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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
04-08-2013, 11:05 AM
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Hey, thanks for the advice! Yes, the ability to access the flash easily was one of my main considerations (especially important since I'm just starting out).
Anyways, I opted for an Ezybox clone from a place called "studio-98", which should arrive in a week or so.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
04-04-2013, 11:34 AM
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Thanks for the suggestions. That umbrella softbox looks nice, but it doesn't look like you can attach a speedlight to it.
I'm looking for something that's portable, as I may use it on location. It's one reason why I like the Ezybox design.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
04-02-2013, 11:42 PM
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Thanks for the reply. I briefly considered an umbrella, but since I'm working in a small studio (aka, my living room), I'm concerned about light spillage, so a softbox seems like the best bet.
It looks like Cowboy Studio has a 24" Ezybox clone for 48 dollars, and one with a grid for 59. Does anyone own one of these? I'd be interested in whether these are any better than the ebay clones.
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Forum: Flashes, Lighting, and Studio
04-02-2013, 12:45 PM
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Hey all.
I'm looking to buy a softbox. I'm new to off-camera lighting. Right now, Henrys has the Westcott Apollo 28" softbox kit with stand on sale for $150. Okay, this isn't super cheap, but it's still fairly reasonably priced. I've also been looking at the Lastolite Ezybox, which is more than I'm willing to spend. Fortunately, there are a number of knock-offs on ebay for around 50 bucks (most shipping out from China/Hong Kong).
I was initailly leaning towards the Apollo, but I've read that it's difficult to tilt downward. Plus, I would have to open up the softbox everytime I need to change flash settings. The Ezybox clones, on the other hand, are really compact when collapsed, since it uses a wire frame design.
Anybody have any experience with the Ezybox clones? I'm wondering how they compare to the Apollos, which seem to be quite popular.
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-26-2009, 10:38 PM
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Just an update.
After a couple of you mentioned Induro, I took a good look at what they had to offer. I finally ended up getting the AlloyFlex 6M AX-113. This is a tripod with very similar specs as the Giottos I was considering, including the 180 degrees fully positionable centre column.
A few points I'd like to make:
- The Induro is very well built, about on par with the Manfrotto, as far as I could tell.
- It comes with a bag and strap. This isn't some cheap bag they just tossed in; It's very nicely made and well padded. I would gladly pay 30-40 dollars for a bag like this.
- It also has a hook at the base of the column to add a counterweight, which the Manfrotto lacks. This seems like it would be especially useful when using the column in the horizontal position to prevent the setup from falling over.
As for the weight issue, well that turned out to be not much of an issue after all. The Induro website lists the weight at 2kg, compared to 1.8kg for the Manfrotto. However, when I was comparing them at the store, I couldn't detect any significant difference. Later, when I came home, I noticed the box listed the weight at 1.82kg. Strange.
Some things I don't like about it:
- The legs seem to bind a little when I retract it. This only happens with the middle section of the leg, and only when it's been fully extended.
- The mounting point for the strap at the top of the tripod seems somewhat flimsy. I'm not sure it will hold up to rough use.
All in all, I'm quite satisfied with my purchase. Thanks for your help, guys.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-16-2009, 12:38 AM
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I think that clears it up. Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-16-2009, 12:17 AM
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Just to clarify, can I attach a separate head to the short column? Or would I have to use the built in 3 way head?
Yeah, this was what attracted me to the Giottos. Thanks again for your help.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-15-2009, 06:23 PM
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Thanks for the reply, Ed.
The 055XPROB is too heavy for my needs. Even the Giottos, at around 2kg, is pushing my limits.
I've looked at the 190XPROB at the store, and I'm pretty satisfied with it, at least with respect to sturdiness. It's the Giottos that's the question mark, since there wasn't any in the store to examine.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-15-2009, 04:28 PM
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Unfortunately, the local Henry's does not have the Giottos in stock. I would have to order it sight unseen.
None of the other local vendors carry this tripod. It seems Giottos products are not widely distributed in Canada.
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Forum: Pentax Camera and Field Accessories
01-15-2009, 04:01 PM
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I'm in the market for a tripod and ballhead setup for everyday use (mainly landscapes, night photography, and still lifes). I've pretty much settled for the Manfrotto 486RC2 ballhead. The tripod itself I'm less sure about.
I know there have been a number of threads discussing tripods, but none, as far as I know, directly comparing these two brands.
Anyhow, I've basically whittled my selection down to the following:
Manfrotto 190XproB
Giottos MTL9351b
I'm leaning slightly toward the Manfrotto, but the Giottos is really tempting me.
I have a few questions to those who have experience with these (or similar) models.
1. Weight: My principle concern with the Giottos is it's weight; it's about a half pound heavier than the Manfrotto. However, as I understand it, the Giottos allows me to either replace the centre column with a short column, or remove it all together (along with the head) and use the built in "3 way" head. How much weight can I expect to save with either of these arrangements?
2. How is the build quality of the Giottos. From my research, it seems some people have issues with Giottos tripods, in particular, the leg locking and column locking mechanisms. Is this something I should worry about?
3. Is the lateral arm function actually useful? I've heard a number of people say that it looks a lot more useful than it actually is. If it's essentially a gimmick, I'd be better off going with a lighter model Giottos such as the 9251, as it would eliminate the weight issue.
Any advice would be appreciated.
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-07-2008, 03:11 PM
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Thanks for the reply.
I set AF adjustment as far as it would go, and it still focuses slightly to the front.
I'll probably head to the camera shop to replace it. I just wanted to be certain it was the lens before heading in.
Wizzywig
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
08-07-2008, 02:17 PM
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I recently bought a K20d with a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8. After playing around with it for a few days, I noticed my images were coming out a bit soft.
My first suspicion was an issue with the focusing, so I ran a tests using the D70 focus chart. It is definitely front focusing.
The thing is, I don't know if it's the camera or the lens. I've noticed a number of people have had front focusing problems with the Tamron, so I'm inclined to conclude that it's the lens. However, since the Tamron's the only AF lens I have, I can't test it for consistency.
Is there any way I can find out for certain it's the lens?
Wizzywig
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