The lens plate pictured above is a Hejnar PHOTO lens plate designed specifically for the Nikon 70-200mm VR (it fits version I & II). Hejnar PHOTO also has lens plates available that fit just about any lens foot, as well as replacement feet for select lenses.

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Using an L-Bracket has numerous advantages. Most ball heads come with a slot to allow you to rotate the camera 90° from landscape to portrait orientations, and while this works, you end up with an off-center load that is more prone to vibration, you typically have to recompose your shot, and your viewfinder drops by several inches. Using an L-Bracket instead solves these problems completely.

The new Hejnar PHOTO L-Bracket is available directly from .

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Pictured above are the two new rails, both basically different lengths of the same design. The G-004D-080 is an 8" version, and the G-006D-120 is the longer 12" version.

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The high-end multi-row panoramic solution currently is the Really Right Stuff Ultimate-Pro Omni-Pivot Package for $795 (they also have a slightly larger 'LONG' version for $860). This price does not include a leveling base, so add another $100-$200 for that, or if you want to use your ball head as the leveling base, add $30 for a dovetail adaptor.

We figured there had to be a better, more cost-effective way, without sacrificing strength, stability or functionality. It can indeed be done, and for potentially hundreds of dollars less than the alternative. Here is what we came up with:

Before we get into the specifics of the solution, first lets look at what a Multi Row Panoramic Head needs to do.

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Like single row panoramas, successful multi-row panoramas also need to be free from parallax errors. To do this you need to be able to rotate the camera/lens about the lenses nodal point both horizontally and vertically. The setup below achieves just that, and allows for full 360° spherical panoramas:

As with the single row panoramas, you need both a leveling base and a panning base. Some tripod heads can serve this function, such as the Acratech GP (shown above), or the Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR or Photo Clam Multiflex Geared Head.

The rest of the setup consists of three Hejnar Photo 8" Multi Purpose Rails, a Hejnar Photo 90° block, a Hejnar Photo Clamp, and a Really Right Stuff Panning Clamp. We'll detail the specifics of this setup shortly in our Panoramic Gear Guide, but this setup is rock solid and fully Arca compatible. At just over $400 (excluding ball head), its most compelling feature is the fact it also about half the price of similar Arca panoramic solutions from other manufacturers.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 28 May 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Uses_For_Arca_Multipurpose_Rails http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Arca_Style_Lever_Clamps On the other side there are multiple arguments against them, including:

1. Lever clamps have a more limited range of movement in their operation, so they are more sensitive to slight variations in manufacturing tolerances. This is especially true when using rails and plates from different manufacturers. One of the most poular lever clamp manufacturers, Really Right Stuff, recommends using only their plates and Wimberley's plates with their lever clamps. Wimberley recommends not using their popular Sidekick with a lever style clamp without fitting a special adapter, because of potential fit problems caused by variances in the thickness of the powder-coating they use.
2. If a lever clamp snags on your clothing, or a tree branch while the tripod is hung over your shoulder while hiking, there is a very small chance it could catch and release the clamp, sending your expensive camera and lens crashing to the ground.
3. The clamp opens using springs or spring washers, and over time their performance will degrade.

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There are several solutions in the market place to this problem, and one of them is the unusual looking Photo Clam Multiflex geared head, which according to my 5-year-old son looks just like the 'All Spark' out of the Transformers movie. He's quietly hopeful Optimus Prime will show up soon to retrieve it.

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1.5" Clamp

2.375" Clamp

3.25" Clamp

• Center socket is countersunk on top but also threaded 3⁄8"-16.
• Two outside holes are taped 1/4-20
• Clamp includes two safety stop relief grooves. This prevents free fall when the clamp is not closed.
• Knob is captive. Knob stops at maximum opening - cannot be lost in the field
• Knob is made from one part aluminum. No room for dust or sand.
• Back side has groove to match some ball heads connection and preventing it from twisting.
• Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum.
• Black hard coat anodized clamp and clear anodized knob.
• Made in USA.

In addition, two new rails designed to work with these (and other manufacturers) clamps are available:

6.5" Clamp Rail

6.5" Rail with Clamp installed.

8" Rail with both Clamp and optional Spacer installed

The rails come with two 2 dowel pins (shown in left picture above) that can be inserted to prevent the clamp from twisting loose. An optional 1/4" spacer is also available to give extra height if needed. Rail Features:

• 1.5 inch wide
• 1/2 inch thick
• One captive style slot.
• One 1/4-20 taped hole.
• Metric mm scale engraved.
• Double-dovetail design allows for dual clamping surfaces on rail
• One safety stop. This prevents free fall when the clamp is not fully closed. (M3 screws)
• Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum.
• Made in USA
• Black Anodized.
• Can be used with various clamps.
• One captive style screw. Screw will be about 0.3 above plate surface. If you are planning of using plate with blind hole please check depth of it. You may need shorter screw.

