All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos, or purchase prints, you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label product review. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
App Review: SunCalc and MoonCalc
I have referenced a few apps over the past few months and I promised to do some reviews. Today I am going to review two (2) apps that are essentially the same but different; SunCalc and MoonCalc. Their functionality and interface are the same, it is just the subject matter that is different. SunCalc shows information pertaining to the sun, while MoonCalc shows the same information but in relation to the moon.
A few years ago I wrote a review of Excate Golden Hour - App Review: Exsate Golden Hour. You could probably replace Golden Hour with SunCalc but I would recommend using both, as each has their strengths and weaknesses.
So. Why would you want either of these apps? If you are a landscape photographer it is helpful to know the times of sunrise and sunset but it is even more helpful to know where the sun will be at any given time. Using SunCalc, you can see exactly where the sun will be on the horizon when it rises - at any location on earth. If you have been wanting to get the sun rising (setting) over your favorite fishing pier but never seem to be able to time it right - this is the app for you!
I used MoonCalc to determine the date the full moon would be setting directly over "the tree" at Maclearie Park and was able to capture the lead image just before it dipped below the horizon. Using the app, I knew exactly when and where the moon was going to be, allowing me to set up in the dark with confidence.
If you take a look at the screen capture on the right, you will see that the app is rather simple to use. You can either use your current location or any location you want to check out. You can even create a custom list of frequently visited locations using the "heart+" icon in the upper right corner. I wanted to take a look at Manasquan Reservoir (one of my custom locations) and got a snapshot of where the sun was at 10:40 AM this morning.
The app shows "Azimuth", "Altitude" and "Shadow" for the time selected as-well-as the time of "Sunrise", "Sunset" and "High Noon", or when the sun is directly overhead. Using this information you can plan your outing. If you want to see where the sun will set, just remove the check in the "Live" box and slide the time to when you will be shooting. As you move the time slider, you will see the position of the sun move - when it changes from orange to gray, you have gone beyond sunset. You can also set the time and date by touching anywhere on the date above the slider which will bring you to another screen allowing you to set a precise date and time.
If you want to zoom in (or out) - you can do so by "pinching" the screen. If you want to move to a different location within the general area, just use your finger to move the map to where you want the center point to be. You can get to a specific location/address by touching the screen (in this instance to the left of the green "on" button) and enter the address in the search box. There are three lines in the upper-left corner of the app - pressing this icon will open the menu where you can directly access any of the functions discussed above.
As you can see, the app is rather simple and easy to use but provides quite a bit of useful information. I won't go into MoonCalc because it is exactly the same except it relates to the moon instead of the sun. The really nice thing with these apps is that they both have web-based counter-parts so you can sit in the comfort of your home and pre-plan your landscape shoot. The websites are https://www.suncalc.org/ and https://www.mooncalc.org/. The websites contain quite a bit more information, the ability to print what is on the screen and links for downloading the apps. To be honest, I use the websites more than I do the app; the app is used primarily for when I go out on a spur-of-the-moment shoot.
You can change the type of map displayed by using the "Settings" menu option - the illustration used here is the basic map, there is also an option to show streets or a satellite image. I use the satellite image on the website to give me a better idea of compositions while I have the default or street maps on the phone app to give me a general idea of where the sun will be.
As a final example, the Maclearie Park sunset was planned using the SunCalc website. Knowing where the sun will be setting in the sky long before it actually approaches the horizon is a great advantage. I was able to find this composition and set up at my leisure.
The bottom-line is this - download and install both apps and keep them on your phone. They don't take up a lot of space and you never know when they will give you the information you need to grab the perfect shot! Oh, did I mention? They are 100% free!
