Up close & personal - macro tripod review part II

Benbo - Trekker Mk 3 $124.99 (£120) ball head extra



SPEC PANEL (exc ball-head)

Max Height (column down): 107cm
Max Height (column up): 150cm
Min Height: 0cm
Leg Sections: 2
Closed Length: 84cm
Weight: 2kg
Load capacity: n/a

Quality 3/5
Features & Design 3/5
Value for Money 4/5
Overall 3.5/5

The Benbo was the first tripod to adopt a tilting column that rotates with the legs around a single (bent) bolt, hence the name. All four tubes are locked off with the one clamp, and while quick to set-up, after some practice, I found you must always support the centre-column to avoid potential pitfalls. Once mastered though the Benbo soon pays dividends in the field.

The long centre column and infinitely adjustable legs make short work of the most demanding macro subjects. But while the Trekker 3 is one of the lighter models in the range, and pretty portable as a result, heavier cameras have to be used with some care. I found this was especially true on smooth flooring, as the Trekker lacks additional leg bracing and is supplied with spiked feet. Clip-on non-slip feet would have been very handy.

Load capacity isn’t stated but it was perfectly fine with our, albeit low weight, Pentax K-2000 (aka K-m, in Europe) and 35mm macro lens. Our Trekker was supplied with the optional Compact ball head. It’s a pretty basic affair, but well matched for the tripod in size and can support the Pentax and similar DSLRs with a small macro lens. Optional table-top legs make the Trekker a highly versatile tripod for all-round use.

Check back tomorrow for part III, where we'll be reviewing the Giottos MTL 3361B & MH1301 652 ball-head.

To return to the beginning of the article, please use this link.

Up close and personal: macro tripod review part I

Over the next eight days I'm serializing a feature of mine, Up Close and Personal, that originally featured in the UK photo magazine, DSLR User, earlier this year. Here's the introduction (part I):

One of the essentials for successful macro-photography is a solid tripod, we've taken a look at a cross-section of models to suit all budgets.

One of the essentials for successful macro-photography is a solid tripod, but some are much more suitable for the task than others. So what should you look for in a tripod suited for close-ups? If you’re using a macro lens such as a 50mm or a 100mm to focus within a few centimeters, a tripod with a tilting column will give you the greatest flexibility. But while this enables you to position your camera away from the centre of your tripod, there are other factors to consider.

I don’t know of any tripods that don’t have adjustable leg joints but those with infinitely adjustable legs are easier to set in position. Bear in mind you’re likely to want to carry the tripod, maybe even travel with it. I would advise 4-section legs over 3-section for compactness, but it does add to the price.


Tripods don’t have to be heavy to be stable, they just have to be rigid. You can always add a counterbalance or ballast (such as your camera bag). Tripods made from new materials like Carbon Fibre are both light and rigid, but they are much pricier than the more usual aluminium models. Over the following pages, you’ll find a range of models intended to suit both the needs and budget of the macro-photographer.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for part II and the first of the reviews; the Benbo Trekker Mk 3.

Think Tank Photo publish Roller white paper

Pro photography equipment bag maker, Think Tank Photo, have published a white paper detailing the top six points to bear in mind when choosing a roller.

See here for the link (email address is required).

To visit the DJP's affiliate store, follow this link.

DxO Labs announces 25% discount on Optics Pro and adds over 80 new lens modules

DxO Labs has taken the wraps off over 80 new lens modules for DxO Optics Pro, and is celebrating their 5th Birthday with a 25% discount during May. See below for the press release and full details:

Paris, France – 15th May 2009 – DxO Labs announces the immediate availability of 83 new DxO optical correction modules, adding to the 100 modules recently published. These additions now extend DxO Optic Pro’s range to include over 1,200 modules covering all types of lenses on the market: fisheyes, wide-angles, zooms, and super telephotos, and most major brands (Canon, Konica-Minolta, Nikkor, Pentax, Samsung, Sigma, Sony, Tamron, Tokina, Carl Zeiss). Over the last 5 years, DxO Labs has been analyzing camera/lens combinations so as to provide corrections that are specific to each lens. For example, DxO Optics Pro corrects the geometric distortion and compensates for the vignetting of wide-angle lenses; it increases the sharpness and corrects the chromatic aberration for telephoto shots. To achieve such results, DxO Labs’ engineers and expert photographers have interpreted hundreds of thousands of images representing all possible configurations of the cameras in use (focal length, aperture, sensitivity, etc.).
DxO Optics Pro software is the unique solution that simply and automatically enhances each photo with respect to the camera, the lens and the shooting conditions.
DxO Optics Pro is also a powerful RAW converter that delivers amazing results in terms of noise-reduction, contrast correction, and color fidelity at all ISO settings (right up to 25 600 ISO) for a wide range of digital cameras.

