Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5~4.5G ED Lens Review
Posted on July 15th, 2009 by Jack Neubart | 4 Comments
A wide zoom when you need it, where you need it.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5~4.5G ED. Effectively a 15-36mm zoom (with 1.5X sensor factor), this lens is relatively compact and lightweight. It offers a choice between fully manual and AF with manual override via an onboard switch. And unlike a fisheye or even the 14-24, the front element is not bulbous enough to prevent use of a filter--77mm. Copyright ©2009 Jack Neubart. All rights reserved.
Over the years, I’ve become enamored of wide zooms–the wider the better. One of my faves is a Tokina fisheye zoom that I practically take everywhere. But there’s only so much barrel distortion one person can take, and only so far that distortion correction can take an image–when you want to employ it, that is. Sometimes you just want to start out with straight lines wherever you can get them. So, when I heard that Nikon had a new 10-24mm lens, I was on it like an egret on a fish (hey, it’s the first metaphor that popped into my head).
I’d worked with Canon’s EF-S 10-22 mm lens–and simply loved it. At the time, I still had an APS-C Canon, but I was fast moving toward full-frame and knew the lens would not be long for this world if I bought it. So I tested it, and sadly said goodbye. Now that I’m back in the APS-C camp with the Nikon D300–and loving it!–it was time to examine yet another zoom in the ultra-wide dimension (super-wide? potato, potato–you get what I mean).
Making Choices
Okay, I know, this looks an awful lot like another lens from Nikon. But there is a difference. Considering that only a few dollars separates them, it really is a tough call choosing between the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5~4.5G ED and AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM EF Review Round-Up
Posted on April 4th, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | 2 Comments

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Get information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Photo Zone
The Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 USM IS is a very good lens but not a stellar one. The resolution characteristic is excellent at 70mm and 135mm but at 200mm it disappoints – more so regarding its price tag. The results are still very good here (just at f/2.8) but when putting things into perspective (e.g. vs the superb EF 70-200mm f/4 USM L IS) the delivered quality is not overly impressive. Based on the performance at 200mm the potential with tele converters seems “limited”. Lateral chromatic aberrations (CAs) are relatively well controlled but, again, inferior to the in-house competition (inc. its predecessor). Distortions are nothing to worry about as is vignetting. The build quality of the lens is superb and the IS as well as the very fast AF makes it a joy to use. If only it was better at 200mm. READ FULL REVIEW
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L USM EF Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | 1 Comment

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Get information and user reviews for this lens from Amazon: Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Standard Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
Photo Zone
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 USM L proved to be a worthy representative of the pro-grade lens league … if you can get a good sample. During the last two years four lenses has seen the lab with only one within specs – this is disappointing especially for a lens of this price class. If you´re lucky enough to get a decent sample you can expect a very high performance level, especially when stopped down a bit. Distortions, vignetting and CAs are well-controlled. The build quality is superb with only the reverse zoom extension as a minor downside. Even so the 24-70mm range is not all that attractive on APS-C DSLRs (39-112mm) – the EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 USM IS is a better and cheaper bet except regarding build quality. READ FULL REVIEW
Manfrotto MF 190xPROB Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
The new 190XPROB model retains all the best-loved features of its predecessors but provides improvements in build, compactness and ease of use. Swinging the centre column from vertical to horizontal position is straightforward. You simply release the column locking knob and raise the column while pressing the button at the base of the column. When the column is in its highest position, this button triggers a release that allows it to be swung into horizontal position. The camera can then be balanced by sliding the entire column forwards. Reversing these steps restores the column to its vertical position. This adjustability is valuable for macro photography, low angle shooting, extreme balance points and off-centre work. It will also be valuable for chair-bound photographers, who can sit beside instead of behind the tripod and be much closer to the camera’s viewfinder. READ FULL REVIEW AT PhotoReview.com
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Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod
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Bogen 3051 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | 1 Comment
