PentaxForums.com - Field Accessories http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ Talk about bags, cases, tripods, and monopods in this forum. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:48:14 GMT vBulletin 30 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/images/pentaxforums/misc/rss.jpg PentaxForums.com - Field Accessories http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/ Help! My head doesnt fit my legs! http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80812-help-my-head-doesnt-fit-my-legs.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:47:13 GMT Alright so maybe I should've done a little more research before buying. I just bought a Slik Pro 340DX and a Manfrotto 486rc2. I had read about other people using this combination so I just assumed the head would fit on the legs. Turns out that the legs have a 1/4" head mount thread size and the head has a 3/8" thread size. What do I need to get in order for this combination to work? Is there like an adapter or something?

actually yeah, I know there's bushings to change the thread size. Will anything from a hardware store work? ]]> Field Accessories kthung http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80812-help-my-head-doesnt-fit-my-legs.html Domke F-2? What will it fit? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80755-domke-f-2-what-will-fit.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:49:13 GMT Hi If you have the Domke F-2, what amount of gear will it comfortable fit? Kind regards Thomas Hi

If you have the Domke F-2, what amount of gear will it comfortable fit?



Kind regards

Thomas ]]> Field Accessories boesgaard http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80755-domke-f-2-what-will-fit.html Pentax SLR Holster question http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80575-pentax-slr-holster-question.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:57:18 GMT Can someone who owns the Pentax holster PTX 85100 tell me about the rear of the bag? I assume it has a loop to pass a belt through. Is the loop sewn down top and bottom, or does it have snaps so I can attach... Can someone who owns the Pentax holster PTX 85100 tell me about the rear of the bag? I assume it has a loop to pass a belt through. Is the loop sewn down top and bottom, or does it have snaps so I can attach it to my belt without unbuckling? Thanks in advance.

BobG ]]> Field Accessories BobG http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80575-pentax-slr-holster-question.html Tripod Question http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80532-tripod-question.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:22:44 GMT Ive got a Proline Dolica tripod it doesnt have any manual when i received it. Just wanna ask 1. whats the purpose of the hook 2. the one connected to the hook which you can pull up, does it have some lock... Ive got a Proline Dolica tripod it doesnt have any manual when i received it.
Just wanna ask
1. whats the purpose of the hook
2. the one connected to the hook which you can pull up, does it have some lock to hold it steady?
3. whats the purpose of this
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]]> Field Accessories rustynail925 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80532-tripod-question.html Tripod for K20? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80458-tripod-k20.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:56:43 GMT Hi,

I know there have been a lot of tripod discussion on this & other forums. I need a good tripod to mount my K20 on. The biggest lens I have at the moment is a Vivitar Series 1 70-210. I also have a Vivitar 285HV flash. I am 5'9" tall.

I will be using this tripod outdoors a lot. I would like to be able to point it straight down at the ground. I would also like to be able to shoot very low to the ground with it. I would be willing to use an aluminum tripod if it cuts the cost considerably. I would like to keep the price to around $300 for the tripod, head, & plate. Am I asking the impossible? I have read great things about Gitzo & Manfrotto from various people. The problem is that there are too many of these to choose from. I am nowhere near a good camera store so I'm trying to narrow the field a little before I have to drive a couple of hours to see one of these in person.

I would really appreciate any thoughts and opinions of specific setups you are using.

Thanks!

George ]]> Field Accessories gsrokmix http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80458-tripod-k20.html Gitzo GT3541XLS: first impressions of a 3 series carbon fiber tripod http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80342-gitzo-gt3541xls-first-impressions-3-series-carbon-fiber-tripod.html Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:51:06 GMT Hi Everyone, Back in 2008 I had used a Giottos MT9360 with a Sigma 500/4.5 + Arca-Swiss Z1 Monoball for the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition... Hi Everyone,

Back in 2008 I had used a Giottos MT9360 with a Sigma 500/4.5 + Arca-Swiss Z1 Monoball for the VLF Wildlife Photo Competition with few issues. Not the best setup, but it certainly worked. No tripod upgrade was really needed until the recent purchase of the FA* 250-600/5.6 super telephoto. Now I must consider total weight when mounting the following equipment on a tripod:

