SLIK AF2100 - Tripod head Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Okay, I really like the pistol grip. It's flexible, can rotate into a vertical position easily and it's REALLY solid quality.
I'd give it a 5 if it had two things:
1) A lock or snap postion for horizontal (bring it to horizontal and allow it to move right or left easily). As it stands you have to get the bubble level and then rotate the head mount. Would be nice to have a "by feel" way of doing this with the pistol. I'm often on a horizontal surface with fully extended (level) feet).
2) A better mounting mechanism. I find the mount cap to be somewhat clumsy to load on, although it's very solid. Every time I break it out I have to learn which way the thing goes to take it off!

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The world's original, and most popular trigger-style ball head, so revolutionary it had to be patented.The SLIK AF 2100 trigger design ball head can take ease of photographing on a tripod to a new level. The key is in the trigger handle. It has an over sized trigger release that you squeeze to release and freely move the head. When you have moved your camera to the desired position, just release the trigger and the ball head locks firmly into place, at any angle. This smooth and natural movement makes the ball head feel like more on an extension of our hand than any other ball head available.The AF 2100 handle is large enough for photographers with large hands to have a solid grip, but sized so that photographers with smaller hands will be able to use it with comfort and ease. If fact, many people have chosen the AF 2100 over other trigger designs for just that reason.Capable of handling more than 10 pounds of equipment, the AF 2100 can, for example, support a 300 mm f/2.8 lens with a heavy professional camera body.A convenient thumb switch on the handle locks and unlocks the quick release shoe, which means that circular quick release plate can rotate over 320&Mac176; and be locked at any point. There is also a separate safety release button so that the quick release plate can only be removed from the head when it is pressed. Your camera is securely attached to the AF 2100 until you decide to remove it.Winner, Japan Ministry of T

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2-Way Shoe Mount Bubble Level - 2 Axis Review

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(More customer reviews)This level is nice and clear and the two levels are both accurate based on my limited amount of testing. The only problem I noted is that it doesn't fit tightly on my Canon 50D flash shoe. By this I mean you can gently push on it, and it will move very slightly, but enough to throw the leveling off. So long as you don't touch it while leveling the camera, it should give accurate results.
This level is advertised as a two-way level and strictly speaking I guess it is, but please note that it has 2 shoe mounts. One mount is for leveling a horizontal view, and the other mount is for leveling a vertical view. So, in essence this is really a 3-way level.

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Take better pictures when using a tripod by making sure your camera is level. This 2-Axis Spirit/Bubble Level makes it easy to line up great shots. Simply put it into the camera's hot shoe/flash mount and check the three bubbles. All lined up? Shoot!Fits most standard flash mounts on SLR or DSLR cameras - will not fit Sony/Minolta iISO shoes.

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Manfrotto 293 Telephoto Lens Support - Replaces 3420 Review

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(More customer reviews)The reason I don't give it 5 stars is because of the bulk and size of the lens support. Don't get me wrong, you can't find a better price on such a product as others try to sale you a lens support for $150 or more. The only problem I have is the bulkiness but it is strong and sturdy and has adjustments everywhere. This is the cheapest alternative and better than nothing. I mean try to hold a nikon 80-200mm 2.8 push pull early version with no support and your arms begin to shake and in return you get even more blurred pictures.

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Get sharper images with this support for medium telephoto lens. The length of the bracket is adjustable to take different length lenses and different diameters by tilting the Tilt Head 234RC (included). Length from head to lens support adjustable from 200 to 295mm. Attachments: 4 x 3/8" female and 3 x 1/4" female. Color: black; -90° / +90° tilt range; load capacity: 5.51 lbs.; material: aluminum; maximum extension: 11.61 in.; minimum extension: 7.87 in.; weight: 1.54 lbs.

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Dolica AX620 Quick Release Plate for AX620B100 (Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)Considering you can buy the entire Dolica tripod, ball head and padded case combination for $39.99, I am having a hard time justifying spending $14.99 for an extra quick release plate alone. The other high rated reviews of this item all mention a price of 7 or 8 dollars. At that price I would agree it would be a good additional purchase for owners of the Dolica AX620B100 tripod like myself. Now that it is being offered for double that price I'm thinking of just ordering another entire tripod for $39.99. That way I get this extra plate and a second tripod in case anything on my original should break. That's $79.98 for two complete tripods or $54.98 for one tripod and an extra plate. I guess the individual price of this item just proves what a great value the complete AX620B100 tripod package is!

