wanted to lower the weight, I could use a smaller lens and leave the battery grip off, that would shave the weight significantly. __________________ * Just a very enthusiastic "kinda-sorta" amateur with a Nikon * "If I throw enough crap at the wall... *something* has to stick..." Before posting, please read, understand, and follow "THE PACT".

01-08-2009, 07:17 AM	#7
Double H I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Around the corner from the Turkey Hill, PA Posts: 378 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I fully agree with getting the flash off the camera any time you can. I am thinking of hiring an assistant just to hold my SB-800 a little farther than I could with my left arm when shooting weddings. But when I need to move quickly I use this: Flash Bracket for Digital Cameras by ALZO digital __________________ Nikon D700 Fuji S5 Pro Nikkor 80-200mm, ƒ2.8 Nikkor 10.5mm, ƒ2.8 Nikkor 50mm, ƒ1.8 Sigma 15-30mm, ƒ3.5

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