Great summary, Ken. Thanks. You've probably also used the
Stroboframe system, which I currently use, and like most everything
about except its tendency to flop to 45 degrees in landscape and
consequent need to use the handle. It's also even larger in
dimension than the RRS unit looks. Do you think the RRS one is a big
improvement over the Stroboframe? I mean barring the obvious, like
the ability to mount two flashes. At minimum 4 times the cost, it
would have to be a pretty substantial improvement!
Ken
At 01:22 PM 5/3/2006, you wrote:
I have that setup in both the B87 and B85 versions and it is really
nice in terms of flipping the camera, but it's not all sweetness and light.
PRO's:
- Flips the orientation quickly with positive lock
- Can handle two flashes or (e.g.) a flash and a radio slave on the
same bracket (with an extra-cost second mounting adapter)
- Versatile. Accommodates just about any gear combo you have in
terms of bodies, lenses, portable flash, and slaves -- IF you buy
enough extra-cost plates, brackets, adapters, etc. Works especially
well with telephoto lenses with tripod collars (with an extra RRS plate).
- Works very well with Canon EX and Quantum T4/T5 flash units and many others
- Of course works well with the rest of the RRS system components
- Top quality, 100% reliable, solid machined metal, indestructible
lifetime merchandise
CON'S:
- Quite expensive to start with, and can get REALLY RIGHT expensive
if you keep adding little pieces you either didn't realize you
needed or decided later it would be nice to have
- Makes your rig quite a bit heavier, and, especially, quite a bit bigger
- Sometimes annoying to keep screwing and unscrewing various pieces together
- Flash mounting adapter may block AF-assist light on some shoe
cords (like Quantum D13W--not a problem with Canon gear)
- Potato-masher flash guns like the Metz 70MZ-5 have to lay on their
side and need yet another special adapter
It's superbly well-crafted stuff, and, once you're set up, a pleasure to use.
Unfortunately, this is something you should look at up close before
you buy, but I'm not sure how available it is in stores. I've bought
all mine online. I think they have a liberal return policy, I've
never returned anything though.
--Ken S.
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