Robert’s Photography Blog

Canon’s Speedlite 580EX flash was introduced in August 2004. Along with the new flash, Canon introduced the SB-E1 L-bracket and a new Compact Battery Pack (CP-E3). According to Canon’s website, the Speedlite Bracket SB-E1 is designed for canceling unnatural shadows that can appear during vertical shots. It is particularly recommended for professional press photographers. Is it any good?

I purchased the SB-E1 bracket along with a Speedite 580EX in September 2004. It is my preferred set-up for event and nightclub photography. The bracket allows me to get even lighting up close in poorly lit, crowded places such as nightclubs, conferences/exhibitions, and weddings. My favorite set-up (click on thumbnail) is a Canon EOS 30D (previously 20D) plus a Canon EF 17-40mm f/4 lens on the bracket with a Speedlite 580EX. Of course, you can use the new Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 lens or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 lens.

Here are the pros/cons of using the SB-E1 bracket from my experience:

Pros

• Even lighting for both portrait and landscape orientations
• Smaller than a Stroboframe
• No slipping of camera in the bracket
• Protects camera and flash in crowds
• Sturdy set-up yields better balancing of camera/lens/flash
• Well-made bracket - wow factor!
• Can still use a tripod and/or external powerpack

Cons

• Not much improvement for landscape orientation
• No flipping of the flash
• Only works with Speedlites 580EX and 430EX
• Expensive (however, includes Off-Camera Shoe Cord 2)

The SB-E1 bracket is difficult to find at retailers - especially in the USA. You can look for the SB-E1 on eBay. Or, you can order it from Amazon.co.uk. Or, use a Stroboframe.

Examples? Of course! You can look though my galleries of nightclub photos. They were all taken using the SB-E1 bracket with a either an Canon EOS 20D or Canon EOS 30D.

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