Gear Talk > Lighting
The Flash Bracket? Do they really matter anymore?
RLPhoto:
I was talking to a fellow photographer who works weddings all the time. We were discussing on-camera flash and he spoke of always using a flash bracket for on camera.
I've seen them before, those large hulking contraptions that some photogs carry around on a wedding. Is it really necessary though anymore? I think one of those would slow me down but if the benefits are really worth the hassle i'd might look into it.
Supposedly, it will remove the horrid side-shadow when shot in portrait orientation but why not just use a TTL cable and hold the flash in proper orientation rather than carry a bulky and heavy bracket? Or just bounce?
Dunno, It was interesting enough to want some opinions on brackets.
danjwark:
I think the flash bracket is still very useful. The trouble with the E-TTL cord is that you end up needing a third hand to hold the flash. The bracket I use is quite simple to flip over to portrait mode and the shadow improvements are huge - saves a ton of PP.
RLPhoto:
--- Quote from: danjwark on June 06, 2012, 11:33:41 AM ---I think the flash bracket is still very useful. The trouble with the E-TTL cord is that you end up needing a third hand to hold the flash. The bracket I use is quite simple to flip over to portrait mode and the shadow improvements are huge - saves a ton of PP.
--- End quote ---
Interesting, Where does the third hand come into play though?
One hand holding camera in portrait orientation.
One Hand holdling flash high.
paul13walnut5:
I remember the metz hammerheads well, they date from a time when AA's couldn't hold as much of a charge and things like nicads were the best we could hope for.
I liked the stability of them, there wasn't IS in those days either...
I generally OC cable or wireless flash these days, but I still have a flash grip which occassionally gets a run out for video.
Canon did do an A-TTL hammerhead which I believe can be used manually with E-TTL cameras, but the speedlite form is just what folks prefer these days.
danjwark:
--- Quote from: RLPhoto on June 06, 2012, 11:36:08 AM ---
--- Quote from: danjwark on June 06, 2012, 11:33:41 AM ---I think the flash bracket is still very useful. The trouble with the E-TTL cord is that you end up needing a third hand to hold the flash. The bracket I use is quite simple to flip over to portrait mode and the shadow improvements are huge - saves a ton of PP.
--- End quote ---
Interesting, Where does the third hand come into play though?
One hand holding camera in portrait orientation.
One Hand holdling flash high.
--- End quote ---
For me, I like to hold the camera body with two hands - for zoom, focus, and stability. If you want to make any adjustments on the camera, you still have the flash in your left hand making it a bit tricky. I tried doing a portrait shoot with just the E-TTL cord and it drove me nuts. Bought the bracket the next day and never looked back!
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
Go to full version