If the 3001 is the light weight of the trio, the 3051 is the heavyweight. It weighs in at 12.65 lbs. Way too much to carry around in the field for most people. However, it’s very, very, stable. It’s also big even when collapsed (over 3ft without a head) since it only has two-section legs. One unique feature is that just by pushing a tab at the top of the tripod, you can release all three legs, extend the tripod to the height you want, then lock it by releasing the tab. You can also do the same thing for each leg individually. It’s the most stable tripod I’ve used, beating out the 3 and 4 series Gitzos and Carbon Fiber tripods. So it should, given its weight. If you can haul it around in the trunk of your car, or use it in a studio, it’s great, but carrying it far isn’t an option I care for very much. Not a field tripod in my opinion, but you can’t buy more stability for around $200. READ FULL REVIEW AT BobAtkins.com
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Manfrotto 3051 Studio Pro Tripod without Head for Medium Format Cameras (Silver)
Gitzo Mountaineer GT2530 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
This carbon-fiber tripod’s light 3.1-pound weight makes it extraordinarily easy to carry for a model with a maximum height of 54.3 inches — 63.4 inches with the center column fully extended. Its three-segment legs use Gitzo’s new G-Lock twist-lock system, a variation on the traditional knurled locking collar that’s said to increase the stability of the ‘pod when the legs are locked at narrower angles. The GT2530 gives you a choice of three such angles; both leg joints and twist locks are smooth and easy to operate. The rubber feet unscrew and can be replaced with other types of feet that Gitzo sells separately. That makes the tripod less versatile out of the box than a model with the familiar combination rubber-and-retracting-spike feet, but the included feet are shaped to provide good stability. The GT2530’s center column is both reversible and removable, and it has a built-in hook for adding weight to stabilize the tripod. For extreme low-angle shooting, the mounting plate can be unscrewed from the center column and attached directly to the top of the legs. Anyone who has ever struggled to unscrew a mounting plate should be grateful for the two handle-like nubs on the top of the tripod; these make it easy to grip and turn the mounting plate and its base separately. With the center column in place, the GT2530 has a minimum height of 13 inches. About $535 (with carrying bag). READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Sunpak Ultra 757 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
If you’re buying a tripod on a shoestring budget, this aluminum model will give you all the basics for well under $100. It’s the only tripod in this year’s group with a head included in the price, so there’s no need to purchase one separately. The head’s three-way pan/tilt design, which is operated with twist-locks and a panning handle, is suitable for both photo and video shooting; the tripod comes with two quick-release plates so you can leave one attached to your camera and one to your camcorder. The standard head can also be removed, either to use a different head with the legs or to mount the head on the bottom of the center column for low-level shooting. Built to support up to 11 pounds of gear, the 757 weighs a modest 6.2 pounds, head included. The head isn’t made of the strongest stuff, though, so we’d keep one hand on it if mounting a very heavy lens. Closed up the tripod is 29.3 inches long. Fully extended, it rises to 61.5 inches; crank its geared center column all the way up and you get a surprising 74.8 inches of height. Although this model’s three-section legs aren’t particularly sturdy, it compensates by attaching them to the center column with built-in braces. Other handy features include two spirit levels (one on the head and one on the legs) and retractable foot spikes. About $80. READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Sunpak 620-757B Ultra Series Tripod
Gitzo Explorer 2530 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
If you thought a horizontal center column was cool, then the GT2530EX tripod takes you to the next level. Rather than using a traditional center column running in between the legs, the GT2530EX offsets the column and mounts it in a pivoting clamp at the top of the legs. This allows the column to be quickly set at any angle including straight down. The ability to quickly adjust your camera position without having to move the whole tripod or adjust the leg heights is of tremendous benefit to anyone doing careful compositions. The Gitzo Explorer GT2530EX carbon fiber tripod and the G1276M head are a compelling combination if the price is not an object. Gitzo promotes the tripod as the perfect tool for “exploring new perspectives” and I have to agree that the total flexibility of positioning makes the combination extremely attractive for those shooters needing such versatility. READ FULL REVIEW AT PhotographyReview.com
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Manfrotto 684B NeoTec Monopod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
Featuring the same NeoTec opening and closing mechanism as the 458B tripod, the 684B monopod is designed for support with unprecedented speed. The 684B can fully extend to 65.6 inches and collapse to 27.9 inches. Like the 458B, the 684B can support payloads up to 17.6 pounds and features the same “upside down” leg construction, further ensuring its durability and reliability in all environments. READ FULL REVIEW AT Shutterbug.net
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: MANFROTTO 684B Bogen Neotec Monopod – Black
Gitzo GT-1550T Traveler 6X Carbon Fiber Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
