Flash Brackets

I'm aware of the use of flash brackets with Wimberly and Mongoose heads on tripods. I understand that the point of using a bracket, particularly with the Better Beamer, is to better align the light source with the lens and minimize "red eye" or "steel eye". But, is a bracket also recommended when using a flash - with or without the beamer - when hand holding the camera? I believe some of Arthur's recent images have been made by hand-holding the camera and 400mm DO lens with the a flash unit mounted directly on the shoe. So, if this is the case, help me to better understand when and why an elevated flash unit is desirable when using a tripod, but unnecessary when hand holding the camera for BIF or other use.

Thanks as always -

roger

Hi Roger Artie used to use and recommend a flash bracket for flight using hand held lenses but no longer does. With 400 etc can use flash/BB without bracket.

Not a bad idea since you are raising the lens but makes handling the camera more difficult. Easier to deal with the red eye !! btw if you get one for the Wimberly do get the one that mounts directly to the head. It is possible to mount one using the lens plate but its not as convenient.