These new products are in addition to the products released last week, which include a 90° block for joining rails at a 90° angle, and new, lighter 8" and 12" rails that both feature a 1/4" x 20 threaded hole in the end:

90° Block

12" Rail.

8" Rail showing threaded hole in end.

Hejnar PHOTO products are available directly from the manufacturer via the .

We actually use Hejnar PHOTO in our photography business, to see reviews of select Hejnar PHOTO items please see our Tripods & Support Gear Guide.

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See Fiesol.net for details.

Closing in on Perfection: Introducing the New Generation of FEISOL Tripods and Monopods

The new generation of FEISOL Tripods and Monopods inherits all these phenomenal characteristics from their ancestors but bear exciting news: In keeping with FEISOL's tradition of striving to perfect what is already superb, FEISOL Engineers have developed our new Rapid Locking Technology for the just released new FEISOL Tripod and Monopod models.

And while they were at it, they re-designed the twist locks. The result is a "must-experience" smooth handling: The new system allows for effortless one-handed instant set-up and breakdown by eliminating annoying leg rotation when the twist locks are released, and delivers this with a pleasing new feel, thus managing to save time and effort without sacrificing performance - A classic win-win proposition.

FREE SHIPPING

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Mon, 03 May 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n050310092353_Special_Offer_from_Feisol_USA http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Fanotec_EZ-Leveler_II_Review If you are planning on doing any kind of panoramic photography, the first thing you need is to make sure you are working from a level platform. Any errors in leveling your base will only be exaggerated once you've stitched your photographs together. While it is possible to level your tripod, it usually involves a lot of bending over and running round the tripod making tiny adjustments to each leg in turn. A leveling base makes life so much easier, allowing you to level the top of the tripod quickly and easily while standing upright.

The Fanotec EZ-Leveler II reviewed here is one such base. It is rated for a 22 lb (10 Kg) load, and is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy. It weighs only 200 grams (7 oz), and measures 3.4" (86mm) across and 1.6" (40mm) high.

Its standard 3/8" x 16 tripod socket means the EZ-Leveler II will fit on most tripods, and a reducer is supplied to allow the leveling base to be attached to tripods with 1/4" x 20 studs also. On top the EZ-Leveler II has a 3/8" x 16 tripod stud, allowing it to work with the Nodal Ninja, as well as just about any other tripod head on the market today. It also features a cork base to provide extra grip so the Nodal Ninja or other head is less likely to accidentally be twisted off.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Mon, 03 May 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Fanotec_EZ-Leveler_II_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Fanotec_Nodal_Ninja_5_with_RD16_Rotator_Review The Nodal Ninja 5 with RD16 rotator is a specialized tripod head designed specifically for taking multiple rows of photographs, that can be stitched together using specialized software to form potentially huge panoramic images. The Nodal Ninja 5 allows you to rotate your camera in a full 360° circle both vertically and horizontally about the nodal point of your lens.

Pictured above is the Fanotec Nodal Ninja 5 with RD16 Rotator, the current top-of-the-line panoramic head from Fanotec. The Nodal Ninja 5 allows you to easily find and then rotate your camera and lens about its nodal point, both horizontally and vertically. This allows you to easily take multi-row panoramas, or even full 360 degree spherical panoramas.

The Nodal Ninja 5 is rated for up to 10 Kg (22 lbs), so can comfortably support just about any camera/lens combination, even if you use heavier lenses like Nikon's 70-200mm f2.8 and heavier cameras like a Nikon D3x.

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The lower end tripods sold in most big-box stores (at least in the U.S.) tend to be aluminum, and have braced legs and a built in pan-tilt or similar head, and are basically aimed at people with consumer video cameras. If you are serious about your photography, you'll run into the limitations of these types of tripods in a matter of months, if not weeks or days (already have one? Bent the flimsy leg braces yet? Find the controls difficult to use? Very slow to operate? Too much vibration? Plastic joints showing some slack? It goes on...).

A warning in advance, to get a 'good' tripod setup, you need to be prepared to spend as much on it as you would on a decent lens, maybe more depending on your definition of a 'decent lens'. On the flip side, you're never going to get the maximum resolving power out of your 'decent lens' without an equally decent shooting platform.

Once you get into the mid range and higher tripods, you tend to buy the tripod legs and head separately. Don't know what kind of head you need? Our Tripod Heads Explained article gives an overview of the most common kinds of head. For the vast majority of people, a ball head is the right solution, and we've detailed what to look for in a ball head in our Choosing a Ball Head article. This article will deal with what to look for in the tripod legs.

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The replacement foot incorporates a double-dovetail. Plates with dual clamping surfaces, both top and bottom, can take advantage of both Really Right Stuff flash brackets, and Wimberley brackets. This foot has enough clearance for your fingers under the lens to freely use the lens focusing ring, although it does not allow hood reversal for storage.

