Flash Attachment to monopod

[iND]

Since I just invested a small fortune into my new 600 EX-RT flashes and plan to use them off camera a lot more,
I am reevaluating my set up.

I will be using the ST E3 RT transmitter on camera with at least one flash mounted to a monopod with a flash mounting bracket and an umbrella carried around by an assistant.

My concern is that the shoe mount of the flash will be getting a much greater workout on the monopod than it had on camera or fixed on a stand.
My assistant sometimes is not the most careful person. I figure the umbrella will help protect the flash in 'drops' but should I worry about the shoe mount getting a workout and becoming loose or broken with this set up.

Is there a better method?
If I could avoid using the shoe mount off camera all together this would make me feel better.

Suggestions are appreciated.

Thank you.

[Sean Setters]

As far as the shoe getting a work out, yes, jarring motions can break a flash's shoe. I've had it happen once, but only when a light stand was falling over and I reached out and caught it. The whipping motion of me pulling it back quickly against gravity was too much for the shoe of the Vivitar 285HV that I was using at the time. Under moderate gravitational forces, though, the shoes usually hold up. Consider this--they're designed to be attached to your camera, and just think about the forces involved in letting the camera go when it's around your neck or quickly repositioning for a portrait grip.

Is there a better way than a monopod? Actually, yes--and this is something I have used several times. The best solution is to buy an extendable painter's pole and a Kacey Pole Adapter. When collapsed, the pole is about the size of a monopod that's extended. When you extend it, it gives you much more reach which can be handy. Check this out:

http://pixsylated.com/blog/longarm-and-metalhead/

Here's the setup in use (we were using a very small umbrella with it):


Snapshots Setup by budrowilson, on Flickr

[clemmb]

This is the first I have seen Amber since you married her. You must had exchanged her from being your model to your assistant.

[Busted Knuckles]

This is the first I have seen Amber since you married her. You must had exchanged her from being your model to your assistant.

So do I need to get an "Amber" and Kacey Stand adapter too? Are they compatible? I thought it might be mutually exclusive... Either way sounds way to expensive.

[shutterdown]

As far as the shoe getting a work out, yes, jarring motions can break a flash's shoe. I've had it happen once, but only when a light stand was falling over and I reached out and caught it. The whipping motion of me pulling it back quickly against gravity was too much for the shoe of the Vivitar 285HV that I was using at the time. Under moderate gravitational forces, though, the shoes usually hold up. Consider this--they're designed to be attached to your camera, and just think about the forces involved in letting the camera go when it's around your neck or quickly repositioning for a portrait grip.

Is there a better way than a monopod? Actually, yes--and this is something I have used several times. The best solution is to buy an extendable painter's pole and a Kacey Pole Adapter. When collapsed, the pole is about the size of a monopod that's extended. When you extend it, it gives you much more reach which can be handy. Check this out:

http://pixsylated.com/blog/longarm-and-metalhead/

Here's the setup in use (we were using a very small umbrella with it):


Snapshots Setup by budrowilson, on Flickr

Snap! I just ordered one! Thanks, Sean. This will help me with outdoor shots!

[iND]

Maybe canon can think about an attachment site that is not so critical.
Would be nice to have a female site similar to what is on the base of the camera.
Dont ask me where to put it just that I would like to have it.


Thanks Sean

[Timon]

There is a screw mount on the left side of Canon 430/580/600 Flashes it is for the canon flash bracket, but it could be used to mount it

[TheRoff]

There is a screw mount on the left side of Canon 430/580/600 Flashes it is for the canon flash bracket, but it could be used to mount it

I have often thought of using that screw hole to mount the speedlite, but it has seemed kind of flimsy. Has anyone actually used a flash mounted that way?

Larry

[clemmb]

Here is what happend to my Sunpak when the wind blew my light stand over. The umbrella was bent but still usable.

IMG_0003 by clemmb60, on Flickr

I have not had any problems with my Vivtar 285 since I replaced the foot.

IMG_0005 by clemmb60, on Flickr

I do worry about my 580EX plastic foot.

IMG_0006 by clemmb60, on Flickr

But the 580EXII seems much better. I would assume the 600EX-RT would be similar.

IMG_0007 by clemmb60, on Flickr

[Sean Setters]

Trust me, the Kasey Adapter is cheap in comparison. And as a side note, the engagement fell through. :-)

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