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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> What does a flash bracket actually do?
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Showing posts 1 - 11 of 11, (reverse)
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 05/03/2007 09:01:37 PM · #1
So, before I spend money on a flash bracket, I'd like to know what exactly the utility of a flash bracket is.

When a good flash, such as the Canon 580EX, is used, with a diffuser, or bounced, what does a flash bracket add?

What would I notice? Is it really worth it? Do you have examples? For which type photography is a flash bracket used for?

Thanks.
 05/03/2007 09:05:34 PM · #2
Technically they hold the flash a little farther from the lens, so no chance of redeye, and they allow the flash to rotate as the camera does so the flash is always above the lens.

But... I've always thought they were silly. They add a huge amount of bulk and weight to your kit that might look impressive but with the 580ex or most modern flashes you can rotate and flip the flash and with the right diffusers can point it in any direction you wish. I'm sure other opinions will differ.
05/03/2007 09:09:48 PM · #3
For me it's speed and versitility. Shooting mostly weddings it's nice to just flip the camera (I use a custom brackets bracket) instead of stopping to rotate the head of the flash. With a gary fong lightsphere attached it makes for a very subtle and natural flash. Just my opinion though.
 05/03/2007 09:13:59 PM · #4
Even with all the twisting and turning that the newer flashes will do, I find it mroe convenient and efficient to use a flash bracket. While there is some additional bulk, only having to move the bracket is nice and easy for shooting events where little moments will not return. A qucik snap of the wrist and you're ready to shoot. No taking the camera down, aligning the flash, twisting the flash, turning the camera, then shooting. Its just a matter of ease, and, having it on the mount makes is a bit wasier to handle in my opinion. Also, with each shot, the flash remains up above the lens no matter how the camera is rotated, giving more predicable lighting results.
 05/03/2007 09:14:04 PM · #5
Originally posted by idnic:
Technically they hold the flash a little farther from the lens, so no chance of redeye, and they allow the flash to rotate as the camera does so the flash is always above the lens.

But... I've always thought they were silly. They add a huge amount of bulk and weight to your kit that might look impressive but with the 580ex or most modern flashes you can rotate and flip the flash and with the right diffusers can point it in any direction you wish. I'm sure other opinions will differ.


In addition to limiting the occurrence of redeye, since flash brackets place the flash higher than the lens, they cause the any shadows they might produce to be cast down from the subject, rather than directly behind the subject where it may create that dark halo effect if there is a wall behind the subject. IMO, that's more important than the elimination of redeye. Placing diffusion on the flash without a bracket will only soften the shadow, not place it out of view.

FWIW, I prefer to use a bracket and some type of diffuser.
 05/03/2007 09:23:09 PM · #6
Originally posted by idnic:
Technically they hold the flash a little farther from the lens, so no chance of redeye, and they allow the flash to rotate as the camera does so the flash is always above the lens.

But... I've always thought they were silly. They add a huge amount of bulk and weight to your kit that might look impressive but with the 580ex or most modern flashes you can rotate and flip the flash and with the right diffusers can point it in any direction you wish. I'm sure other opinions will differ.


Not to hijack this thread, but did you use on board 580EX to light the beauty pageant photos you displayed?
 05/03/2007 09:31:40 PM · #7
Originally posted by pineapple:
Originally posted by idnic:
Technically they hold the flash a little farther from the lens, so no chance of redeye, and they allow the flash to rotate as the camera does so the flash is always above the lens.

But... I've always thought they were silly. They add a huge amount of bulk and weight to your kit that might look impressive but with the 580ex or most modern flashes you can rotate and flip the flash and with the right diffusers can point it in any direction you wish. I'm sure other opinions will differ.


Not to hijack this thread, but did you use on board 580EX to light the beauty pageant photos you displayed?


Nope, no flash allowed there.
05/04/2007 12:18:52 AM · #8
Thank you all for your responses. I was told by someone that "I had to get one". When I started looking at the mechanics of one, I couldn't see a good reason that I really needed one. Now I know.

Thanks again!
 05/04/2007 12:08:59 PM · #9
the LightSphere is supposed to remove the need for a flash bracket because it's round (regardless of how your flash is twisted) and diffusive (so that even though the flash isn't over the lens in portrait orientation, there are still no harsh shadows to the left or right of your subject).

Message edited by author 2007-05-04 12:09:17.
 05/04/2007 12:26:36 PM · #10
Originally posted by Creature:
the LightSphere is supposed to remove the need for a flash bracket because it's round (regardless of how your flash is twisted) and diffusive (so that even though the flash isn't over the lens in portrait orientation, there are still no harsh shadows to the left or right of your subject).

As well as the fact that it's meant to be pointed at the ceiling for bounced flash (or in cases with high ceilings, used with the lid)...
 05/04/2007 12:53:05 PM · #11
Originally posted by Creature:
the LightSphere is supposed to remove the need for a flash bracket because it's round (regardless of how your flash is twisted) and diffusive (so that even though the flash isn't over the lens in portrait orientation, there are still no harsh shadows to the left or right of your subject).


I always pack my LS, but only seldom do I use it. I mostly use it if I need to travel light (the flash bracket doesn't fit in my backpack, so if something has to be left behind, the flash bracket is it).

But I sometimes put the LS on even when I'm using the flash bracket. The only trouble with this plan is that then the flash is too high and can have a sharp drop-off in light coverage down below. So watch out for wide angle shots that don't get enough light on the lower end of the image.


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