Specification:

• 5.00 inch long
• 1.5 inch wide
• Weight = 3.2 oz / 92 g
• 1.125 height.
• 1/4-20 and 3/8-16 taped holes
• Two safety stops. This prevents free fall when the clamp is not fully closed. (M3 screws)
• Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum.
• Made in USA
• Black Anodized.

Hejnar PHOTO products can be purchased directly from the manufacturer via the .

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As you'd expect, it's not small either. At 5.5" (141mm) tall and with the housing (excluding protrusions) measuring 3.46" (88mm) across, it weighs in at 3.1 lbs (1420g). Not exactly something you'd want to back-pack with, and trying to get it through an x-ray machine at the airport in your hand luggage may draw undesired attention.

On top of a huge 74mm ball sits an equally large 3.5" long Arca-type clamp. The clamp features twin bubble levels for easy leveling, even when the clamp is flipped over 90° with the camera in portrait orientation.

A button on the side of the quick release clamp operates a detent pin. Push the button to lower the detent pin, which then allows you to slide in an Arca-type plate. Releasing the button causes the detent pin to rise. Most Arca camera and lens plates have 'pockets' in the bottom, so this detent pin typically pops up into one of these pockets, and prevents a plate from sliding out should the clamp accidentally come loose. If using a plate without a pocket, or if you don't get the plate lined up correctly, the button operating the detent pin stays pushed in, so it is very obvious that the safety system isn't engaged.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Wed, 28 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-74NS_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n042610163046_Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Flash_Mount CB Gimbal Review) should begin shipping at the beginning of May. Full details can be found at Custom Brackets website.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n042610163046_Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Flash_Mount http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-44NS_Ball_Head_Review Like most ball heads in this price range, the PC-44NS has an independent panning base marked in 5-degree intervals complete with its own lock control, as well as a large friction/lock control for the ball itself. A separate control located on the friction/lock knob for the ball allows you to quickly and easily set the minimum amount of friction (also known as drag or tension) on the ball. This allows you to have the ball head loose enough to be able to easily reposition your gear and recompose your photograph, but tight enough to be able to let go without your expensive camera and lens flopping over to one side.

The Photo Clam PC-44NS also features an Arca-Swiss compatible quick release clamp, which has two bubble levels for easy leveling. A button on the side of the clamp operates a detent pin. Pushing the button lowers the detent pin, allowing you to slide in an Arca-type plate. Releasing the button causes the detent pin to rise. Most Arca camera and lens plates have 'pockets' in the bottom, so this detent pin typically comes up into one of these pockets, and prevents a plate from accidentally sliding out should the clamp accidentally come loose. If using a plate without a pocket, or if you don't get the plate lined up correctly, the button operating the detent pin stays pushed in, so it is obvious that the safety system isn't engaged.

Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 27 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_PC-44NS_Ball_Head_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Feisol_CT-3442_Rapid_Tripod_with_RAL_Anti-Rotation_Legs_Review ReallyBigCameras.com, the current CT-3442 is one of the most popular models, so the new CT-3442 Rapid seemed the perfect model to review.

Straight away the specs on the CT-3442 Rapid grab your attention. Despite having a respectable 22 lbs (10 Kg) load capacity, the CT-3442 Rapid weighs in at an amazingly light 2.31 lbs (1.05 Kg). Compare that to the Manfrotto 055MF4 I've been using for the past few years, which weighs almost double at 4.4 lbs, yet has a much smaller 15.4 lb load capacity. While two pounds difference doesn't sound much, try hiking several miles up a mountain when you haven't fully acclimatized to the altitude yet: I'll guarantee that unless you are younger or amazingly fit, you'll definitely notice a 2 lb difference.

It doesn't stop there. The Feisol CT-3442 Rapid is a 4-section tripod, so it folds away to a very compact 18.9 inches (48 cm), yet has a max height of 54.3 inches (138 cm). With no center column, the tripod has a minimum height of a mere 6.3 inches (16 cm), perfect for those low angle shots.

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Once you've decided a ball head is the right choice for you, the question then becomes which one? As you can see in our Tripod Head Review Roundup, there is a very wide selection of ball heads available, priced from under $20 to over $600. The different ball heads offer numerous different features, and that is just for the limited number we've tested so far. There are dozens of manufacturers making hundreds of different models between them, so choosing the right one that fits your needs can be a daunting prospect. There are a number of considerations to be at least aware of before making your purchase, we'll detail some of these below:

Match It To Your Tripod

Just for fun, the pictures below show two extreme examples of this. On the left we have a Giottos MH-1004 ball head ($12) rated for 5 lbs, on a set of Gitzo GT5541LS legs ($935) rated for 55lbs - in this case the ball head is perfect for flashguns and compact cameras, and the heavy legs are ideal for a studio setup or use with large, heavy telephoto lenses.

