DIY Macro bracket

[Cygnus Studios]

For those who love macro photography it doesn't take long to realize that as you get closer to your subject you lose the light that makes it possible to get a great shot. Normal flash brackets used for portrait photography does not allow the light to pass by the lens as needed for macro shots.
There are brackets made specifically for macro photography, but many new or amateur photographers cannot justify the expense. Here is a detailed example of a cheap DIY bracket that anyone can make and it allows the flash to be placed directly beside the lens.

NOTE: The prices listed are for northern California, your price may be higher or lower.

The build this bracket, head over to your local hardware store. You will need to find the electrical section of the store.

Buy two (I use 3) flat 4" crossbars. (These are used to attach light fixtures to the box) $1.99 ea

Buy one half inch quarter-twenty bolt. (this attaches the flash) $0.15 ea (if you do not have a quick release plate, but another bolt)

Buy one two inch aluminum spacer $0.99 ea

Buy one two and a half inch quarter-twenty bolt. $0.40 ea

Buy four nuts for the bolts. $0.13 ea

You can substitute quarter-twenty knobs for the bolts if you like. $2.19 ea

Option 1 without knobs costs $8.09 before tax.

You will have to drill the slots in the crossbar for the bolts or knobs to fit.

Place one nut on the bolt or knob that attaches to the flash.

That is all that it takes to get your flash next to your lens. Depending on the model flash that you use, you may need to change the size of the spacer. I personally use a SB900 which is a huge heavy flash.

If you have a flash the size of the SB600 you would only need a one inch spacer. Be sure to buy a smaller bolt if you change to a smaller spacer.

Hopefully this will inspire some more creative solutions for some of the readers.

While this may not be exactly as good as the $700 custom brackets made by Nikon, it does work incredibly well.






Note: This will work for lenses as small as 28-80mm or as long as 70-300mm

[Grandpa]

Looks like for only slightly more, you could put one on each side.

Thanks for the inspiration!

[Cygnus Studios]

Looks like for only slightly more, you could put one on each side.

For cameras that have on board commander mode or if you have an SU800 it is easy.