Monday, February 4, 2019
Product Review: Kelty Redwing 32 Backpack
Kelty Redwing 32 Backpack
First Impression
When I first opened the box I was quite happy - it is a good-looking bag with a lot of pockets for storage. There are two (2) outside pockets for carrying water which already put it head-and-shoulders above the Tamrac bag. The back is well padded, as are the shoulder straps but I would like to see the waist belt and sternum strap a bit more robust. The bag is well made, has plenty of pockets - inside and out - and the zippers work smoothly. There are "hidden" straps in the front of the bag for hanging miscellaneous items. One thing that is noticeably missing is the presence of "D"-rings on the shoulder straps. They aren't absolutely necessary but it is something I would like to have had, it makes it easier to have some things "at hand" when you need them - like a compass, emergency whistle, etc....In The Field
I have been using the pack for a few months and love it. When I got the pack, I also got a medium storage box (Kelty) to hold my filters, filter holder and some small accessories. In the beginning, I put a folded sweatshirt in the bottom for padding and then used bubble wrap around my lenses and camera body to protect them. This worked but was rather awkward. I then searched B&H for inserts and found the Ape Case Cubeze QB39 Flexible Storage Cube (see link below.) This was perfect for holding two lenses and camera body. The pack feels good on my back and allows me to carry everything I need for an afternoon out - including the tripod! There is not a dedicated "tripod holder", after all this pack isn't designed as a camera bag, but I am able to carry is on the side. I slide two legs behind of of the outside pockets and into one of the water bottle pockets. It isn't ideal but it works quite well. There are two (2) loops at the bottom of the pack, they are designed to hold trekking poles, and I think I can use one or both for the tripod. I will have to play around and will let you know in a follow-up if I have any success.Final Thoughts
All in all, I love the pack. As I mentioned, a couple "D"-rings would be nice and better waist/sternum straps would help but there really isn't anything else I could think to improve on it's design. I do have some trouble getting my water bottles to stay but I am using bottles that it wasn't really designed for. I have Takeya 24oz and 32oz bottles - they fit nicely but they are a bit tall and since they are aluminum they slide out easily. They stay just fine while I am hiking but sometimes fall out when taking the pack off. There is more than enough room for all of my gear, water, extra clothes and some food - everything I need for a full day of adventure and shooting. The bottom line is - I would highly recommend this bag to hikers and photographers alike! There are other sizes available if you need a smaller or larger bag. Note: I receive no money from the sale or promotion of any of the items written about in this review. The opinions are mine and mine alone. I have not been paid to write this review or to endorse any of the products or companies.For More Information & Where to Buy
Kelty Redwing 32 backpack - https://www.kelty.com/redwing-32/ Ape Case Cubeze QB39 Flexible Storage Cube @ B&H - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/903032-REG/Cubeze_QB39_Flexible_Storage_Cube_YellowAll photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
Monday, August 27, 2018
Product Review: Vello Macrofier for Canon EOS (UPDATED!)
Vello Macrofier
This review is not sponsored, nor is it commissioned by the manufacturer. I requested, and received, the equipment for the purpose of producing a review on my YouTube channel - you can check out the review here.
What is it?
The Macrofier is a third-party lens accessory made by Vello (http://www.vellogear.com/) for use with the Canon EF/EF-S lens systems. It can be be used as a set of automatic extension tubes or a lens reverse-mount system; both are a means of achieving macro photography with non-macro lenses or to achieve greater magnification with macro lenses1. When you reverse-mount the lens you can get incredibly close, as you can see in the first image. This is a Canon 18-135mm EF-S lens reverse-mounted. The inscription on the lens states the closest focusing distance is 1.5 feet (.45 meters) but with the lens reversed I am just an inch or so away. Extension tubes work in the same way - by moving the lens away from the camera body you can achieve closer focus.
First Impression
When I opened the box I wasn't quite sure what to expect - I had seen the product photos on B&H and the Vello website but, often, the product doesn't necessary live up to it's "image." I was pleasantly surprised to find it was exactly what I saw in the pictures. It appeared to be well-made and sturdy. It comes with seven (7) adapter rings (52 mm, 58 mm, 62 mm, 67 mm, 72 mm, 77 mm, 82mm) to fit just about any lens you may have. The Macrofier, itself, is packaged in a bubble-wrap bag inside the box. The one thing I noticed was that there were now caps for the device - this isn't a big deal but I was a little surprised. I just ordered a body cap and lens cap to put on it when it is stored in my bag. The rings are solid and flat - I mention that because I have purchased other adapter rings in the past that were not quite flat and were difficult to use.In The Field
Extension Tubes
I looked in the owner guide and website but could not find a definitive answer to the question - How much extension do you get? I was able to find a review on the B&H website where a reviewer reported that, by his calculations, it is about 35mm. Using the Macrofier as a set of extension tubes couldn't be easier - using the threaded ends, you just screw the two halves together, mount one end on the camera body and the lens on the other end. You can also mount the Macrofier on the lens, then mount the assembly on the camera - doesn't really matter. When using extension tubes, you can (probably) get away with hand-holding but I would suggest using a tripod whenever possible. Macro photography produces notoriously shallow depth of field and trying to hold steady is difficult, at best. That said, I have successfully hand-held with the extension tubes.