This superlight carbon-fiber tripod weighs in at just 2.2 pounds, or about a kilogram, but can support nearly ten pounds. It extends to 57.5 inches, but folds down to a slim 14 inches. In other words, it’s small enough to fit in a carry-on sized bag, but strong enough to handle even a pro camera with some long glass attached. Less weight and size on the ‘pod means more room for other gear, and we like that a lot! READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Gitzo GT1550T T6X Carbon Fiber Series 1 Rapid Column 5 Section Traveler Tripod
Slick Pro 714 CF-II Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
This three-pound carbon-fiber tripod offers one of the best values in an ultracompact model these days. With four twist-lock leg sections, it collapses to just 18 inches. Although the legs look thin near the feet, the ‘pod is built to support up to 11 pounds of gear. It extends to a maximum height of 47 inches, or 61.2 inches with the center column fully extended. The column can be reversed, and has a built-in weight hook. The 714 even comes with a canvas bag that you can fill with stones (or other available materials) and attach to the tripod legs like a little hammock, for extra, on-the-spot stability. The new Slik’s legs lock at three angles and have retractable spikes integrated into their rubber feet. At their most splayed-out position, they allow the tripod to be lowered to its minimum height of 7.25 inches when you reverse the center column. Padding on the legs’ top segments makes for comfortable handling, though it’s not really necessary on a small carbon-fiber model and creates a little extra bulk when the tripod is closed. About $245. READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Gitzo GM5540 Mountaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
Do you get tired holding your camera and lens in use or in a ready-to-use position? Do you need assistance in holding your camera and lens steady? Do you shoot sports? Do you need a compact camera support? If you answered yes to any of these questions (and even if not), you may need a monopod. Which monopod becomes the next question. You probably have invested a lot in the camera and lens you will be mounting on top of the monopod, so quality-construction should be a requirement for your selection – you don’t want to risk having a monopod break. My initial monopod search resulted in a Gitzo G1588 Monopod (now discontinued) becoming part of my kit for many years. I liked it a lot, but when Gitzo introduced their 6x line of replacements, I upgraded to the Gitzo GM5540 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod. The Gitzo GM5540 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod is a really solid monopod. It provides a wide, firm-but-padded grip that gives you great control over even the largest lenses including the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens and the Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens. Build quality is very good overall. Narrower and lighter monopods such as the Gitzo GM3550 Monopod offer lower prices and higher working heights, but I prefer the greater control and stability of the Gitzo GM5540 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture.com
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Velbon Neo Carmagne 830 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
If you’re a pro basketball player looking for an eye-level tripod, this carbon-fiber model is a slam-dunk. Its three-segment, twist-lock legs extend to a 70-inch height on their own, and the tripod reaches a towering 79.7 inches with the sturdy geared center column all the way up. Yet the lowest of its three lockable leg angles allows it to get down to a 13.8-inch minimum height (head not included). The center column on this model isn’t reversible, but it has a built-in mounting screw on the bottom for attaching a head or the supplied weight hook. Also included in the package are a nylon bag for weight stabilization and tools for tightening up the head platform or adjusting the shoulder tension. Designed to support up to 30 pounds, this tripod weighs 6.7 pounds and measures 32 inches when folded up. Its legs have foam padding around their top segments for comfortable carrying over a shoulder, as well as retractable spikes in its rubber feet. The hand crank for the center column is nicely designed, folding in easily when not in use so that it doesn’t protrude when the tripod is closed. About $600. READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Gitzo GT2530 Mountaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
Since Gitzo increased the weight ratings of their carbon fiber tripods with the new 6X Series, I wanted to find out if a 2-Series 6X model could do the same job my old Gitzo G1327 did for me. Of the available models, I selected the Gitzo GT2530 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod (though gave serious thought to the leveling column model). The Gitzo GT2530 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod benefits from the new features discussed in the Gitzo GT3530LSV Tripod review including Anti-Rotation Leg (ALR) System, G-Lock design, 1.2mm Gitzo 6X carbon fiber tube, removable leg tips … I won’t bore you with the repeated description of these benefits – the GT2530’s functionality is very similar. Like all Gitzo carbon fiber tripods, construction and feature qualities are top of the line. Weighing only 3.1 lb (1.4 kg), the GT2530 measures 25.6″ (65 cm) folded, a nice 54.3″ (138 cm) extended w/o the rapid column and a high 63.4″ (161 cm) with the rapid column fully extended. The GT2530 is rated to hold 26.4 lbs (12 kg). Actually, I can hang from the fully extended GT2530 – I weigh 170 lbs (77 kg). This is a very solid tripod – I’m impressed. My personal conclusion is this: If the largest lens you need to tripod mount is the size of a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, the Gitzo GT2530 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod is a great choice. For anything at or beyond the size of Canon 300mm f/2.8 lens, I strongly suggest moving up to at least the Gitzo GT3530LSV or the Gitzo GT3530S – or possibly the GT3530 rapid column version. I used lenses as heavy as the Canon 600mm f/4 IS lens on the GT2530, but vibrations are quite noticeable unless good long lens technique and IS are used. The GT2530 will work in this situation, but the 3-Series is a better option. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture.com
