A guide to flash brackets for portrait and wedding photography

Flash Bracket Comparison Chart

Flash brackets can be grouped into three basic types:

Camera position adjustment: The camera flips while the bracket and the flash remain in the same position.
Advantages: Bracket ergonomics remain consistent; lens to flash position does not change, resulting in consistent lighting; best suited for tripod mounting
Flash position adjustment: While the camera changes orientation, the flash flips in a 90 degree angle and locks into position
Advantages: Consistent lighting;
Disadvantages: bracket ergonomics less consistent; tripod mounting limited
Fixed frame: Camera, bracket and flash all rotate together in the same direction when changing orientation.
Advantages: Few. Puts flash somewhat above camera, resulting in shadows on the side of subject. No real advantage over using a camera-mounted flash.
Disadvantages: Changes position of light source (flash), resulting in inconsistent lighting.

Brand Name/Model	Ergonomics	Tripod	Special Features	Weight	Cost
ALZO Flip Flash Bracket	Easy to handle, easy to rotate camera, lightweight	universal tripod mount	Vertical aspect latch locks camera in place; Electronic shutter release triggers camera from bracket	1.5 lbs.	$78.38
Custom Brackets Digital PRO-M	Easy to rotate camera, no arm twisting	Quick release mounting plate	Rotating system with roller bearings	2.2 lbs.	$279.95
RPS Studio Rotating Flash Bracket	Easy switch between landscape and portrait	1/4"-20 mounting thread for use on a tripod	Electronic shutter release triggers camera from bracket	2.4 lbs.	$118.89
Stroboframe Pro-RL Rotary Link Flash Bracket	Effortless handling of adjusting functions; for right-handed use	Tripod mount	Fingertip-activated lock; tilt trigger for setting flash angle	2 lbs. 1 oz.	$120.76

Brand Name/Model	Ergonomics	Tripod	Special Features	Weight	Cost
Bogen Manfrotto 233B	Longer learning curve; flash arm awkward to twist	1/4"-20 thread for tripod	Arm extends up to 45 cm	0.97 lbs.	$70.10
Custom Brackets Junior	Longer learning curve	1/4"-20 thread for tripod	No hot shoe mount; swing-out leg may hit lens' zoom ring; battery replacement might require dismounting camera (for Canon 20D)	1.6 lbs.	$89.95
Custom Brackets Digital-S	Longer learning curve	1/4"-20 thread for tripod	Left-handed foam grip	12 oz.	$39.95
Custom Brackets Digital-T	Longer learning curve	1/4"-20 thread for tripod	Right- or left handed foam grip	14 oz.	$49.95
Delta Flip Flash I	Longer learning curve	Tripod attachment	Might need some modifications to make it sturdier	1.6 lbs.	$54.50
Delta Fast Flip Flash Bracket	Longer learning curve		Fatigue-free* foam grip; wide platform	2.4 lbs.	$93.50
Flash Frame VF FF300	Longer learning curve		Large camera platform	1.6 lbs.	$65.95
Lumiere L60225	Longer learning curve			2 lbs.	$29.99
Novoflex Flash Griff	Longer learning curve		Flash attaches to rotatable ballhead	15.9 oz.	$159.95
Precision Design FB350	Longer learning curve	Tripod mount	With straps to attach cord		$29.95
Quantum Flip Bracket	Longer learning curve		Ball head with flash shoe moves flash in any direction	1.4 lbs.	$154.95
Siegelite Stratos 835	Longer learning curve	Tripod mountable		1.5 lbs.	$45.95
Siegelite Stratos SI-835	Longer learning curve			1.5 lbs.	$49.95
Stroboframe Quick Flip 350	Longer learning curve			10 oz.	$46.76

Brand Name/Model	Ergonomics	Tripod	Special Features	Weight	Cost
Bescor VB 50		Universal shoe mount	Inexpensive	5.6 oz.	$10.99
Kaiser "L" bracket	Handle does not feel ergonomic; handle strap awkward	1/4" thread for tripod mount	Handle mount has no mechanism to tighten flash, it slides on; possibility of flash falling off	6.4 oz.	$29.50
Novoflex MCVertikal	No handle grip		Fits on Arca-type quick release plates	15.2 oz.	$163.95
Quantum Quick release L Bracket QF70E		Tripod mountable	Screw on handle allows attachment of TTL adapter	1 lb.	$135.95