Reverse-Mount
For me, this is where the fun really begins and you will definitely want to use a tripod. To use the Macrofier to reverse-mount your lens, the two parts have to be separated. Mount the one end on the camera body, screw the appropriate adapter ring onto the half attached to the camera, screw the lens onto the adapter and, finally, attached the second half of the Macrofier to the back end of the lens. This will allow you to work incredibly close to your subject - depending upon the lens. You can see in the initial image that I am about an inch (or less) from the mushroom which will give you more of an "abstract" image, as shown in the image to the left. Working outside at this magnification can be more than a bit tricky because you are battling the elements. Your depth of field is virtually non-existent and so even the slightest movement will kill the image; it took a while for this mushroom to stop moving despite a nearly imperceivable breeze. I set up a light tent in my studio to do some macro work. You can read more about this session here - Equipment Review: Vello Macrofier for Canon EOS. Working under studio conditions is much easier because you have full control over everything and can take a long as you need to set up and execute a shot.
Final Thoughts
If you have been wanting to get into macro photography and couldn't justify the cost of the macro lens, spend $99.95 and buy a Macrofier. I promise that you will be happy with your decision. I am very happy with the Macrofier and have a lot of work planned for it. The auto-focus works, though it can be difficult at times which is a function of the lens, and the auto-exposure is good, too. It is well-made, solid and ridiculously easy to use. The only "negative" thing I can say is that I am upset that I didn't get one years ago! Yes, I mean that. I have been wanting a true macro lens for quite a while but the price made them a low-priority. I would, still, like to have a true macro lens (or two) some day but for the foreseeable future the Macrofier is all that I need. I have also used some of my older Canon FD lenses - everything is manual but works just as well. I am able to do this because I bought a lens attachment a few years ago that allows me to mount my FD lenses on my EOS Rebel T3i. If you own a Nikon, or other brand, you cannot use the Macrofier as-is; it is only available for Canon EOS line of cameras. If you do own a different brand, you may want to buy a Canon-to-brand X adapter which should allow you to use the Macrofier as a reverse-mount device - you would need two (2) adapters to use it as an extension tube. If you do this, you do so at your own risk - I have not tested this, nor have I found evidence of anyone else doing it. I have no idea if it will work but, in theory, it should.
For More Information & Where To Buy
So, there you have it. If you would like more information on the Vello Macrofier, you can check out their website - click here. While you are there, check out the other accessories that Vello makes, including their "lens adapters" that may allow you to use the Macrofier with your other brand, as described above. You can also check it out, and purchase it, at B&H Photo - click here.UPDATE
After I wrote this review I recorded a YouTube review, at one point demonstrating the Macrofier. I experienced a bit of trouble mounting and removing the device from the camera. I later discovered that a screw was loose and the head was slightly above the service of the mounting plate. I was able to secure it and it seems to be okay. I reported this to the manufacturer and asked if this was a common complaint - the response was that this was the first instance they had heard of. They offered to replace the device with a new one - since I was able to tighten the screw myself I declined, in part because I want to see if it happens again. I believe this to be an isolated incident and it in no way changes my overall opinion or recommendation of the Macrofier. The YouTube review can be seen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-qJJ4Tb0h4&t=1sAll photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
End Notes
- I have not tested this equipment with "macro" lenses and have no first-hand knowledge of their performance with this accessory.
Friday, July 20, 2018
Product Review: Formatt-Hitech Filters (UPDATED - 3 August 2018)
Update
In January 2018 I wrote a post about becoming a Brand Ambassador for Formatt-Hitech filters - I Am a Formatt-Hitech Ambassador! I resigned as a Brand Ambassador in July 2018.