FA* 250-600/5.6: ~13lbs (with tripod collar)
Wimberley WH-200 gimbal head: 3lbs
Camera + grip + 2 batteries: 2.5lbs
Flash + bracket + extender: 1-2lbs

This means the total weight is hovering around 20lbs! The only exception is to consider using my Arca-Swiss Z1 monoball while shooting in a blind, since no panning ability is really needed. Normally your tripod should have a max. load of double the equipment weight to minimize vibration. I took in a lot of input from fellow nature photographers who use lenses ranging anywhere from 500/4, 600/4, 800/5.6 and Sigma 300-800/5.6 lenses (all Canon/Nikon shooters). That's a big reason why many nature photographers use Gitzo tripods for those heavy super telephoto setups: minimal vibration yet much lighter CF materials. The consensus was the GT3541XLS or GT5541LS.

Just a few days ago I received my Gitzo GT3541XLS along with the GT5541LS. I decided that the 5541LS was a bit too big: a massive top plate/legs, 6.5lbs! For traveling as light as possible, so the 3541XLS is here to stay.


Since I am 6' 3" tall, the following are my requirements that I had for my new tripod purchase:
  • max. load capacity of ~40lbs or more
  • at least 60" tall without a center column if using a gimbal head
  • light weight for travel (~5-6lbs or less)
The gimbal head + lens tripod foot will add at least several inches to this max. height. There are more than a few folks my height using the 5541LS which is sufficient. Since I do a lot of landscape work, an even taller max. height was an important consideration, but I'd rather not buy a center column + plate after the fact. Gitzo is the only manufacturer that I know of that meets all of the above requirements. Many tripods went from 26 to 33lbs max. load, but that's it. That meant no aluminum tripods could be considered (too heavy) and most other competitors' offerings had to be discarded.

I decided to purchase from NatureScapes because they included a free NSN Gitzo safety plate worth $69.95, a discount of ~$20 for Leg Coat tripod leg covers and free shipping! A nice extra value that came with the tripod. I received a Gitzo box with tripod, tripod dust bag, a small zip lock bag with pamphlet, instructions, warranty card, star hex and standard allen key wrenches & lubricant. Received everything with the accessories listed above in a very well packaged box.

The Gitzo GT3541XLS is a beautiful, simple, strong, yet lightweight CF (Carbon Fiber) tripod with no center column. Here are the specifications:
  • Load Capacity: 39.7 lbs (18kg)
  • Maximum Height: 78" (198cm)
  • Minimum Height: 3.9" (10cm)
  • Folded Length: 27.6" (70cm)
  • Weight: 4.3 lbs (1.970kg)
The Head Attachment Fitting is 3/8"

Pros:
  1. Max. load
  2. Max. height
  3. Very light weight
  4. Min. Height
  5. G locks are fast, simple and strong - simple 1/4 twist to loosen and lock them. Very nice twist locks and grippy rubber covers them!
  6. Incredibly stiff given the tube diameter - only the 5541LS is stiffer (but much larger).
  7. Field serviceable and readily available assembly diagrams
  8. Warranty: 5 additional years with Gitzo if you register with them online.
  9. Limited Lifetime Warranty if you register online with Bogen Imaging USA. That was a complete surprise - to my knowledge, it's unheard of with any other manufacturer's tripod offerings! If Bogen Imaging cannot repair it, the tripod will be replaced.

Cons:
  1. Price is not cheap for CF (vs. competitors).
  2. No padded carry bag - just a thin dust bag.
  3. Folded length is not as compact as shorter or 3 section tripods, but still quite workable.
  4. An expensive tripod - putting it in checked luggage should make anyone nervous!

Items received - the NSN Safety Plate, Gitzo GT3541XLS, Leg Coats:


The following 2 images are close to actual size:



Top plate details:


Length of Gitzo vs. Giottos when folded:


Maximum height:


Safety Plate:


Regarding the NSN Gitzo Safety Plate and it's development:

The combination of a telephoto lens, teleconverter, camera, flash, and tripod head is very heavy. When carrying a tripod over the shoulder, this weight puts additional stress on the tripod plate. After numerous discussions and requests by photographers, we have responded by developing a product that provides additional support to the Gitzo top plate, while offering “peace of mind.” The plate is a perfect fit, positioned snugly below the existing Gitzo plate, inside the “basin.” Once installed, the Gitzo plate can not move or loosen, therefore preventing the head & photo equipment from falling.

