List Price: $379.95
Sale Price: $366.00
Today's Bonus: 4% Off
There have been dozens of flash brackets on the market. To maintain the flash above the lens in both horizontal and vertical shots, some awkwardly flip the flash, and (to me) better ones smoothly rotate the camera. There's perhaps 8 main bracket vendors now.
Every wedding type or PR event I went to, I chat with the photog when they were on break, and I got to hold, if not try most of their flash brackets. People quickly get used to the quirks of whatever model they buy. Cost and size can be a main concern for amateurs and semi-pros alike. I quickly realized I didn't like the constant flipping of the flash. It distracted me and my subjects, too. Rotating the camera requires a more expensive mechanism. It can be a faster technique than taking my eye from the viewfinder, and flipping the flash. (Rotating the camera, instead of flipping the flash, looks just a touch more professional, to me!)
The Custom Brackets Pro M kit, which rotates the camera and has several necessary plates comprising the "kit", is the best for me. Someone really really thought things out on this one, from the quality of the grip, the host of accessories, to the padded support in front that supports your left hand as it zooms the lens in and out. There are many adjustments possible, to solidly fit any 35 mm camera and flash. If you are gonna shoot weddings and similar events, this model is worth the upgrade, quality, and cost over competitor's models. Cost? You're talking perhaps $100 more-not much at all if you shoot a few events a year, and really profit from the bracket's quality! My main concern was its weight, and I learned how to "cradle it" when not shooting.
Pro's:
-Superb workmanship and one year warranty
-Easy and quick camera rotation, and angle of flash adjustment
-Camera position can be moved forward or back (it cleard the cord from hitting my hand)
-Quick release camera plate available
-Many fine adjustments to customize the fit of camera and flash
-Support bar in front (on newer models) is well thought out
-It's easy to raise and lower the flash height
-I never take my eye from the viewfinder, as needed with many flip flashes, and miss a shot
-Little feet swing out to let it sit solidly upright on a surface
-It's a good fit for my size 7-8 hands.
Cons:
-It's definitely heavier than smaller brackets-I recommend using it wth vibration reduction/image stabilizing lenses, if you hands get fatigued.
-It clicks somewhat loudly as it locks securely at full horizontal and full vertical (not a big problem, as you can: 1. not rotate it during times of silence, 2. learn to not rotate it fully till it clicks, or 3. if it bothers you,drill and place a removable "stop" to keep it from clicking and locking.
-It's bigger than other brackets, (they all look a bit intimidating to your subject!)
-Cost! If the price was lower, they would have way more buyers, and profits. I thought long and hard on this purchase.
Bottom line, our hands our camera rigs, and our strength vary! Like buying a car, catcher's mitt, or camera, hold and test a few brackets, for at least a few minutes, to see how it fits you. There's no "best one" that will please everyone.
Only you know what feels best for you-a flipping of the flash or rotation of the camera; a tiny bracket or a full size one.
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