Some background
In July 2017 I contacted Formatt-Hitech to see about getting a filter kit to review on this blog and my YouTube channel. They weren't able to provide me with a kit but did offer to have me as a Brand Ambassador which entitled me to a discount and allowed me to offer discounts to my followers. I purchased my filter set in July 2017 and used the filters, sparingly, over the past year. I am going to write a brief review in the second half of this post. The kit I bought came with .3 to .9 (1 to 3 stop) solid and graduated neutral density filters. I also bought 1.2 (4 stop) solid and graduated filters. The filter holder is aluminum and I bought 2 rings - 67mm and 58mm. The filters I bought are resin filters and not glass, the glass filters are considerably more expensive. As I mentioned, I didn't use them a lot but was happy with most of my results but when I tried to use the 3-stop solid filter I realized I had a second 2-stop filter. This was the case for both solid and graduated. I wrote to the company and the filters were immediately replaced with the proper 3-stop. Their customer service is quite good and they were very responsive - I don't know if this is because I was an Ambassador but I don't think so. Everyone that I have dealt with at the company has been very helpful and friendly.The Review
How I Tested
So, I know all about scientific methodology and controls but I don't have that kind of time. I wanted to put the filters thru their paces in somewhat "real world" conditions, with my main concern being "color cast". Neutral Density filters should be just that - neutral. I wasn't overly concerned with how accurate the "density" was - I wasn't measuring to see if the 1-stop was, indeed, a full stop. I wanted to keep the number of variables to a minimum so I picked a cloudless, windless day and shot under full sun at noon. I taped a white card with the density of the filter onto a piece of white foamcore. The camera was mounted on a tripod and all exposures were at f/16, ISO 100 and "auto" white balance. The only thing that changed from exposure to exposure was the shutter speed. The camera was a Canon EOS Rebel T3i with a Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens @ 95mm. I set to "manual focus" and turned off image stabilization - the image quality was "RAW+L" - I wanted to shoot both RAW and JPEG. The images shown here are the JPEG images and are all "out of the camera" with no post-processing whatsoever.The Test
The idea was to test each filter separately (solid and graduated) and then "stack" them to achieve greater densities. The filter holder has three (3) slots, so that was the maximum number of filters for any given exposure. I started with the 1.2 and worked down to the .3, each a single shot with a single filter. Next, leaving the .3 in the holder, I paired it with each of the other filters - .6, .9 & 1.2. The next step was to test combinations with the .6 and I tested it with the .9 & 1.2, finishing up the initial round of tests with the .9 & 1.2. After running through all of the combinations with the solid filters, it was time to try the soft graduated - I did each separately and then paired them with the corresponding solid filter, ie .9 soft grad with .9 solid. I didn't bother to run thru all of the combinations. The last test I did involved only the .9 filter - I wanted to see if there was a "right way" to put it in the filter. I put it in with the engraving facing the lens and then facing away from the lens - there was no difference in the resulting image.The Results
The results were a mixed bag - some of the filters were truly "neutral" while others were not. The .9 (3-stop) solid filter was the least neutral of them all, in fact, it really wasn't "neutral" at all - there was a distinct magenta cast to the image. This was more pronounced when stacking filters with the .9. This was true of the .9 soft grad, too.The Bottom Line
If you are looking to open up your lens by 1 or 2 stops to get shallower depth of field, you can get by with these filters. The same can be said if you need to tame a sunset (sunrise) sky a bit - 1 or 2 stop soft grad should do well for you. If, however, you want to be able to use the filters for long exposures or need to open up the lens by more than a couple stops - my recommendation is that you look elsewhere.Epilogue
I contacted Formatt-Hitech about my findings and gave them access to the JPEGs - this is when I was told the resin filters are not suited for stacking or exposures greater than one or two seconds. I have done some longer exposures in the past - 15 to 20 seconds - in lower light situations and didn't notice a strong color shift when using a single filter but did notice some when stacking. The factory did offer to put my filters thru tests to determine if they were faulty but the packaging and shipping was to be at my expense. The factory is located in Wales. It seemed a fool's folly after learning about the limitations of the filters; from what I had learned thru our emails, even a 100% flawless filter in this series was not going to produce the desired results. The company does produce a line of glass filters called "Firecrest" - they are quite expensive. I don't know anything about this line, other than what is written on their website but would suggest you look into this line if you are interested in Formatt-Hitech and long exposure photography. As I mentioned earlier, this was an informal test to see how the filters perform in real life. Your results may be radically different than mine and I cannot vouch for how the filters perform under different lighting conditions. I also based my opinions on the "out of the camera" JPEG images. I decided to bring some of the images into Photoshop and use "Auto Tone" to see how the images would look - most of them were acceptable after applying "Auto Tone" but any combination of filters that included the .9 soft grad still had a distinct color cast on the area covered by the graduated ND. I took five of the test images, brought them into Photoshop, made a duplicate layer, applied "Auto Tone" to one layer and left the other "as-is". Using a layer mask, I created a side-by-side composite - the left side of the image is the edited side while the right is "out of camera". You decide which is more suited for you. I tried using "Auto Tone" on the RAW file using Adobe Camera RAW - the results were not as pleasing and would have required much more work to get a pleasing effect. When I finished writing this review, I sent a copy to the company asking them for input. I wanted to make certain that I properly represented what they had told me. I have included their feedback below.from Formatt-Hitech