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Quick release plate to use multiple cameras for changing cameras quickly

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Manfrotto 128RC Micro Fluid Head with 200PL- 14 RC2 Rapid Connector Plate - Replaces 3130 Review

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(More customer reviews)I have the same head with the older model designation of 3130 (which uses the older non-notched quick-release plates as well as the newer notched 'N' plate).
This head is heavier than similar-sized heads in the model lineup but holds a 9 lb. camera well and the heft dampens vibration from below better than the lighter models (a plus for working with on-camera mic in certain environments). The fluid action is smooth and improves substantially with use. The overall quality of fit and finish is high.
When used with a Manfotto tripod the base attaches firmly with the use of the tripod's base set-screws (which secure via an inner ring of recessed beveled surfaces on the underside of this head). With that proviso, there is no problem with the head loosening as mentioned in the previous review. The size of the 3/8 inch mounting with beveled surface ring is a match for Manfrotto tripods and this unit is best used with that brand of tripod.
Considering the overall quality and modest price it is a good bet for medium-sized cameras (up to 10 lbs. or so). For smaller cameras, I switch to the Manfrotto 700RC2 which is well suiting to the new generation of "pop-can"-sized cameras (like Canon's Vixia/Ivis series). Both heads are low-cost, simple units.

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A lightweight fluid head with pan bar and quick release camera plate with secondary security, ideal for cameras up to 4kg in weight. It has smooth fluid movement, pan and tilt locks. This version is black painted. Optional Plates: 200PL- 38.This replaces the Manfrotto 3130. Attachment (bottom): 3/8- Inch female thread; color: black; - 60Degree / +90Degree tilt range; height: 4.53 in.; independent pan lock; load capacity: 8.82 lbs.; material: aluminum; panoramic rotation: 360 Degree; plate type: quick release - with 1/4- Inch screw + VHS pin; weight: 2.20 lbs.; working height: 4.53 in.

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PROFESSIONAL 57 Inch Tripod with Carrying Case For The Canon Powershot SD1100, SD1000, SD750, SD630, SD600, SD450, SD430, SD400, SD300, SD200, SD30, TX1 Digital Cameras with Exclusive FREE Complimentary Super Deal Micro Fiber Lens Cleaning Cloth Review

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(More customer reviews)I needed a tripod so I can record video of my band with my Canon SD1000. This was by far the least expensive one I could find. It's prefect. It folds up nicely in a carrying case and it expands to almost 5 ft. It is exactly what I needed.

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57 Inch Tripod with Carrying Case For The Canon Powershot SD1100, SD1000, SD750, SD630, SD600, SD450, SD430, SD400, SD300, SD200, SD30, TX1 Digital Cameras with Exclusive FREE Complimentary Super Deal Micro Fiber Lens Cleaning ClothThe Professiona

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Manfrotto 337 Hot Shoe Double Axis Bubble Level Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is great for awkward shooting positions where you have a hard time eyeing things up through the viewfinder. Also, when doing panoramic series this is nice to help make sure that your photos will actually stitch together when all is said and done. Even for normal shooting whenever you have to bend over most people tend to lean slightly, thus skewing their view, so this little gadget helps you make sure that you are really shooting level.

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The 337 is a double axis spirit level that mounts to the hot shoe of any standard 35mm SLR camera to help you achieve a finer degree of accuracy and consistency in panoramic photo sequences. Attachment: flash hot shoe; weight: 0.46 lbs.

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PROFESSIONAL 67 Inch Full Size Tripod with Carrying Case For The Canon Powershot SX10, SX1, SX110, E1, A2000, A1000, SX100, S5 IS, S3 IS, S2 IS Digital Cameras with Exclusive FREE Complimentary Super Deal Micro Fiber Lens Cleaning Cloth Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Wow. For less than 20 bucks you get EVERYTHING that you need in a tripod. The quality is amazing. I had no idea I was going to get something so well made. This thing is sturdy, flexible, tall, adjustable, and it's not lightweight or cheap at all. You cannot tip this thing over. I'm so lucky to have found this product. They sale a similar one in best buy for 60 bucks! I checked. Get this tripod, seriously.

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67 Inch Full Size Tripod with Carrying Case For The Canon Powershot SX10, SX1, SX110, E1, A2000, A1000, SX100, S5 IS, S3 IS, S2 IS Digital Cameras with Exclusive FREE Complimentary Super Deal Micro Fiber Lens Cleaning ClothThe Professional Tripod is designed for most film and digital cameras as well as camcorders. Featuring a quick-release plate that makes it a breeze to switch to handheld shooting and a professional grip for fluid 3-way panning and tilt, It lets you capture images from any angle you can imagine. The tripod can extend to a height of 55 inches when in use, and collapse to just 22 inches for travel or storage. For your convenience, a carrying case is included. Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, the PRO TRIPOD is a great tripod for photographers of all levels of experience.

