The Wimberley Shape-Shifter Modular flash bracket system works with the Wimberley Head, Sidekick, and Arca-Swiss style type camera and lens plates. This revolutionary system brings a new level of convenience, versatility and portability to the world of flash brackets. As one would expect from Wimberley, each piece is flawless in functionality and design, milled from solid 6061 T6 aluminum and black anodized. Fasteners are stainless steel. The system Components connect to each other simply and securely in seconds, without tools. Connections are solid and cannot twist, creep, or slip apart and attach easily with the twist of a knob. In addition, all pieces are captive (no screws to lose).

The Wimberley Shape-Shifter Modular flash bracket system is comprised of four compact modular components, and an articulated macro/extension. Configured differently they will fulfill all of your flash bracket needs. The system integrates beautifully with the Arca-Swiss style quick release system. Utilizing Wimberley's uniquely designed narrow, low profile quick release clamp, you can attach the brackets to any lens with a long Arca-Swiss style plate, or even to your camera body plate. You can use the bracket both on and off a tripod, an advantage for in-flight shots with fill flash.

Two versions of the components are available. The Standard uses polypropylene two-prong knobs. These knobs are lighter than the aluminum knobs on the Pro version, and are very durable. The main advantage of the Pro version is its use of captive washer caps. The washer cap keeps the washers connected to the knob and makes it more convenient to quickly attach components to one another. This is a luxury, not a necessity. The thrust bearing in the Pro version provides slightly better performance when locking the Tilt Arm at different angles (mainly applicable when using 180mm and 200mm macro lenses). The standard and Pro components are completely interchangeable. The Macro Extension Arm is available in one model (denoted "standard" because it uses the polypropylene knobs).

The components are available in a variety of configurations (Combo) to fulfill all your current bracket needs. You can add individual components at any time, or purchase the Whole Enchilada.

The Telephoto Combo bracket consists of three parts - Tilt Arm, Upright and Quick Release Arm. When these three components are assembled, they form a bracket that attaches to the quick release plate of your telephoto lens, wrapping around the lens 180 degrees to position the flash directly above the lens. You can adjust the vertical Tilt Arm on the Upright for different sized telephoto lenses, making for a very versatile (no need to buy another) one size fits all flash bracket.

The Sidekick Combo is comprised of the Tilt Arm and Quick Release Clamp. It attaches directly to the Sidekick, wrapping around 90 degrees, positioning the flash over the lens.

The Wimberley Head Combo utilizes the Tilt Arm, Upright and an ingenious low-profile folding clamp on a pivoting arm that mounts firmly on the head, and not the lens, allowing the brackets use with all lenses. It is more compact than other flash brackets available.

The Macro Extension is comprised of two double ball joint and socket arms that lock positively. They can articulate, offering a great range of flash positions. Combining the Macro and Quick Release components forms a versatile macro flash bracket that works for both collared and non-collared lenses. For telephoto work, the Extension can be used as an extender post or to position your flash at the end of the lens barrel (useful if you are working from a blind). It is also useful if you want to position the flash off-center for side lighting. Note -Wimberley will soon have a simpler lightweight extender post for the bracket system for those who are interested in extension without the complexity of the Macro Extension Arm.

The new Wimberley lens plates featuring a dual-dovetail design are equally impressive, giving you the option of mounting the bracket on the top or bottom of the plate. Moreover, Wimberley plates are machined to fit both RRS and Kirk flash brackets. The plates come with optional safety stops for the front and back of the plate. These stops keep your lens from accidentally slipping out of the clamp jaws. The stops work best with the new Wimberley quick release clamps. These clamps have channels that go almost to the center, allowing the full range of forward and back motion, while not letting the plate slip out. Wimberley offers five plate sizes that accommodate a wide variety of collard lenses. The lens/plate matches allow enough length to attach a flash bracket to the top surface of the plate and allow enough extension to easily balance your lens in almost every configuration.

IMO, the new Wimberley Shape-Shifter Modular flash bracket system is the way to go. It is by far the most versatile system available, working with any lens/camera with Arca-Swiss style plate, as well as the Wimberley head and Sidekick, and it is compact for travel.

This is truly a better mousetrap.