To celebrate DxO Optics Pro’s 5th birthday, DxO Labs offers a 25% discount for the entire month of May.

This 25% discount also applies to the DxO FilmPack software which allows digital photographers to rediscover the styles, colors, and grains of the most famous silver-halide films. Prices and availability during May

· DxO Optics Pro v5.3.3 Standard: £74.25 incl. taxes £99 incl. taxes

· DxO Optics Pro v5.3.3 Elite: £149.25 incl. taxes £199 incl. taxes

· DxO FilmPack v2: £44.25 incl. taxes £59 incl. taxes

All customers who bought DxO Optics Pro since 1st August 2007 are entitled to a free upgrade to version 5.3.3.
For other users:

· Upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5.3.3 Standard: £59 incl. taxes

· Upgrade to DxO Optics Pro v5.3.3 Elite: £75 incl. taxes

Each DxO Optics Pro license includes a stand-alone application, an Adobe Photoshop plug-in and an Adobe Lightroom plug-in, and allows installation on two computers.

For more information, visit DxO Labs website at www.dxo.com

Canon issues yet another service advisory on troubled EOS 1D/1Ds Mk III

Canon has today issued another advisory service notice on the pro-level EOS 1D/1Ds Mk III models. It concerns excess lubricant on the mirror mechanism, causing ring-shaped shadows to appear in images after settling on the surface of the filter-pack.

Canon UK link to service notice.

Canon US link to service notice.

HONL PHOTO unwrap new filter kits

David Honl, the photojournalist behind the HONL PHOTO range of light modifiers for portable strobes, has announced the availability of two new filter kits via his UK distributor. For more information including stockists please see the press list and links below:

HONL PHOTO introduce new filter kits! Flaghead Photographic, the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor of HONL PHOTO products announce the availability of two new Honl filter kits.

Honl Photo Colour Correction Filter (Gel) Kit HP-FILTER2

Honl Colour Correction filters to colour-correct your strobes for tungsten, fluorescent or cool daylight lighting environments. The CTO filters are used to match your flash output to tungsten lights, or simply to give a pleasing warm tone to your portraits. Full + Green filters are used to match your flash output to fluorescent lights. These superior quality polyester lighting filters from Lee are pre-cut with Velcro strips attached so they can be quickly fastened to a Honl Speed Strap (sold separately). Honl Filters can be used in conjunction with all Honl Snoots, Gobos and Grids. The usable filter area is 2.5” x 4” (approx. 64mm x 102mm) and the filters can be trimmed to fit individual strobes.
The Kit contains TWO of each of the following: 1/2CTB, Full CTO, 1/2CTO, 1/4CTO, Full+Green

Honl Photo Colour Effects Filter (Gel) Kit HONL-FILTER3

Honl Colour Effects Filters can be used to add artistic and theatrical colour to your images, whether lighting your subject or a background. These superior quality polyester lighting filters from Lee are pre-cut with Velcro strips attached so they can be quickly fastened to a Honl Speed Strap (sold separately). Honl Filters can be used in conjunction with Honl Snoots, Gobos and Grids. The usable filter area is 2.5” x 4” (approx. 64mm x 102mm) and the filters can be trimmed to fit individual strobes.
The Kit contains TWO of each of the following: Yellow, Bright Red, Just Blue, Moss Green, Heavy Frost

About the Honl Photo Professional Speed System:

The Honl Photo Speed System is a collection of lightweight, durable and affordable light modifiers for shoe-mount flash units. Designed to universally fit all shoe-mount flash, the versatile light modifiers from Honl Photo provide photographers with an assortment of practical tools to shape light without resorting to cumbersome, heavy and expensive lighting equipment. Devised by photojournalist David Honl, the Honl Speed System consists of an assortment of Grids, Snoots, Gobos, and Gels that attach quickly and easily to any shoe-mount flash via the Speed Strap, a simple, non-slip velcro strap that wraps around the flash head without the use of annoying adhesives. The Honl Photo Speed System allows you to bring studio-style lighting control with you into the field.
Developed by David Honl, a professional photographer from the USA www.DavidHonlPhoto.com