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Gitzo GT2530 6X Carbon Fiber 2 Series 3 Section G-Lock Mountaineer Tripod
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Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
The Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod is a great value monopod. ? ?For a very low cost, you get a well-constructed four-section monopod with a heavy weight rating. The “B” is for black. The Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod reminds me of a leg from the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021B Pro Tripod. Fully round aluminum construction with flip-locks. ? ?Fully extended (60″), the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod is tall enough for me (6′), but there is not a lot of room to spare. When resting the monopod on the ground at the same height I am standing on, the height was adequate. If I were standing on a step above the monopod, I would need to crouch down a bit to use the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod. The Bogen 349 (Manfrotto 3449) Carbon-One Monopod and the Gitzo G1588 Mountaineer Mk2 Carbon Fiber Monopod both extended longer. Although I prefer flip-locks on my tripod, I prefer twist locks on my monopod. Flip-locks are (basically) either locked or unlocked. I like to extend all but one section and snug the last one to a length a bit longer than I expect to need. I then push the last section down to the height I want and finish the tightening. The flip-locks on the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod require a very firm squeeze to close – and the resulting noise is noticeable. But they hold tight. Although probably not a big deal for most, the foot on the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod is less grippy than the foot on the Bogen 349 (Manfrotto 3449) Carbon-One Monopod and the Gitzo G1588 Mountaineer Mk2 Carbon Fiber Monopod. If you have a slippery/smooth surface to work on, this might be important to you. A rotating and adjustable handstrap is provided on the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod. Mount a Wimberley Quick Release Plate and possibly a Bogen 3232 Swivel Tilt Monopod Head the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod for an excellent setup. Again, the Bogen 680B (Manfrotto 3249B) Monopod is a great value monopod with a heavy weight rating. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture
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Manfrotto 680B Monopod (4-SCTN) – Replaces 680 (Black)
Gitzo GT3530LSV Moutaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
The Gitzo GT3530LSV 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod delivers the quality, features and performance that professionals and serious amateurs require from their camera support. I’ve been using a Gitzo G1327 Carbon Fiber Tripod for many years and have grown to appreciate it a great deal – It has been one of the most important pieces of equipment I own. Gitzo has refreshed their carbon fiber tripod line with the 6X Series. The best photographers in the world have relied on Gitzo carbon fiber tripods for their careers – for many years. The new 6X line improves on an already great product. Those using the prior Gitzo Carbon Fiber models will have to look carefully for a feature they really need/want to decide if an upgrade makes financial sense as the differences are not huge. I think the Gitzo GT3530LSV 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod is a great tripod. It functions exceptionally well and is built to hold up for the long haul. And Gitzo is betting on this point – by giving us a limited lifetime warranty. READ FULL REVIEW At DigitalPicture.com
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Gitzo GM3550 Mountaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
The Gitzo GM3550 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod shares most of the GM5540’s great features including G-Locks, 6X Carbon Fiber Legs and great construction quality. Still, the differences are many. While they are similarly-sized retracted (the GM3550 is 21.3″, 54 cm), the GM3550 has one additional leg section (5 total) that allows it to extend much higher than the GM5540 – to a very-high 75.6″ (192 cm). Unless you are really tall, this height would require steps, a ladder or another photographer height assistance tool to reach (remember – the camera and lens have a height of their own above the monopod height). However, extending the narrowest (bottom) leg section to get this height results in more wiggle at the bottom leg lock than I prefer. With this section closed and locked, this is a very solid monopod. It handles the Canon EF 400mm f/2.8 L IS USM Lens and the Canon EF 600mm f/4 L IS USM Lens with ease. The Gitzo GM3550 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod is rated to hold 36.9 lbs (18 kg) – significantly more than the larger-diameter Gitzo G1588 was rated. The lower weight rating compared to the GM5540 is likely the result of a smaller-diameter leg design. You won’t notice much difference in stability, but you may or may not like the thinner grip section. My personal preference is for the thicker grip – I can control the camera and lens slightly better with it. People with smaller hands (mine are medium-sized) will be better able to control the GM3550. The Gitzo GM3550 6x Carbon Fiber Monopod is about 20% less expensive. It has a smaller top plate. At 1.4 lbs (600 g), it is lighter (compared to 1.9 lbs / 0.9 kg). I could be very satisfied to use this monopod for all of my needs. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture.com