The following is an excerpt from an email I received after sending them my review:I have attached a screenshot from our website below, you can reach this page yourself using the following link: https://www.formatt-hitechusa.com/neutral-density This section of the Learn area of our website deals specifically with ND’s and their relative uses. Under Popular Uses we state that; 4-6 stop ND filters create a moderate lengthening of exposure time to create a misty effect in moving water. Usually around 1 second. (Unless I have missed it, you have not included in your blog or any earlier emails how long an exposure you were attempting, but as I said in my earlier email, anything up to 2 seconds should be ok, anything over that will give a colour cast). (Authors note – as stated above, the exposure ranged from ¼ to 1/500 sec, well within the 2 seconds mentioned here.) The second thing to notice from this section is, under Choosing a ND; Standard ND are professional quality resin ND filters available between 1-4 stops of ND. Standard NDs don’t block infrared, but they only go up to 4 stops of density, so infrared is not an issue because there is not enough filter factor to overwhelm the digital sensor. With standard NDs, you get a professional quality ND at a really low price. So we do make it quite clear that the resin filters do not block infrared. This would make them unsuitable for long exposure work. (Authors note – while it does, indeed, state that it doesn’t block “infrared”, I had no idea up until now what that meant. I also don’t know the relationship between that and exposure length. It does state that a 4-6 stop ND will give you an exposure “usually around 1 second.” But doesn’t warn against longer exposures.) With that being the case, as the results of your blog are that you are experiencing a “distinct colour cast”, I would appreciate if you could refer to this section of our website (maybe include the link) and advise what length exposures you were trying. With anything over 1 second being beyond the bounds of the recommended use. (Authors note – as stated above, the exposure ranged from ¼ to 1/500 sec, well within the 1 second mentioned in this paragraph.)
UPDATE - 3 August 2018
Formatt-Hitech offered to test the .9 ND filters - both solid and graduated - to see if they may be defective. I was going to send them back but there was some initial confusion and then I decided to sell the set so I decided not to return them for testing. If you are interested in purchasing the filters, leave a message in the comments below with contact information or send me an email at valencia32photo@gmail.com and use the subject line "Formatt-Hitech filters". I can also give you the contact information for the people I was dealing with and you may be able to get the filters tested and replaced, if faulty.
See for yourself
If you are interested in seeing ALL of the images, you may check them out at this location - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jI4YgWncegz-JQ9sW_lbLtxV4fdNOdDR/view?usp=sharing. I don't know how long I will make them available - if this link doesn't work, let me know and I can reactivate it. I can also make the RAW files accessible, upon request.
Monday, August 21, 2017
Product Review: Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack
Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Daypack
On YouTube
I published a video review of the Tamrac Hoodoo 20 on my YouTube channel. In the video I show what I carry, how it fits and discuss it's features. You can check it out here - https://youtu.be/2VW10grRHgAFirst Impression
When I opened the box and took the bag out I was struck by how nice it was. I have often seen images online or in catalogs and the item bore little resemblance in real life but this bag is exactly what is represented on the Tamrac website. The first thing I did was unzip every zipper to see how well they worked and to explore the inner workings of the bag. I have had a Tamrac 3537 shoulder back for about six (6) years and it has served me well, so I know the quality of Tamrac bags. Even so, the more I explored, the more impressed I was with how well made the Hoodoo is. The camera compartment is well-padded and is pre-configured with six (6) spots for gear; it easily held my DSLR body, two lenses, binoculars and digital video camera with space for my 67mm polarizer (in a case) along with my Formatt-Hitech 85mm filter holder and two adapter rings. There is a zipper-pocket on the flap to hold a spare battery, lens cloth, lens brush, media cards and a few odds & ends. Opening the top compartment gives you access to another zipper-pocket and a large, padded pocket in the back of the bag for a laptop or tablet. I used this space to put in a couple notepads that I like to carry with me. You can access the camera compartment through the top by unzipping the top of the camera bag but I'm not sure how often I would do this as it means removing whatever I am carrying in the top. Speaking of which, I have my Formatt-Hitech filters in their carrying case along with my camera raincover, a small, flexible tripod and small First Aid kit. There is an outer zipper-pocket on the top of the bag which is large enough to carry my camera owner's manual, a couple pens, business cards and a small, spiral notepad.
