Looking for the perfect flash bracket

Is Joe Demb's bracket.

FAR better, lighter, quicker, stronger than Strobo junk....

(i use to think Strobo was good until I tried Demb's)

i will have to admit that if that above sample is the only and entire event taking place that a bracket could be very useful if shooting speakers,table shots ect. i guess my main thing was an event like a wedding where as i shoot anyway is with lots of existing light only but flash just when i have no choice. for me it would be in the way when framing my existing light shots laying on the ground,getting up on things, in and out of tight places ect ect with a photoJ style.When the bracket would have little to do with the final image except trough a shadow behind the subject if they were too close to a wall behind them (as in with a speaker). I would probably rather (if i had to) have a on camera flash rigged remotely and just raise it up with my hand and off to the side rather than always have the extra weight and bulk of a bracket.

(nice existing light shot)
--
'The moment you think you're great is the moment you quit learning.'
http://www.gawalters.com

garyw1 said:

... a bracket could be very useful ...when i have no choice. for me
it would be in the way ...

Click to expand...

I'm with you that compared with on-camera flash, natural light is usually much more interesting -- and that lugging around any bracket, even a small one, is a PITA.

Sadly, my events are often in places where available light is really poor. Even shooting at f/1.4 and ISO1600, it's a struggle to get enough shutter speed to stop the normal head motions of people engaged in conversation.

garyw1 said:

...When the bracket would have little to do with the final image
except trough a shadow behind the subject if they were too close to a
wall behind them (as in with a speaker).

Click to expand...

If the flash is above the lens, the shadow will always be hidden down behind the subject --regardless of the relative position of the subject with respect to the photographer. Here's a diagram which shows a side view of the situation where the speaker is lower than the flash:



And here is a side view where the speaker is higher than the flash:



In both cases, there will be no visible shadow near the top of the subject (e.g., the head of a speaker) because the lens can't see it.

garyw1 said:

(nice existing light shot)

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Love My "Custom Bracket" "Digital Pro-E"
Not Cheap, but Quality and Smooth as Silk!

I like the new Demb Flash Bracket as well. I am not a bracket fan in general, but the new DEMB does the job without getting in the way, being too big and heavy or becoming cumbersome. I just don't like some of monster sized brackets or cheap ones that don't feel sturdy. The DEMB does everything well in this minimalist way that would appeal to anyone having to spend three solid days shooting an event.

I have a CB Jr. Kit and while I've never been one to like brackets, this one is pretty good. Lightweight, and instead of flipping the camera, the flash arm flips so you can hold your camera in a vertical position (with shutter release up), and just flip the flash to a vertical orientation. The flash bar can also be raised a few inches to get the flash up a bit.

It also comes with anti-twist for the flash and camera. You'd be surprised how much everything wants to twist around as you're shooting with a bracket. I've done all day shoots with this and it's really helped out a lot.

I've heard both good and bad about the Alzo, but think it looks like a good idea, I just never held one, so can't speak of the quality. My CB Jr. is very light but strong, and it feels bullet-proof.

My only two minor gripes would be:

1) I wish the anti-twist for the flash was permanently attached instead of being screwed on. Not a problem once set up, but just another piece that might get lost.

2) I would have liked the handle on the left, or at least switchable to either side. The way the bracket is designed it can only be on the right. Works like a charm, but would be nice to share the load between left and right hands sometimes.

Good luck in your choice.

Bodhi

I have the Portrait Perfect, and it can be slow at times when you are going from landscape to portrait, especially with a Quantum.. I just ordered the wedding pro flash, but can't comment on it because I haven't used one.

pso said:

I went through 2 flash brackets but the 3rd one's a keeper.

No doubt about it...if you are looking for a flash bracket, the best
is the Really Right Stuff Portrait Perfect ones.

I had their other flash bracket (wedding pro or something like that?)
too which was good but the Portrait Perfect is just easy breezy to
use.

Yes it is pricey...you will need a plate for your camera (L plate
preferred) + this system.

--
Pak K So
'Enjoy your life, guy'

Click to expand...

Demb system is light weight and great if you bounce the flash, especially with its flip it system. Shooting direct with a flash can cause red eye at times because I can't get the flash high above the lens like I can with RRS.