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Gitzo GM3550 6X Carbon Fiber 5 Section G-Lock Monopod
Gitzo GT5540LS Mountaineer 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
Yes, there are some penalties to pay for getting the ultimate tripod base for your big gear. The first penalty you will encounter is the price – This is not a cheap tripod. The next penalty you will suffer is in regard to the GT5540LS’s size and weight. Even though it is made of Gitzo’s 6x carbon fiber, it still weighs 6.5 lb (2.96 kg). A reasonably small folded length of 23.6″ (60 cm) does not tell the entire story – it is much larger in diameter than the GT3530LSV. Prior to getting the Gitzo GT5540LS 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod, the Gitzo G1548 Carbon Fiber Tripod (above right) was my large lens tripod of choice. The GT5540LS’s G-Locks are the biggest improvement over this tripod. They are much nicer to use. The GM5540LS weighs 6 lb 4.8 oz (2.85 kg) – 5.2 oz (.14 kg) less than the GT1548. This difference is not huge, but nice. ? ?Had the Gitzo GT5540LS 6x Carbon Fiber Tripod not come along, I would have been perfectly content to continue using the GT1548. But now, having used the GM5540LS, I would have a harder time being content with the old pod. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture.com
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Gitzo GT5541LS Series 5 Long 6X Carbon Fiber 4-Section Systematic Tripod with G-Lcok – Replaces GT5540LS
Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
For many years, the Arca-Swiss B1 Ballhead was the standard by which all other ballheads were judged. The Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead replaces this model and delivers the same performance in a smaller size and at a lower price. There is not much to dislike about this change. Although strong, the Z1 is still precise and smooth. The main friction control remains easy to turn well past the point of the ball being locked tight (for any use I have at least) and is indexed for visual confirmation and repeatability. When making adjustments, the transition from free to locked is very smooth – small, precise changes can easily be made up to the point of locking. The main friction control knob has a small amount of play in it but only if you firmly pull out on it – I don’t notice this in normal use as I have no reason to pull out on it. Unique to the Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead is the aspherical ball. As the load on the head is moved away from center, the effects of gravity increase. To offset the higher gravitational effect, more ball tension is needed. Conventional ballheads require correcting tension control adjustments to be made. The Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead, because of its elliptical ball, automatically adjusts to handle the off-center load. In other words, the tension automatically gets tighter as you move the load off-center. And it works as advertised. Very nice. Overall, Fit, finish and functionality of the Z1 are exceptional. The Arca-Swiss Monoball Z1 Ballhead is currently my primary ballhead. This is a smooth, refined and solid camera/lens support. READ FULL REVIEW AT DigitalPicture.com
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: ARCA-SWISS Monoball Z1 SP Single Pan with Classic Quick Set Device , Supports 122 lbs.
Induro Alloyflex 6M AX214 Tripod Review Round-Up
Posted on April 3rd, 2009 by Photocrati Staff | No Comments
Flexibility is this 5-pound aluminum alloy tripod’s strong suit. Its reversible center column can be removed and reinserted horizontally. Two smoothly operating keys loosen the top portion of the platform that holds the center column in place and let it flip up 90 degrees. When the column is mounted horizontally, it can swivel 360 degrees and tilt up and down, then be locked in place. With the legs at their widest angle, the horizontal column lets you bring the camera as close to the ground as you like. Switching the center column between vertical and horizontal is quick and easy. The column also has a built-in weight hook at the bottom, and on top of the legs there are both a fluid level and a little compass.??The AX214’s four-section twist-lock legs can be locked at three angles and can bring the tripod to a maximum height of 58 inches, or nearly six feet with the center column all the way up. One of the legs is padded, to make it more comfortable to handle in the cold and easy to carry over a shoulder. The tripod comes with a carrying strap that attaches to a built-in hook, as well as a nice padded bag. You can also hook the little tool case that comes with this pod onto the hook. It contains a wrench and a hex key for adjusting the leg tension and tightening up the mounting plate, as well as spiked metal feet that are interchangeable with the tripod’s rubber ones. The AX214 is built to support up to 17.6 pounds of gear, but it folds up to a compact 22 inches for carrying. About $190. READ FULL REVIEW AT PopPhoto
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Get information and user reviews for this tripod from Amazon: Induro Alloyflex 6M Tripod AX-214
