Topics

1

Software & Accessories / Manfrotto Monopod

« on: May 08, 2012, 01:46:47 PM »

As the title says, im looking to get my 1st monopod to add up my current accessories. The monopod im interested is the Manfrotto Carbon Fibre 4-Section Monopod #694CX and couple with Manfrotto Monopod Quick Release Head #234RC. Main usage for hiking and night photography.

The monopod and quick release head have a weight load capacity of 5kg and 2.5kg respectively. While my current DSLR with 70-200 lens is already 2.6kg and if i add external flash it roughly become 3.2kg. All these will over-load the weight capacity on the #234RC Quick Release Head.

Is this okay? Should i avoid my selected Monopod configuration? Will the Quick Release Head strong enough to withstand heavier than the stated maximum weight of 2.5kg?

Any alternative Monopod or/and quick release head? Prefer to stick to Manfrotto brand because i can easily switch my gear between monopod and tripod as they share the same release quick-system RC2. Really like carbon fibre as it is very light. Anyone have use the same Monopod configuration like mine? I can spend up to a limit of £110-130 only.

FYI: i already have Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 tripod and #498RC2 ball head but i don''t want to take off/on the ball head every time i want to use either the tripod or monopod. I cannot justify the price for getting another ball head dedicated for the monopod like the #496RC2. Any help?

Current Gear:-

Canon 1000D + kit
Canon 70-200mm L 2.8 IS II
Canon 580ExII

Really appreciate for any help and info. Thanks in advance!

2

Software & Accessories / Good L-Bracket?

« on: March 16, 2012, 02:55:23 AM »

As the tittle says, anyone can recommend me any good quality and affordable L-Bracket?

Note: Gona use with my Manfrotto 055CxPro3 Tripod with 498RC2 Ball Head.

Oh...any ideas/comments/reviews about the Manfrotto 553 Right Angle Bracket ??

Thanks for Reading! 

3

Third Party Manufacturers / Thoughts on OCF gear, Gorillapod Focus GP8 and softbox.

« on: December 11, 2011, 11:08:08 PM »

Hello! This is my post, so for introduction i will talk a bit about my self and my gear.

I consider my self as an amateur in photography and some may say that photography is my expensive hobby. Im a student currently doing my degree in UK. I really like taking photos and try to improve every now and then. I have been reading this forum ever since the urge to buy the 70-200 2.8 II L last 2+ years and now consider my self as a regular reader of this great forum. This forum help me to understand more about photography and the contents is very valuable for a noob like me. Willing to learn new stuff provided i have enough time to spare.

My Gear:-

My 1st (and still my current) DSLR is Canon 1000d, started in sept 2008.
Canon 580ex2
Canon batt grip BG-E5 (March 2009)
Canon EF 70-200 2.8 II L (July 2010)
Canon RS-60E3
Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 + 498RC2 Ball Head (Nov 2011)
Plenty of Rechargeable Batt
Lowepro Bags
High End Windows PC for gaming and photos post-processing (sometimes edit or crop my image)
and other accesories.

Now about my question dear readers:-

What do you think about the OCF33 from OCF gear (http://ocfgear.com/) Any experience with it? I cant justify the price of pocket wizard or ST-E2 as im doing for hobby and currently only have 1 flash. Im not gonna buy a 7d for its wireless flash features because my 1000d is still suffient for my need. The Canon brand cord is kinda short for outdoor off-flash photography.


Gorillapod Focus GP8! Is it really that good?  Any complains? is it really portable to bring during vacation? Im thinking to buy it with out the ball head for now. Really need help about this one. Im going for euro trip this end of december and just can't bring my manfrotto with me. Will buy in the next few days so any help/advice about this gorillapod is really appreciated.


Can someone recommend me a good softbox that i can use with the 580ex2? Any differences between Branded softboxes versus cheap ebay softboxes? Any good guides using the soft box available online?

Thanks for reading and really appreciate for any advices and comments.