Given the value of the equipment I'm slinging over my shoulder while mounted on the tripod, that's a small fee to pay for such a safety plate if you had to buy it. As you can see, those bolts are very stout! You can find a hardware review of the NSN Safety Plate at NatureScapes.
I have always advocated economical tripods such as the Giottos tripod I own (and will continue to do so), but the new weight of the FA* 250-600/5.6 mandated a new support system that met all of my criteria. I'm very pleased with the build quality, fit/finish and lifetime warranty of this tripod. Some folks might disagree with the cost, etc. and there were few choices available!

A very important consideration: the max. height also allows me to stand up while even positioned on a surface with a significant slope or photographing upwards into trees. This means a taller person will not put undue stress on their back: a shorter tripod height or one that allows you to see at eye level on flat ground will force you to stoop to see into the viewfinder on a sloped surface, etc.

Now my last consideration is the hiking/carrying system: probably Kinesis or Lowepro but I haven't really researched all of the options yet. Being airline friendly is always a consideration, so any input/thoughts are welcome!

Regards,
Marc ]]> Field Accessories Marc Langille http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80342-gitzo-gt3541xls-first-impressions-3-series-carbon-fiber-tripod.html Recommended bag for K-x http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80189-recommended-bag-k-x.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:17:47 GMT Hello, I was looking for some suggestions on a good camera bag for my soon to arrive K-x with 2 lens kit. I am thinking either a backpack or sling type. Are sling types as comfortable as the backpacks? ... Hello,

I was looking for some suggestions on a good camera bag for my soon to arrive K-x with 2 lens kit.

I am thinking either a backpack or sling type. Are sling types as comfortable as the backpacks?

Any help would be appreciated as I am new to all of this.

Thanks.
Bill M. ]]> Field Accessories DSLRnoob http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/80189-recommended-bag-k-x.html budget conscious tripod monopod http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79921-budget-conscious-tripod-monopod.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:54:58 GMT as i get buy.com emailings... i saw this, and for 29.99 delivered....
thought i'd buy it and give it a whirl...... i'll update when received and used...

ToCAD Versipod II Monopod/Tripod with MagMount Ballhead Quick Release - vpod2-mag-b - Buy.com ]]> Field Accessories dcmsox2004 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79921-budget-conscious-tripod-monopod.html Need Help With Pano Heads!! http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79716-need-help-pano-heads.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:11:43 GMT I am going to be picking up some work for a 360 vr tour company and I need a pano head. Not sure about camera weight rating. I am looking at these: Nodal Ninja Panoramic Tripod Heads, QTVR Pano Heads,... I am going to be picking up some work for a 360 vr tour company and I need a pano head. Not sure about camera weight rating. I am looking at these:
Nodal Ninja Panoramic Tripod Heads, QTVR Pano Heads, Rotators, Levelers, Amateur and Professional Photographic accessories
Anyone out there have experience with these types of heads? Any suggestions? Any cost effective suggestions? These gigs don't pay a ton of money (but I am hoping to get a lot of them). Would like to be able to recoup costs whithin a reasonable amount of time.....
Thanks! ]]> Field Accessories Ari http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79716-need-help-pano-heads.html Focusing Aid http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79625-focusing-aid.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 07:10:58 GMT I stayed with AF on My pentax K100D most of the time but now I am forcing myself to learn accurate MF, that is to keeping in mind the LBA of great MF lenses of old era. The problem I am facing is in many... I stayed with AF on My pentax K100D most of the time but now I am forcing myself to learn accurate MF, that is to keeping in mind the LBA of great MF lenses of old era.
The problem I am facing is in many cases MF is not very accurate and that is due to user error-specially in low light/low contrast situations I am not able to MF very accurately-the scene on PC looks soft but on LCD they look OK while taking the shots.

So I am considering a good focusing aid for my Pentad K100D. I read few things about Katz eye but heard it affects the accuracy of metering while Pentax themselves are offering matte and crosswire type focusing aids Li-60 and Li80, I guess LI-60 is compatible with K100D which is not available on pentax online store though. I also saw a 1.2x magnifier sold by pentax which fits all pentax dslrs.