Ravitej Khalsa said:

I like the new Demb Flash Bracket as well. I am not a bracket fan in
general, but the new DEMB does the job without getting in the way,
being too big and heavy or becoming cumbersome. I just don't like
some of monster sized brackets or cheap ones that don't feel sturdy.
The DEMB does everything well in this minimalist way that would
appeal to anyone having to spend three solid days shooting an event.

Click to expand...

I have a QRS-E2, heavy and bulky.

s majesk said:

Love My "Custom Bracket" "Digital Pro-E"
Not Cheap, but Quality and Smooth as Silk!

Click to expand...

I like the PP but can see how it could be slow with a heavier flash.

I think the thing about flash brackets I don't particularly like is having to swing arms of the bracket which is why I was drawn to the Portrait Perfect.

The rotating motion feels better and more natural to me as compared to having to swing parts.

Let me know how you like the wedding pro...I have it too and it's very nice (and folds quite flat) but again, I just didn't like swinging arms in the end.

brianric said:

I have the Portrait Perfect, and it can be slow at times when you are
going from landscape to portrait, especially with a Quantum.. I just
ordered the wedding pro flash, but can't comment on it because I
haven't used one.

Click to expand...

--
Pak K So
'Enjoy your life, guy'

After much research, i also purchased the DEMB.

Generally, it is compact, quick to use (once setup) and does he job well.

However, after the 2 days of use, the bolt holding the flip seem to lossen a bit. It still hold the flash ok but it just feel loosen.

other than that, it is great.

Ravitej Khalsa said:

I like the new Demb Flash Bracket as well. I am not a bracket fan in
general, but the new DEMB does the job without getting in the way,
being too big and heavy or becoming cumbersome. I just don't like
some of monster sized brackets or cheap ones that don't feel sturdy.
The DEMB does everything well in this minimalist way that would
appeal to anyone having to spend three solid days shooting an event.

Click to expand...

Take a small wrench and tighten.

MHL said:

Generally, it is compact, quick to use (once setup) and does he job
well.

However, after the 2 days of use, the bolt holding the flip seem to
lossen a bit. It still hold the flash ok but it just feel loosen.

other than that, it is great.

Ravitej Khalsa said:

I like the new Demb Flash Bracket as well. I am not a bracket fan in
general, but the new DEMB does the job without getting in the way,
being too big and heavy or becoming cumbersome. I just don't like
some of monster sized brackets or cheap ones that don't feel sturdy.
The DEMB does everything well in this minimalist way that would
appeal to anyone having to spend three solid days shooting an event.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Gene L. said:

I think I would go with the umbrella because a 25" umbrella has about
twice the illuminating area compared to a 15"x15" softbox. The round
light source should make nice catch lights too. Do bear in mind that
everything I am writing is theoretical and I have no practical
experience with this product.

Click to expand...

I used a similiar rig by Larsen about 20 years ago. It is very awkward if you are moving around-imagine walking around with your camera top and side heavy while balancing an open umbrella over your shoulder. The only time I could see a use for it is if you are taking the identical photo over and over again.

I use a Quik Flip. It places the flash directly over the lens in either position and on the flash I use you can aim it straight up even when the flash is in the horizontal position.

Another problem with the PP using the Quantum is I lose the focus assist from the Qttl adapter. Ten days ago I was shooting a Relay for Life at a stadium, and the lights go out for an hour for the lighting of the luminaries. Granted it is once a year, but having the focus assist is mandatory.

pso said:

I think the thing about flash brackets I don't particularly like is
having to swing arms of the bracket which is why I was drawn to the
Portrait Perfect.

The rotating motion feels better and more natural to me as compared
to having to swing parts.

Let me know how you like the wedding pro...I have it too and it's
very nice (and folds quite flat) but again, I just didn't like
swinging arms in the end.

brianric said:

I have the Portrait Perfect, and it can be slow at times when you are
going from landscape to portrait, especially with a Quantum.. I just
ordered the wedding pro flash, but can't comment on it because I
haven't used one.

Click to expand...