On the right, we have a monster Photo Clam PC-74NS ball head ($419) rated for 220lbs (that is not a typo), on a set of Manfrotto 055MF4 legs that are rated for 17lbs: in this instance this is a specialized head that would hold multiple sets of gear on a rail (if the weight rating is accurate then possibly multiple sets of gear plus the photographer), mounted on a set of light weight travel legs that I personally wouldn't even put a large telephoto on.

Giottos MH-1004 ball head on a Gitzo GT5541LS tripod.

Photo Clam PC-74NS ball head on a Manfrotto 055MF4 tripod.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Wed, 14 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Choosing_a_Ball_Head http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Universal_Camera_Lens_Plate_PC-69-UP3_Review The PC-69-UP3 from Photo Clam is their latest Arca-style universal camera plate (also rated for lenses up to 70-200mm). At approximately 2 3/4" long by 1 1/2" wide, and less than 3/8" deep, it is a light and very low profile plate that will fit most cameras and smaller lenses.

The Photo Clam PC-69-UP3 has a remarkable number of features for a universal camera plate:

1. Six textured rubber pads to prevent the plate from being twisted off should the camera get accidentally bumped.
2. A cross-shaped channel for the screw used to attach to the camera. These 3/4" long channels gives a lot of flexibility in positioning the plate, both left/right and forward/backward, when mounting the plate on a camera or lens.
3. Two camera strap loops, so you can attach a wrist strap or neck strap directly to the plate.
4. The plate is bi-directional, meaning it has Arca style grooves running along the width of the plate, as well as along the length. A camera with a bi-directional plate can quickly and easily be installed into a clamp set up for long lenses (e.g. on a full gimbal head, or bean bag with a fixed clamp), making it much faster to switch between cameras with collared and un-collared lenses in the field.
5. The screw used to attach to the camera or lens features a wide screw driver slot, so the plate can be installed, tightened or removed using a key, coin or other flat object.

As of the time of writing, the PC-69-UP3 retails for approximately $45, although being a new product very few places are advertising it. The best places to get Photo Clam gear are from PhotoClam.com, or in the U.S. from ReallyBigCameras.com.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 13 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Universal_Camera_Lens_Plate_PC-69-UP3_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n041210151040_New_Photo_Clam_Pro_Gold_II_Ball_Heads_In_Stock ReallyBigCameras.com has limited stock of the Pro Gold II ball heads on hand, priced as follows:

• Photo Clam Pro Gold II QR: $269
• Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy QR: $309
• Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR: $395

The three Photo Clam Pro Gold II models differ only on the type of clamp and the availability of a second panning base on top of the ball (ideal for panoramic photography):

1. Photo Clam Pro Gold II QR ($269): Has a standard knob-operated quick release clamp.
2. Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy QR ($309): Same as above, but with a lever operated clamp.
3. Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR ($395): Same as the Easy QR, but with an additional panning base above the ball.

We have also posted an initial review of the Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n041210151040_New_Photo_Clam_Pro_Gold_II_Ball_Heads_In_Stock http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Photo_Clam_Pro_Gold_II_Easy_PQR_Review Over the past few years Photo Clam has been building a solid reputation with their growing selection of tripod heads, which include numerous ball heads along with the Multiflex Geared Head and Orion Gimbal Head. Photo Clam have kindly loaned us a sample copy of their latest creation, the new Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR, featuring both a lever operated quick release clamp and a panning base which can be leveled for panoramic photography.

The Pro Gold II Easy PQR is Arca compatible, and comes with a lever operated quick release clamp. Half opening the clamp allows you to slide a plate in, and fully opening the clamp allows you to insert or lift out the plate from the top. The clamp is adjustable via a thumb wheel to work with plates with from different manufacturers (despite being Arca compatible, there is a slight variance in plate size between manufacturers). For safety reasons, to fully open the clamp you have to slide back a safety button on the lever. The clamp also features a spring loaded detent pin, so between these even if the lever is accidentally knocked open, your camera shouldn't fall or completely slide out of the clamp.

The clamp also features three bubble levels so you can easily level the clamp in both horizontal and vertical orientations.

The maximum load capacity of the Pro Gold II Easy PQR is 77 lbs (35 Kg) according to Photo Clam. The ball head weighs only 1.08 lbs (477g), and is 4.22" (107mm) tall, making it a relatively compact unit. The ball is 38mm across (approx 1.5"), and the head mounts on a standard 3/8" x 16 tripod stud.

The Pro Gold II Easy PQR has all the standard features you'd expect from a modern ball head, including independent locking and friction controls, as well as a locking 360 degree panning base marked in 5 degree intervals.

But it doesn't stop there. In addition, a second panning base mounted on top of the ball directly beneath the clamp is also included, again marked in 5 degree intervals complete with independent lock. This will be of particular interest to anyone interested in Panoramic Photography - having a leveled panoramic base on top of the tripod gives you a platform from which you can easily build single row panoramas. Just add a rail to compensate for parallax errors and you are ready to go.

