Rick Shanahan , Aug 29, 2008; 04:57 p.m.
I always thought I would love to use one, but now that I have one, I find it cumbersome, heavy, and unwieldy. Do
I really need this thing? Please reply if you do or do not use one, and also why...Thank you.
david garcia , Aug 29, 2008; 04:59 p.m.
No. Same reason as you have.
Nadine Ohara - SF Bay Area/CA 
, Aug 29, 2008; 05:04 p.m.
I use one when it makes sense and not when it doesn't. I have many and I've made my own from various parts. Sorry to screw up your poll.
Sam Ellis , Aug 29, 2008; 05:17 p.m.
Like Nadine, I use when when I need to. If I'm indoors and can bounce the flash, I don't use one. If I'm outside, I might use one to give the flash a little separation. However, the one I have isn't adjustable and doesn't give more than an inch difference with a camera grip attached.
Chris Autio , Aug 29, 2008; 05:25 p.m.
Directly, it keeps subjects' eyes from turning red or purple. I use it for weddings, directly or bouncing off walls for soft lighting. It
helps me see people better than having the flash camera mounted. With zoom tuning, it creates a vignette. But I generally don't use
them. Weight doesn't bother me. Check out some of those people wielding hi-end video stuff! So, no.
Matthew Kuehl , Aug 29, 2008; 05:58 p.m.
hate it, hate it, hate it, but have to use it sometimes if I don't want the side shadows.
Brent Reid , Aug 29, 2008; 06:52 p.m.
I use one whenever I use flash.
If you are concerned about weight and bulk, take a look at the RRS wedding pro bracket .
It's the lightest, most versatile, and stowable bracket I've seen.
http://reallyrightstuff.com/flash/04.html
Dawn Kelly , Aug 29, 2008; 08:08 p.m.
You don't mention which bracket you use. They really do come in all size and weights. Look at the Stroboframe VH 2000 Stroboflip Flash Rotator. This is THE lightest bracket made. Will barely add any weight at all and easy to use.
Charles Koenig , Aug 29, 2008; 08:15 p.m.
I use it when I need flash. I have the camera flip model. Love the fact that the flash stays in one place. It's heavy at first but you get used to it. I used to haul a broadcast camera around for local TV. It's not that heavy. Nice handle to hld while your waiting. Second camera has prime. It hangs off right shoulder. Would not shoot events with out it.
Travis Kelley , Aug 29, 2008; 08:20 p.m.
I have one and use it. I was introduced to the wonders of the Stroboframe by a former boyfriend who was an art photographer. It's particularly handy if you hang an external battery from one of the tripod mounts.
For what its worth, people seem to pay more attention to you when your camera looks bigger. To many non-photogs, even an EOS 400D looks "professional," on a bracket with an external flash. :-)