--
Pak K So
'Enjoy your life, guy'

Click to expand...

i did beforehand already

brianric said:

MHL said:

Generally, it is compact, quick to use (once setup) and does he job
well.

However, after the 2 days of use, the bolt holding the flip seem to
lossen a bit. It still hold the flash ok but it just feel loosen.

other than that, it is great.

Ravitej Khalsa said:

I like the new Demb Flash Bracket as well. I am not a bracket fan in
general, but the new DEMB does the job without getting in the way,
being too big and heavy or becoming cumbersome. I just don't like
some of monster sized brackets or cheap ones that don't feel sturdy.
The DEMB does everything well in this minimalist way that would
appeal to anyone having to spend three solid days shooting an event.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

I would love to have that... But I think it would look so rediculous, I'd never to use it! Doesnt seem very discreet.
--
fueled.by.ambition

Sorry for the time lapse ...

Thank you all for the advice. I ended up going with the Demb flash bracket. I used it at a wedding for the first last weekend and it worked out well. My final decision was based on size (will it fit in my backpack?), simplicity (fewer moving parts) and cost ($).

My only problem with it was that the flash did flop over a few times, specifically when it was past a 45 degree angle and I made a "sudden" movement. This wasn't a huge problem, but I did feel the need to carry an Allen wrench and regular wrench with me in case the fasteners worked themselves loose.

My primary complaint about it would probably be that it gets in the way of the battery grip when shooting vertically.

Other than that, it worked great. I'm very pleased with the purchase.

btw, is there a way to rig this thing for quick release at both the camera and flash mounting points?

Thanks again!

I hate flash brackets, but if you want to get rid of unnecessary shadows they're essential.

I've used/tried allsorts. But none have really impressed me yet.

I've been using a straight forward Quantum 'L' bracket, a Quantum 'US' flip bracket, a stroboframe camera flip and I've tried but not used others.

There are considerations needed to be made which include:

• flash over lens
• lightweight
• easy flip of camera or flash
• shutter button should be at the top in vertical position
• flash orientation in portrait position should aline with the camera and not perpendicular to it (ie the flash should be on it's side)
• The flip action needs to lock in position
• access to change camera battery should be fast with no unscrewing of camera
• when in use there should be no sharp edges digging into your hands.
• bracket base shouldn't chaff your palm
• lens change should be easy
• no legs or scissors to get fingers stuck in or to stab people with
• be able to pack away small
• be capable of having a radio TTL transmitter fitted

Hopefully, now I've found one that will work. It seems to tick all the right boxes and is probably as simple as can be designed. It's this: (wedding pro wpf-1)
http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html

It'll work with my SB-800's, as well as Quantums, and keep the SB800's in the correct orientation. (More important with SB900's) I've been waiting a while to buy one and since I seem to be using a bracket more recently I decided it was time to stop sitting on the fence.

Hopefully it will fulfill expectations - when it arrives I'll let you know if it works.

--
Ian.

Samples of work: http://www.AccoladePhotography.co.uk
Weddings: http://www.AccoladeWeddings.com
Events: http://www.OfficialPhotographer.com

Theres only one sun. Why do I need more than one light to get a natural result?

Not cheap - but you get what you pay for:



Here is the full link:

http://www.justritebracket.com/Products.html

They have several models with choices of features; one poster said they wanted Not cheap - but you get what you pay for:



Here is the full link:

http://www.justritebracket.com/Products.html

They have several models with choices of features; one poster said they wanted it to be able to stand up on its own - this one will; another said left hand - I think they make LH and RH versions, and there is an option to support a PW I believe. This thing is solid and fast.

Regards,
Mike

Regards,
Mike

--

Polaroid Swinger; Kodak Instamatic 126 Ricoh 500G; Canon FTb; Nikon F2AS; Nikon F3HP; Hasselblad 501CM; Pentax 67II, Nikon 990; Nikon D1x; Nikon D300; PhaseOne P65+ (in my dreams ;-)

I use the stroboframe Camera Flip. I used to use the stroboframe flip flash but got tired of flipping the flash..I'd rather rotate the camera and keep the flash in the same position.

There is only the perfect bracket for you..there is no perfect bracket for everyone.