In The Field
I take my camera with me virtually everywhere and using the backpack makes it easy. When I go to and from the car, or other short distances, I don't wear it as a backpack but more like a shoulder bag - just on one shoulder. It is very comfortable and stays on my shoulder rather well. I have had other daypacks where it was a struggle to keep it from slipping off my shoulder but, so far, I have not experienced that with the Hoodoo. The real test came about a week after I got the bag and I took it in the field. Well, technically it was in the woods. I went to one of my favorite hiking spots and hiked one of the "challenging" trails. The trail itself is one mile in length and can be a bit tough to navigate at times, a perfect test. I wanted to see how comfortable the pack was and how well balanced it was on my back. The Hoodoo performed like a champ. I had no trouble getting through some of the tough spots, even though the trail gets a bit narrow and it was so well balanced on my back it was like a natural extension. I stopped along the trail a few times to take the pack off and do some shooting; it was on and off my back effortlessly and it's small footprint meant it was easy to find a place to put it down. Overall, it was quite a successful outing.Pros
- Lightweight
- Customizable
- Comfortable, padded straps and back
- Sternum strap
- Well-built, should stand up to punishment
- Water-resistant
- Loop on top makes it easy to hang from a tripod
Cons
- Lacks external holder for water bottle
- Lacks "D"-rings or other method of attaching things
- Small upper compartment when camera bag is inside
Final Thoughts
The Hoodoo 20 comes in three (3) colors - Ocean (blue), Kiwi (green) and Pumpkin (orange). All three colors are nice and I got mine in kiwi. If you are looking for a reasonably priced (MSRP $131.95), mid-sized photography backpack, the Hoodoo 20 may be just what you are looking for. It is small enough to be used as carry-on luggage for a flight and big enough to carry whatever you may need for most of your photography day trips. It is also rugged enough to stand up to whatever you may throw at it. It is water-resistant not waterproof so you may want to carry protection if you think you may get caught in a storm. Overall I am quite happy with the Hoodoo 20 but it does have a few shortcomings, however minor. The lack of at least one water holder and "D"-rings are two things I noticed immediately. When I am out hiking I don't want to have to carry anything in my hands but these are just minor inconveniences. The upper compartment, with camera bag in place, is not isolated from the bottom and so some things may slide down along the walls of the pack while walking. This happened while I was in the field testing, it wasn't a major problem, just an inconvenience. To combat this, I took an old cereal box and cut it to fit, making a small tray with sides that fit inside the compartment.Manufacturers Specifications
Note: The specifications listed below were taken from the manufacturers website and are accurate as-of the writing of this review. They have not been independently verified by the reviewer- External Dimensions - 11.5 x 16.5 x 6 in (29.5 x 43 x 15.5 cm)
- Internal Dimensions - 11 x 16.5 x 5.5 in (29 x 42.5 x 15 cm)
- Weight - 2.8 lbs (1.3 kg)
- 2x PU coating
- Optimized lightweight foams
- YKK® zippers
- Waxed canvas and ripstop fabrics
- Absolutely NO PVC
For More Information or To Buy
- Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Tamrac - click here
- Tamrac Hoodoo 20 kiwi @ Amazon - Tamrac Hoodoo 20 Camera Backpack (Kiwi)
All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Product Review: MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod
MeFOTO RoadTrip tripod
On YouTube
I published a video review of the MeFOTO RoadTrip on my YouTube channel. In the video I demonstrate using the tripod and discuss it's features. You can check it out here - https://youtu.be/LoCVEsTgsncFirst Impression
I recently received a MeFOTO RoadTrip Aluminum tripod - orange - and took it out in the field to try it out. My first impression when I opened the box and took it out from the carry case was very positive. The tripod folds up to a nice, compact size (15.4 in / 39.1 cm) making it easy to carry and the legs quickly fold back into place when you are ready to shoot. It weights in at 3.6 pounds (1.6 kilos) and can hold up to 17.6 pounds (8 kilos). The tripod comes with a dual action ballhead with Arca-Swiss style quick release plate. I have both the standard "black" release plate and an "orange" plate to match the tripod. The ballhead moved smoothly and stayed put when locked down. The addition of a bubble level in the head was a nice bonus. There is a spring-loaded hook at the bottom of the center column that can be used to hang some weight for added stability.
