Customer Reviews

ALZO Flip Flash® Bracket for Canon Cameras - Versatile fast action camera bracket for all Canon DSLR cameras - comparable to Custom Brackets Digital Pro-M - by alzodigital.com

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, benefits of a flash bracket: (1.) keeps the flash above the lens for all shots, giving you better lit subjects (most lighting, like the sun, comes from above/higher); (2.) due to higher up position from lens, eliminates red eye which is more common when the flash is closer to the lens; and, (3.) you look even more like a pro :-).

I'm an emerging professional photographer who until recently shot events without a flash bracket. I decided I wanted to try shooting with one but the challenge has been finding a flash bracket that's a good fit for me. This was the second bracket I tried and after trying it out while shooting an event, I returned it. The first one I tried out was very similar in terms of moving the camera and flash, but a little sturdier in it's construction and a lot more expensive.

With this bracket, like many others, you don't move the flash arm - you move the camera as where the camera is attached is on an arm that moves so you can go from landscape orientation to portrait. It allows for you to go in between for tilted shots, but only in one direction (with high end of tilt on the left of the frame). You press on a small lever to release the arm to tilt the camera. The lever is pretty easy to push, but awkward while you are also moving the camera and keeping your other hand on the camera with your finger on the shutter button.

The bracket does not sit upright with the camera on it which I believe the product description indicates that it does. Makes sitting the camera down very awkward. I use a Canon 40D and 580EX-II flash unit.

I decided for my third bracket to try out a flash bracket where you move the camera as you would normally for tilting and orientation but where the flash arm is what you move. I already work with moving/turning my flash for shots (e.g., adjusting where it points for bounce flash), so I thought this may be a little more natural for me.

My third bracket to try out wound up being this one: "Stroboframe Quick Flip 350 Flash Bracket for 35mm Cameras" (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009UTLM/ref=oss_product). I used it for a wedding shoot this past weekend and liked it much more than the two previous brackets. Very simple looking and designed. I was also a little skeptical because it was inexpensive. However, it is sturdy and much less bulky than the others. Using the arm to move the flash I have found is much more natural for me. I still need more practice to get a little faster with it, but I will be sticking with this one for a while. If you are interested in it, make sure to read the reviews as several of the reviewers have some great tips for using it. One tip I liked was covering up the brand/name that faces outward towards your subject if you mount the camera so the vertical arm is on your left - I'd rather have the brand be anonymous and keep the appearance solid black (I used some black gaffer's tape).

Going back to the bracket being reviewed, it really comes down to your preference in shooting. I think the Alzo bracket is nice if you do pretty much straight horizontal and straight vertical shots. It's pretty sturdy (could be a little more sturdy), though you cannot easily set your camera down with it. It's definitely a deal for what you get (I've done a lot of looking and higher-end brackets can be upward of $400). I tried it out and it was not for me. Amazon made the return process very easy.

So, try it out if you think it could work. Shoot for at least a few hours with it when you do. You can also try out the Stroboframe one that I describe above.

I've been looking for a flash bracket and found this great product , very easy assemble and use and perfectly fit by Canon , shifting to vertical and horizontal is a breeze
it is well priced compared to others
also received it 3 days after ordering using regular shipping only
highly recommended

Moving the flash away from the camera lens is one part of improving the lighting for pictures. This bracket is adjustable in how far up and to the side the flash is moved, which is convenient. On the other hand, with my Canon 5D mark II, an 580 EX II, an L-series lens, and this bracket, it means that you can skip the trip to the gym on photography days: your arms will get a workout.

I am not sorry I purchased this bracket. I have used it several times, and will continue to use it in the future. Look for the photographer with the well-developed biceps and triceps :-)

I just got my new flash bracket. Tonight will be my first time using it "in the field". I'm super excited! It came in it's own carrying bag, super easy to put together, moves/adjusts smooth enough, and looks great! I'll update after taking it out for a test run.

This bracket works great for what it is. The locking/unlocking system for changing the camera's orientation is functionally sound and works fine, but it's a little clunky in its design and takes some getting used to. The variable height of the flash from the camera is excellent and pretty sturdy. The unit on a whole is a good balance between lightweight and built strong. Overall, I'd say if you want a bracket that gets the job done well without spending a ton of dough, this is a good place to start.