Here is one piece of gear that is so versatile I take it on all my shoots. The Justin Clamp, or Manfrotto 175F clamp, is one piece of useful gear. We just returned from photographing hummingbirds in Arizona, and we used these clamps in a number of ways. Take a look at the photo above. First, this device is a clamp, which is very useful. I use it to hold down backdrops, attach gear and backgrounds to nightstands, and clamp cables down on sets. And then there is the cold shoe speed light mount. Anywhere I can attach the clamp, and I can attach a speed light. Rafters, door handles, car windows…you name it, you can clamp it. The clamp attaches to a standard nightstand head, so it works perfectly to hold speed lights on shoots.
When I travel and know I will be using speed lights, I always bring a Justin Clamp. One great use I have found is clamping them to my tripod, which means I don’t need to bring an extra nightstand to hold one flash. Depending on the brand and style, prices range from $30-$85 dollars. I always leave few in my truck, and have a few in my travel lighting set up. You will always find ways to use this handy clamps.