Overall this is a very well specified ball head indeed, comes available in Black with gold detail. The Photo Clam Pro Gold II Easy PQR retails for $395 (which is very competitive, especially when you consider RRS sells their PCL-1 Panning Clamp alone for $235, and this functionality is built into the Photo Clam). Photo Clam products are available from Photo Clam Directly or from ReallyBigCameras.com in the U.S.

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With an impressive 44 lb load capacity, the SBH-250 has all the features you expect from a modern ball head, including an independent panning base with 360 degree scale and lock, as well as separate locking and tension controls for the ball itself. The SBH-250 also has a built in quick release clamp, featuring dual bubble levels, and a detent pin to stop the plates sliding out should they accidentally come loose. It also comes complete with two camera plates and a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.

The Vanguard SBH-250 features a slot so the clamp can be rotated 90 degrees to a vertical position (so you can quickly switch from landscape to portrait orientation). It is approximately 4.7" tall, and weighs only 20.5 oz thanks to its magnesium alloy construction.

So what does such a well specified ball head cost? $200? How about $300? More? How does $79.99 sound (see latest price at B&H Photo). There aren't many manufacturers that will sell you the two camera plates for under $80, let alone two plates and a full sized ball head.

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The Acratech GP Ballhead is Arca compatible, features a bubble level on the clamp, and has stainless steel hardware and captive rubber knobs. It has a satin black anodized finished, laser engraved markings, and is made in the U.S.A. So far sounds like everything you'd expect from a precision $400 ball head from a high quality manufacturer right? Well the GP Ballhead is just warming up.

As well as being rated to support lenses up to a 600mm f4, simply flip the clamp over into the slot and the GP ball head acts as a gimbal head. This is thanks to a sleeve around the ball stem that holds the clamp. As anyone that has used a long lens in anger will testify, once you've used a gimbal head to balance your telephoto lens, there is no turning back. As a gimbal, the GP ball head is rated up to a 400mm f4 lens (for reference, the Canon 400mm f4 weighs in at about 4.3lbs).

But it doesn't stop there. The GP ball head also has another surprise up its sleeve. Simply unscrew the clamp (you can use a key or coin), attach the clamp to the bottom of the head and flip it upside down, and you now have a leveling base with the panning control at the top. This makes it easy to level the clamp using the built in bubble level, and you now have a leveled panning base, perfect for single row panoramas.

This gives the Acratech GP Ballhead unprecedented functionality in a precision package that weighs less than 1 lb. Perhaps there is a Swiss Army Knife hidden somewhere in the Acratech GP Ballheads family tree.

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This is by no means a comprehensive set of plates, and the Kirk L-Bracket actually fits a Nikon D300 with a MB-D10 battery pack attached (they do make one for use without the battery pack, but we don't have a copy). Many other manufacturers make plates that will fit also. So what are the important considerations when choosing a plate?

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This review focuses on the following 3 plates:

1. 2164 fitting the Nikon MB-D10 (with D700, D300or D300s), Nikon D200 with MB-D200 and Canon 5D Mark II with Canon BG-E6.
2. 2167 fitting the Nikon D300.
3. 2170 fitting the Nikon D700.

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The camera plate is made from aluminum, with a channeled top surface (which helps grip if the cameras base is slightly curved). The plate measures 80mm by 60mm by 11mm, and weighs 110g (0.24 lbs).

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The camera plate is made from aluminum, and the top surface features a cork layer for additional grip. The plate measures 60mm by 40mm by 11.5mm, and weighs only 55g (0.12 lbs).

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 30 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Quick_Release_Camera_Plate_BALPA_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_M-1_Superball_Ball_Head_BENTO_Review The Foba M-1 Superball (BENTO) is the smallest precision ball head from the Swiss company Foba, with a street price under $200 at the time of writing (see B&H Photo). The BENTO version of the M-1 Superball features an Arca compatible quick release clamp, and an even lighter BENTA version is also available with a ¼" x 20 tripod stud instead of the clamp. The M-1 Superball comes with a removable thread adapter so it will fit on both a 3/6" x 16 and ¼" x 20 tripod stud.

At 110mm tall, and with a load capacity of 8 Kg (17.6 lbs), this makes the M-1 Superball ideal for light to mid range tripod setups. The housing has been drilled internally to make the M-1 even lighter, so the BENTO version with clamp weighs only 405g (0.89 lbs). The BENTA version (the version without the clamp) is even lighter at only 275g (0.6 lbs), making this an impressively strong head for such a lightweight package, perfect for travel or long hikes.

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Help Support DentonImages.com:

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 25 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Ball_Head_Reviews_Summary_Roundup http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Foba_Superball_Ball_Head_BALLA_Review The Foba Superball (BALLA) is the absolute top-of-the-line precision professional ball head from the Swiss company Foba, and is in use worldwide by professional photographers using everything from DSLR's to medium-format, and even large-format cameras.

