Review: Manfrotto 498 Ball Head

I have been using this ball head coupled with the Manfrotto 055XPROB Tripod and what a duo (I will be reviewing the tripod legs soon). The 498 Ball Head with the RC2 quick release plate is so versatile its amazing. You can set the drag knob so you can fine tune the position of the head exactly where you want it. The ball head moves into portrait orientation very quickly although an L bracket would be much more suited going from landscape to portrait orientation whit out have to recompose the shot. The ball head is very easy to use with only 3 knobs to worry with it has a single repositionable locking lever for 360° panoramic rotation, ±90° tilt movements, plus a friction control for precise positioning. I am very impressed with the operation of the ball head especially given its price. 

Picture of Manfrotto 498 Ball Head was taken by me personally. All rights reserved for my own personal use. 

Review: Fotodiox 48" Octagon Softbox with Soft Diffuser and Speedring Bracket

I recently purchased a 48" Octagon Softbox with Soft Diffuser and Speedring Bracket from Fotodiox on Amazon. My very first impression of the octobox is the same as the 70" octobox I reviewed earlier today. Same great durable material with same construction quality. The 48" Octobox assembles just like the 70", so it was really easy to put together. I have included some shots of the 48" Fotodiox Octobox below.


This was shot at 1/32 with the front diffuser off.

This was shot at 1/32 with the front diffuser on.

This was shot at 1/1.

This shot was taken with a 2 Flash set up, Flash in octobox was set at 1/16 and the other flash camera right was set to 1/8 for some front fill light.

Review: Fotodiox 70" Octagon Softbox with Soft Diffuser and Speedring Bracket

I recently purchased a 70" Octagon Softbox with Soft Diffuser and Speedring Bracket from Fotodiox on Amazon. My very first impression of the octobox while pulling it out of the package was the craftsmanship and the durable material the octobox is constructed with. Putting the octobox together for the first time was a bit of a challenge as I have never put one together before. The second go round was a lot easier, I was able to construct the octobox in less than 3 minutes. I have included some shots of the Fotodiox Octobox below.

This was taken with the flash set to 1/32 and no front diffuser attached to the octobox.

This shot was taken at the same flash setting of 1/32 with the front diffuser attached

This shot was taken at the flash set to 1/1 with the front diffuser attached

This shot was taken with a 2 Flash set up, Flash in octobox was set at 1/16 and the other flash camera right was set to 1/8 for some front fill light.

The world's first known photograph was made in 1825 by Frenchman Nicéphore Niépce

This is a really neat read. http://www.niepce.com/home-us.html

Paracord Hand Srap for Camera Tripod

I saw this project on Photography On The Net posted by another member by the name of "MARK1992" and I made it my self. This is military paracord that was once used by parachuters in the US Army. This is a simple Cobra knot that is tied around a tripod leg to use as a carrying handle. 

For Sale: Canon Zoom Lens 75-300mm 1:4-5.6 III

This is the link to ebay -

http://www.ebay.com/itm/280785359070?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649#ht_692wt_1270

Tis the season with Jack Skellington

Setup a shot tonight with my favorite Christmas ornament and some Christmas lights for some beautiful bokeh, enjoy.

Setup:7D with 70-20mm f4

YN-565EX

2 RF-603

Result:

Review: Manfrotto Veloce V Backpack Black

I recently purchased a Manfrotto Veloce V Backpack Black for my photography gear. I have to say the pack is built with great quality like all of Manfrotto's equipment. The pack has a fair amount of  storage for gear and accessories (lots of little pockets). It also has a quick access pocket on the right hand side. There is a slot for a 17" Macbook or any other 15" laptop. Although I have noticed a laptop will not fit into this pack with a battery grip on my camera. This bag also comes with straps to strap a tripod to the front of the pack. The list of gear I have in the  Manfrotto Veloce V Backpack is as follows,

Canon 7D with Battery Grip
Canon 70-200mm f4
Canon 28-135mm
Canon 50mm 1.8
Battery charger
2 Youngnuo 565EX Flashes
4 Youngnuo  RF-603
All cables necessary for tethering to a laptop and TV

All in all I really like this camera bag for its comfort, portability, and its' discrepancy.

Quack

Always a good subject for a new lens to check the sharpness.

This was shot with a

Canon 70-300mm IS USM

Exposure Time	1/160
F Number	5
Exposure Program	Manual
ISO Speed Ratings	160
Subject Distance	1.69
Metering Mode	CenterWeightedAverage
Flash	Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length	170
Exposure Mode	1
White Balance	Manual white balance
Date Time	2010:07:02 16:33:58
Make	Canon
Model	Canon EOS 7D