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Janco Macro Focusing Rail Slider Set with 4 Way, Fine Control, Camera Focusing Rail for Macro Photography. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is a generic focusing rail slider that is sold by numerous vendors at many websites under several different names. I think it emanates from Hong Kong. Who knows where they get them from.
I've used it a couple of times and I'm generally pleased so far. The materials look good and it feels solid.
A few observations:
1. It's pretty heavy. Shipping weight was supposedly 1 pound, but I think somebody rounded that off in the down direction. It feels heavier than that. It really needs a good tripod and it's not the kind of thing you want to carry around all the time.
2. The adjustments are not terribly fine. It's certainly no micrometer. I put a few drops of military grade weapons oil on the teeth to smooth things out, but that made little difference.
3. Attaching the camera is a bit difficult because the tripod screw nob is close to some of the other adjusting nobs. Quick release plates can help alleviate this problem, but that adds more weight and more things that can "wiggle" when taking photos. In closeups, that's really bad.
I took several pics of a small cactus flower about an inch in diameter using a small Nikon 50mm prime lens and a short extension tube. Working distance was about 3 inches from the flower. The rails help a lot with focus and framing, but a tiny rotation of the back and forth adjustment was enough to knock the camera completely out of focus. I used an old Vivitar tripod. Next time I'll use a much heavier Induro A313 tripod and a Manfrotto tilt head with the rail. That should allow use of larger lenses and result in sharper photos.

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Focusing rails are essential accessories for macro photography, which requires precise distance modifications and a steady hand, as well as other situations where accurate camera positioning is crucial.Two 6" rails allow movement in four directions, right, left, forward and backward. Mounts on, and accepts 1/4 thread screws, and it will fit most tripods and stands. Positive locking knobs assure rock-steady focus.This excellent quality rail is for use with all digital and film SLR cameras and is compatible with most Canon, Nikon, Minolta and Pentax macro and EOS bellows, macro shot extension tubes, or macro lenses such as the Canon FD and FL

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Sima Quick Connect for Tripod Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Excellent unit very solidly built and designed. The unit seems very durable, but is still light and small. Basically, reminded me of a hockey puck. Works flawlessly for what I need it to do. The inner piece is so small, that I leave it on my camera when I take it off the mount and put it in my pocket. It works excellent with both my Sony Cybershot and Panasonic SDR-H200.
Also, I did have a question to how the unit worked. It seemed obvous that the unit just screws on to a mount, but there are no pictures of the bottom of the product. It does in fact, screw onto an existing mount as there is a hole on the bottom with screw threads that allow it to screw onto whatever your camera will screw onto. As long as what you are trying to mount it onto has no obstruction around the screw you are trying to place it onto, it will fit on just about anything that a camera or camcorder will mount onto.
The removable middle piece was designed so that the screw and the pin next to the screw can be tightened, loosened, or removed with a screwdriver. So you just place the quick release on the bottom of your camera and tighten the screw and the pin, instead of having to twist the camera onto the unit.

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QuicKonnect for fast secure locking and release of your camera to any tripod

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Opteka Hot Shoe Two Axis Double Bubble Spirit Level for Digital and Film Cameras Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The fit in my hotshoe is snug and secure. It has two mounting tabs, one for when you camera is horizontal (landscape) and the other for when it is in vertical (portrait) position. Mine arrived free of any scratches; it looks quite nice. In fact, it looks identical to the Manfrotto 337 Hot Shoe Double Axis Bubble Level but at a fraction of the cost.
To answer a few questions, you want a level on your camera seperate from one on your tripod if you have any kind of adjustable head such as the Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect System (3157N) (one that does not have its own built-in level). Also, it's handy for times when you are not using a tripod and bracing your camera against something else. Finally, while you can fix a tilting image in Photoshop that can result in losing the composition you had created when you took the picture.
There were apparently a lot of issues with the Opteka Hot Shoe Three Axis Triple Bubble Spirit Level for Digital and Film Cameras - (Opteka) which do not exist with this item.
UPDATE AFTER ALMOST 1 YEAR:
I've had rotten luck lately with usually decent Opteka products. A couple of weeks ago a Opteka RC-2 Wireless Remote Control for Nikon D40, D40x, D50, D60, D70, D70s, D80, D90, D3000, D5000 & D7000 Digital SLR Camera (Nikon ML-L3 Replacement) arrived DOA. Today I looked at my Opteka bubble level and saw... Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the video that accompanies this review and avoid having to read almost 2000 of mine.
I've had the level for less than a year and would have expected it to last longer than it did. Amazon cannot replace their product due to the third party seller arrangement with 47th St Photo. Also, according to the Amazon refund policy they will only offer a refund if the item is returned withing 30 days in new condition.
It's not a total loss. I can still use this to level picture frames and such. And for the price difference I can replace it several times before it approaches the cost of the amazingly similar (and possibly not identical) Manfrotto 337 Hot Shoe Double Axis Bubble Level. Oops, It appears the Manfrotto level is about half the cost as when I bought this one. Taking shipping into account, three of these for one of "the good ones." Which to pick? That's an individual decision and I think mine will be for Manfrotto.

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Simply slide into your hot-shoe for easy setup of level landscape or vertical format shots. Tubular style allows tilting of camera vertically and keeping horizontal level

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