The Foba Superball is substantial, weighing in at 3 lbs (1.4 Kg), with a diameter of 76mm and 130mm tall, making it perfect to pair with something like a 3 series or 5 series Gitzo tripod for maximum stability. Its load capacity is rated at 33 lbs (15 Kg), although we believe this number very conservative - it's generally regarded as one of the strongest tripod heads on the market today (indeed Wimberley rates it as capable of supporting their Sidekick with the biggest lenses, ahead of other ball heads with much higher load ratings - see full details on their Wimberley Sidekick Ball Head Recommendations page).

The Foba Superball comes in two variants, the BALLA (reviewed here) with an Arca-compatible quick release clamp, and BALLO with a reversible plate that has both ¼" x 20 and 3/8" x 16 tripod studs. At the time of writing, the BALLA Superball retails for just over $600 from B&H Photo

All the standard controls you'd expect on a top of the line professional ball head are present - an independent locking panning base, an independent tension (also known as "friction" or "drag") control for the ball, and a locking control, in this case a lever. The Superball allows you to tilt the head beyond 90 degrees (to quickly switch to portrait-orientation shots with a DSLR, and also permits the use of Gimbal adapters like the Wimberley Sidekick and CB Gimbal Basic). The massive 2.5" ball sits on a Teflon collar for ultra-smooth rotation.

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The plates are made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and feature a center slot to give some flexibility in attaching them to different cameras. The plates have a hard anodized finish, and are made in the USA. Both Hejnar PHOTO bi-directional plates reviewed here also feature an additional ¼" x 20 socket, so a camera with one of these plates attached can still be used with a traditional non-Arca tripod or head without having to remove the plate.

Bi-directional Plates have a 1.5" square on the bottom, with an Arca compatible dovetail on all four sides. This allows the plate to be clamped no matter the orientation in the quick release clamp:

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The Hejnar PHOTO D300/s Camera Plate is made from 6061-T6 aluminum, and comes with two removable Safety Stops installed (If you are not familiar with Arca-Type plates or Safety Stops, see our Arca-Type Systems Explained article for a full explanation). The plate also includes a camera strap loop, ideal for securing a wrist or other strap directly to the plate.

The plate itself measures approximately 2.9" long (plus another quarter inch for the camera strap loop). At 0.45" thick and almost 2" wide it provides a very strong base and large clamping surface for a quick release clamp to grip. The camera plate also provides a ¼"x20 tripod socket, aligned on the center of the lens axis, so a Nikon D300 or D300s camera with the Hejnar PHOTO plate installed can still be attached to a traditional, non-Arca tripod.

This camera plate has a black hard-anodized finished and is made in the U.S.A. At the time of writing, it retails at $39.99 directly from .

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Hejnar_PHOTO_Camera_Plate_for_Nikon_D300_and_D300s_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Gitzo_GT5541LS_Systematic_Tripod_Review The Gitzo GT5541LS Carbon Fiber tripod has an ultra-wide top platform for exceptional stability and features Gitzo's G-Lock (Gravity Lock) mechanism on the legs. The G-Lock mechanism is designed so that the heavier the load on the tripod, the stronger the lock. The GT5541LS is rated for an impressive 55 lbs, has 4-section legs made from 6 layer carbon fiber, and can be extended to over 60 inches.

The GT5541LS folds to a compact 23.6" length, and weighs in at 6.3lb - heavy if hiking any distance, but light given the strength and stability these legs offer. Leg angles can be set independently to 24°, 55° and 90° angles, and at 90° the tripod height is a mere 5.5 inches tall. At the time of writing, the GT5541LS retails for around $950.

The legs contain a bubble level for easy leveling, and the standard plate provided also features a hook underneath, allowing you to hang a counter weight to aid stability in windy conditions.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Gitzo_GT5541LS_Systematic_Tripod_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Giottos_MH_1004_Mini_Ball_Head_Review The MH 1004 Mini Ball Head is the smallest ball head Giottos makes. With its 5 lb working load, Giottos claims this ball head will support most 35mm or digital cameras. At just over 2" (52mm) tall, and weighing only 1.8 oz (52g), the MH 1004 is indeed tiny, as you can see in the picture below, photographed in between a Manfrotto 468MG and a Gitzo GH5380S.

The Giottos MH 1004 comes with a removable insert that allows it to be screwed onto either a standard 3/8" x 16 or ¼" x 20 tripod stud. Construction is from anodized aluminum and plastic, and the mini ball head features a slot to allow the camera to be rotated to a 90-degree (portrait) orientation. At the time of writing, the Giottos MH 1004 retails for around $12.99.

