studio460

<p>I used to sling my standard-sized Manfrotto carbon-fiber tripod over one shoulder with an Op-Tech strap. Not really the most elegant solution. Now, I just replaced my heavy Manfrotto/pistol grip tripod with a much lighter, 2.5-lb. tripod, and a 1.1-lb. ball-head. I mentioned in another thread that I was thinking to sew two Velcro straps to the back of a Nylon pistol belt, so that the tripod could stow horizontally in the small of my back. For the new, lighter-weight tripod I just bought, my horizontal clearance will be the sum of a 22.2" tripod with a 3.9"-tall ball-head attached.</p> <p>Here's what I just bought:</p> <p>Oben BA-2 single-lever ball-head; 1.1 lbs.<br />Oben CC-2300 three-section, flip-lock, carbon-fiber tripod; 2.5 lbs.</p> <p>Though the Oben legs feels sturdy (even fully extended), the Oben tripod above is only rated at an 11-lb. capacity. However, since the Oben BA-2 head I chose has a 26-lb. capacity, I was thinking of also ordering a similar capacity carbon-fiber tripod such as this 5.5 lb. Vanguard below, for use when shooting extended time-exposures:<br /> <br /> http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/896056-REG/vanguard_abeo_plus_323ct_tripod.html<br /> <br /> This tripod is quite a bit longer than the Oben, with a stowed length of nearly 26.5". Has anyone had any clever ideas on how to carry full-sized tripods when hiking? I'll be carrying a Nikon D800E with an AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4.0 VR lens on a binocular harness, and a lightweight backpack (it's a Camelbak hydration pack--so, no tripod straps). It's fairly uneven terrian, so I'll also be using a Leki walking stick. Thanks for any replies!</p>

<p>I may soon be starting to work with an established wedding photographer as a second-shooter. Conversely, I was also asking other photographers I know today (I commonly work events where dozens of other photographers are also present) about hiring them as second-shooters when I eventually get to do my first wedding as a primary. What are common rates for second-shooters and assistants (for weddings) for a major market (e.g., Los Angeles)? I was thinking $600-$800 for a second, but I have no idea what to pay an assistant.</p>

<p>In April of 2012, Elinchrom announced the availability of new third-party speedrings to fit their highly regarded line of Rotalux modifiers to owners of non-Elinchrom gear. In November of the same year, Profoto announced their new RFi line of softboxes, along with their new line of third-party speedrings as well. Incredibly good news for owners of other brands of flash heads who've for years may have wanted either Elinchrom or Profoto modifiers for their other-branded flash heads. Since I now have a choice of two of the best-branded modifiers on the market, I thought I'd make a quick comparison. Here's my quick take on Elinchrom vs. Profoto.</p> <p>Elinchrom Rotalux:<br /> + Excellent "umbrella-like" design for super-fast set-up and tear-down.<br /> + Unique flat-storage bag enables storing an un-tensioned modifier without disassembly.<br /> + Easy-in, 90-degree turning speedring receiver.<br /> + Availability of renowned Deep Octas to owners of non-Elinchrom strobes.<br /> + Deep-recessed diffusers for greater feathering ability.<br /> - Fabric eggcrates [softgrids] available only from Lighttools--large grids are very expensive (e.g., grid for 69" octa is $659).<br /> - Extra-large strips, squares, rectangles, and octas are very expensive ($967-$1,038).</p> <p>Profoto RFi:<br /> + Price-competitive with third-party brands.<br /> + Available line of softgrids for each RFi product--most, reasonably priced.<br /> + Available line of masks.<br /> + Wide selection of rectangular, square, octa, and strip light boxes.<br /> + Color-coded pins.<br /> - Few improvements over previous versions.<br /> - No innovative umbrella, or quick-release design allowing for easier set-up.<br /> - Color-coded pins not a huge "feature."</p> <p>For location use, I think the Elinchrom products are the clear winner. The innovative umbrella design and un-tensioned storage bags make set-up and break-down faster than any of their comptitors' products (save for the similar-folding, Paul C. Buff modifiers). However, for those wanting fabric eggcrates for each of their softboxes, Profoto makes one for each RFi product, many of which are reasonably priced.</p>

<p><strong>Dynalite XP1100 AC Inverter + Jackrabbit II + Quantum Turbo SLA replacement battery pack OEM-equivalents:</strong><br /> <br /> I had previously posted this information in the "Dynalite XP1100 AC Inverter Replacement?" thread I started a few weeks ago. Rather than have it buried under a somewhat off-topic thread, I thought I'd make this information easier to search for under its own thread:<br /> <br /> Dynalite Jackrabbit II = custom-built, Ni-Cad AA-pack by Batteries Plus: $50.<br />Quantum Turbo (original, SLA-versions only) = Power-Sonic PS-832: $20 (various resellers).<br />Dynalite XP1100 = Enersys Odyssey PC680: $105-117 (various resellers).<br /> <br /> Original thread:<br /> <br /> http://www.photo.net/photography-lighting-equipment-techniques-forum/00b895</p>