Now I want opinion from forum members on this matter. What will be the best solution for me to have focusing aid? Katz eye?, LI-60 screen or just 1.2x magnifier eyecup?

Does Katz eye worth the cost? They are about 100$, I'm not sure about used ones though.

Atindra ]]> Field Accessories Atindra http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79625-focusing-aid.html Lowepro slingshot 100AW for beginner? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79612-lowepro-slingshot-100aw-beginner.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:51:12 GMT Hi,

I just got myself a new pentax camera and lens. I,m nowlooking for a bag, and the 100AW looks small and functionnal, which is good since as a beginner I don't have that much stuff...But is it to small? And or is the 200AW too big? And are there other comfortable bags out ther for beginners ? (Usage of the bag : vacation : beach, forests, family outings ; Family parties, everyday family pictures AND architecture worc in the city, suburbs, for all types of buildins and jobs : indutrial, food industry, commertial, residential etc, indoor and outdoor, roof inspections, summer and winter etc...You must be getting the picture by now...:lol: ]]> Field Accessories mba1971 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79612-lowepro-slingshot-100aw-beginner.html Do they make this kind of case for Pentax DSLRs? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79555-do-they-make-kind-case-pentax-dslrs.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:20:09 GMT I am about to get my first DSLR and am looking for a case which I believe is termed a slim case. I have this type of case on my old Minolta SRT 101 and absolutely love it. The attached images show what I am... I am about to get my first DSLR and am looking for a case which I believe is termed a slim case. I have this type of case on my old Minolta SRT 101 and absolutely love it. The attached images show what I am talking.

The DSLR I am getting is the new Pentax K-x and will initially be paired with a FA 35mm F/2, so the case wouldn't need to be overly long for carrying around purposes. I realize the K-x (or DSLRs in general) is kind of a weird shape (with the right hand grip) and the large LCD on the rear with many buttons on the back too. So is there anything similar to my case I have for my old SLR that I can get for my new camera? People on this forum seem to know everything so I hope someone can help me out. Thanks.
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]]> Field Accessories neely615 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79555-do-they-make-kind-case-pentax-dslrs.html Opinions on these tripods? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79046-opinions-these-tripods.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:26:31 GMT I thought I will just start another thread, now that the Slik sprint pro tripod is no longer feasible for my needs. I will need a tripod that can take 1.1kg or so. Budget is A$250 or so. Could some kind... I thought I will just start another thread, now that the Slik sprint pro tripod is no longer feasible for my needs. I will need a tripod that can take 1.1kg or so. Budget is A$250 or so.

Could some kind souls please give some opinions on the following tripods?

Manfrotto 7322SHYB with ball head (2kg load capacity)
Manfrotto 7322SHYB M-Y Tripod with Ball Head - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia
A$179

Manfrotto 7321YB with 3 way head (2.5kg load capacity)
Manfrotto 7321YB M-Y Tripod with 3-way Head QR - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia
A$205

Manfrotto 7303YB with ball head (3.5kg load capacity)
Manfrotto 7303YB M-Y Tripod with Ball Head QR - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia
A$245 ]]> Field Accessories raider http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79046-opinions-these-tripods.html Tripod Leg Sticks, Help Please http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79038-tripod-leg-sticks-help-please.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:48:39 GMT Hello, My Velbon Sherpa 250R/F tripod has one leg that will slowly get tight in two of the three sections over a few weeks. The bottom section yesterday became completely stuck in and the next section was... Hello,

My Velbon Sherpa 250R/F tripod has one leg that will slowly get tight in two of the three sections over a few weeks.
The bottom section yesterday became completely stuck in and the next section was getting tighter.
After continually trying to pull it out last night, this morning and this afternoon it finally came free and now inexplicably, but happily, both sections move freely.
Should I do anything to prevent this happening again ?

Thanks,
Rodney ]]> Field Accessories Rodney9 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/79038-tripod-leg-sticks-help-please.html Pentax Spot Meter III http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78926-pentax-spot-meter-iii.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:09:10 GMT I've got the opportunity to pick up an old Pentax Spot Meter III for what seems like a bargain. Less than $50.