In The Field
I decided to head out to one of my favorite locations for my first tests - the Visitor Center at Monmouth Battlefield State Park. I wanted to shoot a variety of images, including low-angle, fully extended, and panorama. I shot mainly with my Canon EF-S 18-135mm but also brought my old Sigma 400mm f/5.6 to see how the tripod - especially the head - stood up to it.
Pros
- It's orange!
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Very solid
- Easy to use
- Converts to monopod
- Hook on center column
- Center column reverses for low-angle photography
Cons
- The bubble level is on the head, not the body of the tripod. It isn't helpful if the platform is set vertically
- The level is also all white and rather small, making it difficult to see well
- Using the "spiked" feet requires removing rubber and installing spike - could be easier
- Registration marks aren't easy to use in "portrait"
Final Thoughts
Overall, I really can't say enough good things about this tripod. It does everything it is expected to do and it exceeded my expectations. I tend to be a bit leery of things that are somewhat "non-traditional", such as flashy colors. I find many times that the color, or whatever the "hook" is, turns out to be the best part of the product. That isn't the case with the MeFOTO RoadTrip - it delivers on all of it's promises and does so while giving you a little bit of flash. While I was running through my tests I got a few looks from passers-by and one even stopped to ask about the tripod. I haven't had a chance to do any extreme long exposures but have a few in mind and don't expect any trouble. The bubble level is a nice idea but I don't think it is particularly useful in it's current configuration. It might be better if it were yellow or green and a bit larger. It truly was difficult for me to see. It might also be a good idea to move the registration marks to a collar separate from the head and have a mark on the head. The bottom line is that I highly recommend this tripod to anyone looking for a "go-to" travel tripod. The MSRP for the RoadTrip Aluminum is $199 and the RoadTrip Carbon Fiber is $349. You can pay a whole lot more buying someone else's tripod or you can buy a MeFOTO and use the rest of the money for some filters or other accessories.Manufacturers Specifications
Note: The specifications listed below were taken from the manufacturers website and are accurate as-of the writing of this review. They have not been independently verified by the reviewer| ALUMINUM | CARBON FIBER | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Load | 17.6 lb | 17.6 lb |
| Max Height w/Column Extended | 61.6" | 61.6" |
| Max Height w/Column Retracted | 53.1" | 53.1" |
| Minimum Height | 15.4" | 15.4" |
| Folded Length | 15.4" | 15.4" |
| Max Height Converted to Monopod | 64" | 64" |
| Number of Leg Sections | 5 | 5 |
| Leg Lock Type | Twist Lock | Twist Lock |
| Center Column | Yes. Attaches to leg section to convert to full size monopod | Yes. Attaches to leg section to convert to full size monopod. |
| Tilt Range | -45° / +90° | -45° / +90° |
| Drag Control | Yes | Yes |
| Spiked Feet | Yes | Yes |
| Panning Range | 360° | 360° |
| Separate Panning Lock | Yes | Yes |
| Quick Release (QR) Plate | Arca-Swiss Style (PU50) | Arca-Swiss Style (PU50) |
| Bubble Level | Yes | Yes |
| Head Mount Thread Size | 3/8"-16 | 3/8"-16 |
| Weight | 3.6 lb | 3.1 lb |
For More Information or to Buy
- MeFOTO website - http://www.mefoto.com/
- MeFOTO RoadTrip tripods @ Amazon - MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Travel Tripod/Monopod Kit - Green (A1350Q1G)
All photos are copyright Joseph S. Valencia All Rights Reserved They may not be used in any way without express written permission of the photographer. If you wish to use any of the photos you may contact the photographer at valencia32photo@gmail.com
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