What Flash Bracket To Get?

>Question - I’m looking at getting a flash bracket for my DSLR. What should I get?

I bought and used several flash brackets and was not happy with any of them. Either too big, heavy, and clumsy; or too flimsy, cheap, and having to re-tighten screws periodically. I finally got a Newton Flash Rotator Bracket and I’m VERY pleased with it. Looks like the design has changed a bit from what I purchased a few years ago, but it basically still works the same.

It’s like a press bracket so it is light and compact but well built and sturdy. The flash does sit very low so it is compact and easy to handle. Flipping the flash for a vertical shot is very quick and effortless.

Because the flash sits so low, red eye can once in a while be a problem. I found out that the only time that I have ever gotten red eye was when I am shooting at distances longer than 30 ft. I realized this while I was shooting at a fashion show. I was standing at the end of a long runway shooting with a long lens (70-200mm). The closer shots were all good, but the long shots that were at the far end of the runway had red eye. Newton sells an adjustable flash extender adapter to raise the flash 2 to 3 inches higher. I purchased and the flash extender and a EZ Accessory release for it. This allows me to remove my flash and add on the extender whenever I need it very quickly.

I can now pop this on when I need to shoot longer shots without having to worry about red eye. I am not a fan of long shadows under the nose and chin that are common with having the flash way up above the lens so I remove the adapter when I don’t need to shoot at long range.

I’ve shot a bunch of events and weddings with the Newton bracket and it has never failed me, and I have never had to make any adjustment. Another nice bonus is that it hardly takes up any room in my camera bag. I am sure that there are other very good flash brackets out there also. I really like my Newton Flash Bracket and I highly recommend it for anyone that is looking to purchase one.

http://www.newtoncamerabrackets.com/