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According to Gitzo, the GH5380S is the first ballhead to use a revolutionary hydraulic locking system placed inside the ball itself, which can create over 1,000 lbs of locking pressure. Since this unit is currently on loan to us from Gitzo, we decided disassembling it to find out probably wouldn't be wisest move. When used with a Systematic tripod (more on that later), this makes for an ultra strong and stable platform for even the heaviest of cameras and lenses.

This head provides a full 360° pan and +28/-28° tilt (so no, it does not flip over to portrait mode) and weighs in at only 1.5 lbs. At the time of writing, the GH5380S retails for around $350, which is competitive for a ball head of this quality and strength. Gitzo's marketing aims this head at sports, wildlife and action shooters as a ball head for long lenses.

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Help Support DentonImages.com:

Please help support our site by clicking these links to start your online shopping: Amazon, B&H Photo Video, Adorama

It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Tripod_Heads_and_Monopod_Heads_Explained http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n030510103336_New_Products_from_Hejnar_PHOTO Over the past few days, Hejnar PHOTO has released multiple new products, all are available in their . These products include:

Arca Quick Release Camera Plates for Compact Point & Shoot Cameras

1" Wide Plate with Ridge

1" Wide Plate (No Ridge)

0.8" Wide Plate (No Ridge)

Arca Quick Release Camera Plates

2" Plate with new Camera Strap Loop

Camera Plate for Nikon D300/D300s

Pentax 6x7 Camera Plate

Biderectional Arca Quick Release Plate

Bidirectional Arca Quick Release Plate

Arca Quick Release Lens Plates

2" Plate with Ridge

Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 VR Lens Plate

Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 Lens Plate

Clamps

3.25" Arca Quick Release Clamp

We use Hejnar PHOTO products, and find them to be very well designed and manufactured, at exceptional prices. You can find reviews of specific products in our Tripods & Support Gear Guide. Hejnar PHOTO products can be purchased from the .

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 05 Mar 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=n030510103336_New_Products_from_Hejnar_PHOTO http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Upgrade_Kit_Review CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit converts the CB Gimbal Basic (see our full CB Gimbal Basic Review) into the full CB Gimbal (see our full CB Gimbal Review), turning a side mount gimbal adapter that works with a ball head into a full gimbal head.

The CB Gimbal has a modular design, consisting of 4 modules: The Upright (also known as the CB Gimbal Basic), a Panning Base, Arm, and Lens Platform. The CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit consists of those last three modules (Panning Base, Arm, and Lens Platform), as pictured below:

In our opinion, if you have the CB Gimbal Basic and are interested in a full gimbal head, the upgrade kit is the way to go: read the full CB Gimbal Review to see why.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Upgrade_Kit_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Custom_Brackets_CB_Gimbal_Basic_Review There are many choices if you are considering Gimbal Heads (if you have a large lens with a lens foot, a gimbal head allows you to easily and smoothly pan and tilt your lens while tracking moving objects). We recently reviewed the exceptional CB Gimbal head from Custom Brackets, now it's the turn of the CB Gimbal Basic.

The full CB Gimbal consists of 4 modules, one of which is the Upright, a.k.a. the CB Gimbal Basic, which is also sold separately and can be used on its own with an appropriate ball head. A CB Gimbal Upgrade Kit is also available, containing the other three modules that make up the full CB Gimbal.

The CB Gimbal Basic works in exactly the same way as the Wimberley Sidekick: You need an Arca-Type ball head, with a panning base, that allows you to position the Arca Clamp at a 90 degree angle. For this review we used our Manfrotto 468MG converted with a Wimberly C-10MG Quick Release Clamp. You also need an Arca-Type lens plate or replacement foot on your lens.

According to Custom Brackets, the CB Gimbal Basic has the capacity to handle all telephoto lenses, although a lot depends on the quality and strength of your ball head. The CB Gimbal Basic utilizes precision roller bearings, and has a black "hard anodized" finish for strength, light weight and scratch resistance. Made from aircraft aluminum and weighing 1.5lbs, the CB Gimbal Basic is just over 9 inches long, 4.5 inches wide and 3 inches deep, making it very easy to pack.

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Pictured above is our Manfrotto 079 Aluminum Monopod (shown fitted with a Kirk Quick Release Clamp) that I must have been using for 20 years now. Are there newer, greater models available? Sure, just look at the selection of Manfrotto Monopods at B&H Photo Video.

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It costs you nothing to use these links, but the fees we earn from our affiliates help cover our costs and allow us to further expand our site. Thank You for your Support.]]> Steve@DentonImages.com (Steve Denton) Fri, 26 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100 http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Manfrotto_079_Monopod_Review http://www.dentonimages.com/page.php?id=Kirk_Arca_Type_Arca_Swiss_Quick_Release_Clamp_Review Once you start down the slippery slope converting your gear to using the Arca-Type Quick Release System (see Arca-Type Systems Explained for details), chances are you'll have other gear (monopods, beanbags etc) that you'll also need to convert. You may also have Multi Purpose Rails, or assorted other pieces of camera gear that you may want to use with your Arca-Type plates on your cameras and lenses. Because of that, it's usually a good idea to keep a general purpose Quick Release Clamp in your gear bag (it's a lot easier to screw a QR Clamp onto a monopod or bean bag than it is to find a hex key, and then keep removing/reinstalling your camera plate). We carry several, one of which is a Kirk Universal Quick Release Clamp. Kirk actually makes a range of clamps from 1" to 4" long; we find the 2" size to be a great general-purpose clamp.