Has anyone had any experience with these?

Is it a Bargain?

Is there anything I should look for when I inspect it? (If I do?)

Thanks ]]> Field Accessories lats http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78926-pentax-spot-meter-iii.html PEntax DSLR Crossover Bag $12.57 @Amazon http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78628-pentax-dslr-crossover-bag-12-57-amazon.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:41:53 GMT Amazon has the Pentax DSLR Crossover bag for $12.57. This seems like a good deal, and I hope this is not a repost.

Amazon.com: Pentax DSLR Crossover Bag: Camera & Photo ]]> Field Accessories apisto http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78628-pentax-dslr-crossover-bag-12-57-amazon.html Opinions of aftermarket neck strap http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78457-opinions-aftermarket-neck-strap.html Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:01:19 GMT Hi. I managed to find the following neck straps on ebay. The neoprene one Neoprene Neck Strap for Pentax K20D K10D K200D K100D KM - eBay (item 370214984021 end time Nov-10-09 05:24:49 PST)... Hi.

I managed to find the following neck straps on ebay.

The neoprene one
Neoprene Neck Strap for Pentax K20D K10D K200D K100D KM - eBay (item 370214984021 end time Nov-10-09 05:24:49 PST)

The matin one
MATIN Non Slip Neck Shoulder Strap for Pentax Camera - eBay (item 320442830425 end time Nov-30-09 06:43:40 PST)

Another neoprene one
Neoprene Neck Strap for PENTAX K10D K100D K2000 K200D - eBay (item 250519709017 end time Nov-24-09 06:41:48 PST)

Any one bought any of these straps? I am trying to figure out which is the better one. Need to get 2 - one for me and one for wifey :) ]]> Field Accessories raider http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78457-opinions-aftermarket-neck-strap.html Opinions on Slik Sprint Pro II with 3 way head and a k100D and sigma 105 macro? http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78419-opinions-slik-sprint-pro-ii-3-way-head-k100d-sigma-105-macro.html Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:24:38 GMT Hi I am looking to get the Slik sprint pro II with a 704E 3-way head for my wife. Slik Sprint Pro 3-Way II Tripod - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia... Hi

I am looking to get the Slik sprint pro II with a 704E 3-way head for my wife.
Slik Sprint Pro 3-Way II Tripod - Digital Camera Warehouse Australia

I have also given my k100D to her and we will add a sigma 105 macro to our lens group very soon.

As she likes to take macro photos, the total weight of the k100D + sigma 105 combo is 660g (k100d) + 460g (sigma 105) = 1120g. The slik sprint pro II can handle up to 2kg.

Just want to know some user's feedback on using this tripod? A while ago one of the forumer did a review on this tripod but there hasn't been much discussion on this tripod ever since. Keen to know more feedbacks and if I should consider other alternatives. ]]> Field Accessories raider http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78419-opinions-slik-sprint-pro-ii-3-way-head-k100d-sigma-105-macro.html <![CDATA[Yet another 'Shooting Stick' to consider.]]> http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78149-yet-another-shooting-stick-consider.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:16:17 GMT Cashed in a gift certificate on one of these...

BOGgear | RLD-1 BOG-POD Monopod Shooting Stick | RLD-1 | B&H

Works great with my K-7 and DA*300mm.

Cheers... ]]> Field Accessories Michaelina2 http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/78149-yet-another-shooting-stick-consider.html Very good deal on Velbon 540 carbon fiber tripod http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/77829-very-good-deal-velbon-540-carbon-fiber-tripod.html Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:01:05 GMT Just to let anyone interested know, Buy.com has the Velbon EL Carmagne 540 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a 3-way head on sale for $130 with free shipping... Just to let anyone interested know, Buy.com has the Velbon EL Carmagne 540 Carbon Fiber Tripod with a 3-way head on sale for $130 with free shipping. It's a really good tripod, and pretty much half price.

Note that the maximum load is listed as 25 lbs on Buy.com and Amazon, but it's only about 9 lbs according to B&H. ]]> Field Accessories slomojoe http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/field-accessories/77829-very-good-deal-velbon-540-carbon-fiber-tripod.html