HONL PHOTO Pricelist:

Code Description Price
Ex Vat Price/Inc Vat
HP-DHS-SS Speed Strap £7.30/£ 8.40
HP-GRD4 _ Speed Grid £22.00 /£25.30
HP-GRD8 1/8 Speed Grid £22.00/£ 25.30
HP-DHS-SG Speed Gobo/ Barndoor £11.00 /£12.65
HP-DHS-SN 8” Snoot £22.00/£ 25.30
HP-DHS-SN-S 5” Snoot £22.00/£ 25.30
HP-FILTER2 Colour Correction Kit £22.00 /£25.30
HP-FILTER3 Colour Effects Kit £22.00/£ 25.30
HP-SK MKII Starter Kit MKII, one of each accessory PLUS one extra Speed Strap, Kit price represents a 10% saving! £136.00 /£156.40
The HONL PHOTO range is available from good photo retailers. For more details go to
www.flaghead.co.uk/pages/honl/honl-intro.html or contact:

Flaghead Photographic
Tel 01202 733 123 info@flaghead.co.uk
www.flaghead.co.uk

Sigma announces availability of DP2

Sigma has announced the availability in the UK of the new DP2 high end compact.

Sigma Imaging UK press release:

Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd is pleased to announce that the DP2 compact digital camera is now available from retailers in the UK with an SRP of £599.99.

The DP2 will be selling alongside the Sigma DP1 and offers new features such as a 41mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.8 lens and a faster, TRUE II, processing engine.

Since the DP2’s announcement at Photokina 2008, several new features have been added to the camera including 3200 ISO and a Quick Set button allowing users to quickly access the eight most commonly used options in the camera. A new, improved version of Sigma PhotoPro software is bundled with the camera which will also open Foveon’s RAW images from previous Sigma digital cameras.

Two new dedicated accessories for the DP2 are also available. These are the VF-21 Viewfinder what carries a suggested retail price of £114.99, and the HA-21 Hood adapter with a SRP of £19.99.

The DP1 and DP2 are still the only compact digital cameras to feature an APS-C sized Foveon image sensor allowing SLR quality images from a pocket size camera.

Full details on the DP2 can be found at www.sigma-dp.com/DP2

Cokin adds X-Pro filter holder for Nikkor AFS 14-24mm f/2.8

Cokin has added a filter holder kit (complete with circular polarizer and lens adaptor) to the range that fits the superb Nikkor AFS 14-24mm f/2.8. While this sounds promising for landscape photographers, don't get too excited. For one the price is $625, and two, the maker warns of vignetting below 18mm (on a FX body). Still, if you simply must have one, check out Adorama at this link.

As a side note, Cokin won't allow the photo-press (and presumably members of the public) to view around the factory, as it's owned by the French government. All the more reason to take a look I say. How about you?

Review of Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5

The UK distributor has kindly agreed to send a Voigtlander Color Skopar 20mm f/3.5 announced here to review in the DJP, please check back here in the next couple of weeks for the results of this extremely interesting (and hugely popular) new addition.

UK link: Robert White

USA link: B&H Nikon fit, Pentax fit.

New Richard Martin Workshops announced

UPDATE: New Workshops

Richard will be collaborating with Charlene Kenna for his next location workshops.
The dates are June 26-30, 2009 and will take place in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario—a quaint 19th century village nestled in the heart of the Niagara wine region.

This two-part workshop beginning on Friday evening with a traditional Vision and Discovery weekend workshop followed by The Digital Darkroom, two days in the classroom utilizing a intuitive right-brain approach to digital workflow.

Participants may register for a single workshop or combine the two as a package.
For details download PDF Brochures or visit website links from Richard’s home page or workshop page link. http://www.richardmartinphoto.com

Vision & Discovery PDF Brochure link:
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/documents/NOTL_workshop_June09.pdf

The Digital Darkroom PDF Brochure link:
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/documents/NOTL_Digital_Workshop_June09.pdf

Link to workshop page
http://www.richardmartinphoto.com/tours_workshops/index.html

Bogen Imaging UK announce special on monopods during May and June

Bogen Imaging UK has a special offer running through May and June 2009, that allows purchasers buying any one of the following Manfrotto Photo monopods; 334B, 679B, 680B, 681B, 682B, 685B to get a Manfrotto 234 head worth £16.95 free of charge.