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The OmniPod features a standard ¼" x 20 tripod stud, surrounded by a thick 1" rubber washer to firmly grip your camera. The OmniPod is filled with polystyrene beads, features a heavily textured non-skid bottom, and comes with a strap and buckle that can be used it secure it to objects. It comes in two sizes and two colors (black and camo). The larger version allows you to add or remove fill via a small tab that tucks under the buckle and velcro's closed.

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If you use a larger telephoto lens for moving subjects, the only way to support it is with a Gimbal Head. A good Gimbal Head allows smooth, effortless, and just as important safe panning and tilting of the lens/camera combination about its center of gravity. While a loosened ball head will work, trusting up to $15,000 worth of camera and lens to a loose ballhead is one thing, and trying to pan and tilt such a top-heavy setup smoothly and accurately is yet another.

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The second reason, was to use it as a "low pod" - a shooting platform for Macro photography. Surely the Kirk WM-2 would be far easier to use that having a giant tripod looming over your macro-sized subject?

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Where does the Custom Brackets GLM-1 differ from other lens plates: instead of providing a hex key to install the screws, the screws instead have a built in 1" wide D-Ring for a tool-free installation.

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This is a review of their Camera Plates, in particular based on one of their 2" Arca-Type Camera Plates. At the time of writing, Hejnar PHOTO has 3 different styles of 2" Plate available, as shown the photos below (the grooves for the ¼" Screw vary for maximum mounting flexibility). We are also told a new version is due soon with a loop for a camera strap.

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In its simplest form, the Arca-Swiss system centers around a 1.5" wide metal rail, with a V-Shaped groove cut into both sides, matched with a compatible clamp.

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1. A receiver that screws into the 10-pin connector on the front of the camera, and has a hot-shoe plate so it can sit on top of the camera (we often find ourselves using a flash at the same time, so this unit is often left dangling instead).
2. A hand held transmitter that takes two AAA batteries.

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It's very small, lightweight, rugged, easy to throw into a corner of a camera bag or in your pocket, yet amazingly useful in the field for setting up landscape shots. We wouldn't go on a trip without it. The only potential downside of the Manfrotto 337 is the cost (about $30 at the time of writing), especially when there are no-brand versions selling on ebay from a Hong Kong seller for under $7. However we have been using Manfrotto brand gear for at least a couple of decades now, it is a brand we trust.

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The Nikon ML-L3 has a range of about 16' (just less than 5 meters), and has to be pointed at the front of the camera. We use ours with our Nikon D90 - 15 months in we are still on the first battery with light to moderate usage. It has been reliable in triggering the camera - if you are too far off to the side, sometimes it won't trigger (just like your TV remote), so on the rare occasion it's failed, it has been operator error.

Overall, if you have a consumer level Nikon DSLR (DXX or DXXXX, then this is extremely useful. If you ever use your camera on a tripod, the ML-L3 is pretty much essential, and we'd highly recommend it:

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The 468MG is rated for a robust 35.3lbs (16 Kg) for the base unit, down to 22lbs (10 Kg) for some of the RCX versions, so all versions should be able to comfortably hold a big DSLR with a heavy lens. The 468MG uses a hydraulic system to lock the ball in place (makes for a much tighter lock with minimal turning of the knob). It utilizes a cast magnesium head with a 1.25" Teflon coated aluminum ball. The controls are oversized to allow use with gloves.

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Being able to use a flashgun with your telephoto lens is ideal for putting a catch-light in a bird or animals eyes, or adding fill light to subject in the shadows, which can make or break a photograph. By attaching to the lens plate itself, the flashgun remains above the lens minimizing shadows, even when the camera is rotated to portrait orientation.

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Enter the Wimberley Sidekick, an innovative solution that can in seconds convert your ball head into a gimbal head, and for only around $250 (about half the cost of a dedicated gimbal head).

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For our needs, we wanted to be able to use our Nikon 200-400mm f4 AF-S VR with the Wimberley Sidekick. Kirk makes Lens Plates and Feet for just about every big lens from all the major manufacturers (see full list at B&H Photo or Kirk Enterprises).

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The BL-D300G is an exceptionally good fit on both the D300 and D700. The finish is excellent as you'd expect from Kirk, and the unit weighs in at only 4.7 oz thanks to its construction from light weight 6061T6 Aluminum.

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