Which Macro Flash Bracket to Purchase?

Hello,
I'm about to go on a trip to Costa Rica and I'm going to focus on photograping tree frogs and other small critters with my 105mm macro lens. I have been researching macro flash brackets but the info about them all seems confusing. I love the look of the Wimberly brakets - I think they would do the trick... but expenses (as always) are an issue. Are there less expensive alternatives?

I was reading reviews about the Kirk system and the Stroboframe macro system and some said you have to really crank the locks to ensure the arms don't swing around too much - and to make sure they can hold the weight of heavier flashes. While I'm bringing along a ball-head tripod, I'd also like the freedom to do hand-held shots if the moment strikes me. Space in my camera bag is a concern for this trip (as I'm sure it always is for everyone).

I'll be alone when photographing the frogs so I'd like a free hand to be able to use a reflector in some cases. I will be bringing my two SB800 flashes for my Nikon D200. I also own a regular stroboframe flash bracket that I use at weddings. I have a pocketwizard and I also have a wire to remotely connect my flash. I can also use the commander function and control the flashes with my on-camera flash.

What would you suggest for a quick and dirty approach? Any comments/issues/concerns/ about a macro flash braket you've used/own?

&InitialSeHave you looked at the Nikon R1 Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Flash System? I use it all the time for bugs, frogs, critters etc...I love it...there may be others out there who know more about macro lighting systems, but for me it has been wonderful. It's wireless, and extremely flexible with where you can position the flash heads. It comes with a ring mount that mounts directly to the front of you lens, and comes with adapters for a wide variety of lenses...i use the 105 all the time it and it works great. It comes with two flash heads, as well as diffusers and gels for each head. The heads also each have a small led that you can turn on for focusing, and is so helpful for photographing at night/low light...awesome. Since it is mounted to the front of your lens you are not constantly repositioning your flashes...they just come with you and you shoot. You can purchase a kit with the SU-800 commander unit (not the same as your SB-800 flash) which allows you to very easily control your output, or purchase the kit without it...you then control the system on the back of the camera, or on your SB-800...it is a little more work, but it saves you a bit of money and you can always add the commander unit later. I bought it without the unit and later upgrade...i am glad I upgraded as it saves me some time. You can use it it with other Nikon flash units (there is a list, but the 600 and 800 definitely work with it). It all comes in a very nice case that I find a bit large for traveling, but it also comes with individual cases for the components that I keep mine in and they takes up very little space in my kit. Al in all I love it and use it all the time. I can't tell you how handy it is. Hope this helped. Nate


Here is a link for it at B&H:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?shs=nikon+flash&ci=0&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=RootPage.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t