In addition, consumers that purchase either the Manfrotto 694CX or 695CX Photo monopod can claim a Manfrotto 234RC head worth £26.95 free of charge.

The offer does not include the video monopods or the 776YB and 790B Monopod and is available at participating dealers only. Please visit www.bogenimaging.co.uk for participating dealers.

Magix unwrap Xtreme PhotoStory

Magix press release:

MAGIX AG, one of the leading international providers of software, online services, and digital content, announces the launch of Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD 8. Get started in the world of living images! In just three steps, you can liven up your pictures: Import images and video, add effects, text, and music, and present it all in cinema-quality! With the help of practical wizards, numerous templates, and 1-clickautomations, you can create multimedia slideshows quickly and easily. Slideshows can be burned not only as DVDs with decorative menus, but also uploaded directly from within the program to YouTube to share with everyone.

1. Select photos & videos
Import your photos and videos from camera phones, digital cameras, memory cards, the Internet,
and other sources – simply at the touch of a button.
2. Add effects & music
Edit your projects yourself or let the software do it automatically for you – you have the choice!
Practical wizards turn your photos and videos into cinema-quality shows almost without any work,
including interactive, custom DVD menus!
3. The result: A moving photo experience!
Enjoy the show with your whole family, friends, and acquaintances: You can experience your
memories once again using a DVD player or present it to the world by uploading it directly from the program to YouTube. ™

MAGIX PhotoStory on CD & DVD Deluxe is available at £29.99 inc from all major UK retailers and online partners including Amazon and PC World.

Links:

Amazon UK :Magix Xtreme PhotoStory on CD & DVD 8 (PC DVD)
Amazon US :Xtreme Photostory On CD & DVD V8

Military M-series Leica on eBay

Olive drab Leica M models were made specifically for the military, and not always for the German army (Bundeswehr). I saw an auction on eBay recently for one, an M4.2 made for the Italian army - Tank division. This one, with matching olive finish lens, currently on eBay is said to have been made for the Israeli army, but is without factory documentation.

Of course, spending $6,000 or more on a camera only to put it on display, in a private collection, isn't what it's all about, to my mind. If I had one, I would want to use it. And that goes for the latest iterations, now limited editions; the olive M8.2 Safari and the forthcoming white version. While the new pimped models might not have the same appeal, if you're fortunate enough to have the money to buy one, go take some pictures with it.

Sony site leaks new Alpha DSLRs; A230, A330 and A380

Source Photoclub Alpha

The Sony Style site in Russia has leaked some details of the new A230, A330 and A380. For a brief look including translation, please visit the site here.

Transcend buck the trend

Transcend, the Taiwan based manufacturer of flash drives and memory cards, continues to thrive under the economic downturn. As well as being one of the leading brands in terms of sales in Asia, they've recently picked up prestigious Red Dot and Good Design awards for their Rugged StoreJet 25M portable hard drive.

Fore more information, including stockists please visit the maker's site here.

David Noton unveils evening roadshows

Copyright David Noton Photography 2009

British landscape photographer, David Noton, has announced the first in a series of evening roadshows. Themed Chasing the Light, the first event is to be held in Bristol, England during September.

For more info and to book tickets please visit Noton's website.

Panasonic UK announce price of Lumix GH1

Panasonic has today confirmed the price of the Lumix GH1 in the UK at £1299.99. There's no word as yet on the price of the optionally availble directional mic.

Magenta announce Flash Forward 2009 winners

The Magenta Foundation has announced the winners of the Flash Forward 2009, Emerging Photographers project here. As well as an initial exhibition Magenta will also publish a book of the project at Lennox Contemporary in Toronto, in October 2009.

L-Camera TV tours Leica factory

Leica User Forum's L-Camera TV has a behind-the-scenes look at the maker's facility in Solms and reveals some of the (labour intensive) production methods behind the 35mm M7 and MP rangefinders. Perhaps part II will show the M8.2 or the S2? I'm hoping, anyway.

L-Camera TV #1 - Does Leica still make MP and M7? from Andreas Jürgensen on Vimeo.

Multimedia training with MediaStorm, Brooklyn, New York

What with the tough economic climate and the critical need for multimedia training, MediaStorm will be holding a one-time, tuition-free Advanced Multimedia Reporting Workshop, in Brooklyn, NY from June 20-26, 2009.

Fore more details visit MediaStorm here.