Advanced Photographer 38 - Must-have gadgets

Advertisement feature

christmas

gift guide We review the latest photography gadgets and accessories to hit the shelves this winter

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:11:52

Accessories

must-have gadgets

must-hAve gAdgets We all love gadgets and there are certainly plenty of them in the world of photography. Let’s look at some of the latest stuff to reach the dealers’ shelves

Peer into any photographer’s gadget bag and you will see stuff. It might be simple stuff like a microfibre lens cloth or a skylight filter, but it might be something a tad more advanced like a flashgun. Basically, while there are a few photographers who eschew gadgets, most of us like to explore the opportunities on offer – and with Christmas on the horizon perhaps it’s a good excuse to treat yourself to something nice.

An accessory can just make your photographic life easier, but it can also open up new creative avenues for exploration. That’s certainly the case with several of the items on offer here. The Lencarta Atom, the Westcott Ice Light and the two 6EV neutral density filters certainly qualify in this regard.

The Westcott Ice Light has proved very successful but it seems also to have divided opinion. To some, it’s an expensive, very capable torch, to others

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

it’s an essential light source that can let you take pictures different from the norm.

It’s definitely worth a look if you enjoy portrait work and perhaps do weddings, on occasion, too. If you do shoot weddings the £400 asking price will quickly be recouped if you learn to exploit the Ice Light’s massive potential. The same might be said of the Lencarta Atom. This very powerful manual flashgun with separate power pack is perfect for location shooting and there’s a range of accessories and modifiers that make the most of that potential. It’s ideal for remote use, with its integral two mode flash sensitive slave.

If you’re not a people photographer, then check out the two 6EV filters, from B+W and Hitech Formatt. Shooting long exposures is very much in fashion and the results with the right subject and lighting can look amazing, and the 6EV ND is a handy halfway step towards the 10EV ND filters that are much-used today.

Our other items are perhaps less compelling from a creative perspective but have potential nonetheless. The new Manfrotto 190, available in four different options, offers low-level shooting or a straight-down camera viewpoint with ease, the Epson XP-950 offers A3 printing in a unit with a tiny footprint, while the Metz BL-400 mains flash kit is a compact location outfit at a nice price.

Perhaps the odd one out is the Lexar Workflow unit, which is basically a modular USB 3.0 card reader. Although it won’t enhance your photographic skills, it might make managing images easier. It’s the first unit of its type so it’s interesting from that perspective too.

Of course, our selection of accessories barely tickles the huge number of them out there, but we hope our reviews at least get you thinking about what to treat yourself to next. Spend wisely and your photography will be sure to benefit.

Issue 38 advanced photographer 85

Accessories 6EV ND filtErs

6EV ND filters Shooting long exposures gives brilliant effects.

Here we test two leading 6EV ND filters WordS Will ChEUNG

Extreme long-exposure photography can give wonderful effects but often you need help to obtain the lengthy shutter speeds necessary. The Lee Filters 10EV Big Stopper is probably the best-known filter of this type but there are plenty of other brands available including B+W and Hitech Formatt.

A 10-stop neutral density filter (ND) can sometimes be too much, giving shutter speeds that are too long, and sometimes a less powerful ND is needed. That’s where these two 6-stop NDs from B+W and Formatt enter the picture. With a filter factor of 64x, fitting a 6-stop ND means that a 1/60sec exposure becomes 1sec – compared with 16secs with a 10EV ND. On a practical level, while composing and viewing an image must be done before a 10-stop ND is fitted, in bright light you can see through a 6EV ND to compose and focus. This is not ideal but it’s just about possible – when the sun is out.

It’s worth pointing out that we use the terms ND or neutral density for brevity.

Extreme long-exposure filters are not truly neutral and you need to be aware of this and prepared to do some work in post-production or fine-tune the camera’s white-balance performance.

B+W 106M 1.8 64X ND MRC B+W is a long-established filter maker founded in Germany in 1947, merging with Schneider in 1985. It was the world’s first filter brand to offer water- and dirtrepelling Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) and only the best materials are used.

Many B+W filters are available in MRC and non-MRC versions. In previous filters’ tests the MRC has shown itself to be

B+W 106M 1.8 64X nd Mrc Street price £154 (77mm screw fit), non-MrC versions £105 contact www.schneideroptics.com availaBility 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm Filter factor 64x, 1.8 optical density MaterialS Glass filter and brass filter mount FeatureS Multi-resistant Coating (MrC) that is dust- and water-repellant, ir Blocking, filter 486 is placed in front of the ND glass

86 advanced photographer issUE 38

incredibly effective at repelling dust and water. That performance comes at a price premium – the non-MRC, single-coated version of this filter is in the shops at £105, the MRC option costs nearly £50 extra.

In our test the B+W performed well although the results had a pronounced warm cast. This wasn’t off-putting and often enhanced the scene, but if you don’t like it, the Raw file is quickly corrected in post-production.

With a filter-off, filter-on test on a tripod-mounted camera in consistent light, the 6EV ND rating was just about spot on. With both filters here I tried aperture-priority autoexposure and the results were fine.

Hitech Formatt ProStop IRND 6 The ProStop series is available in square/ rectangular slip-in form and screw-in sizes. Check availability and price of what you need on Formatt’s website.

Earlier Formatt extreme NDs could suffer from infrared pollution but the company has clearly looked at this aspect and worked hard to avoid any such issues.

The filter is made from optical resin so it feels light, but also has the plus point of being very tough. I did drop it once onto a stony path and it bounced into the wet grass. A quick wipe down revealed no harm had come to the filter.

As opposed to the B+W, the Formatt gives slightly cool results – although not as cool as a Lee Filters Big Stopper is known to give. I left the camera in AWB and in sunlight the results were marginally blue.

Of course, the Raw file is easily corrected so not a problem. The 64x filter factor is almost spot on.

B+W 106M 1.8 64X ND MRC

hitech ForMatt proStop irnd 6 Street price £101.82 (100x100mm resin) contact www.formatt-hitech.com availaBility 67x67mm resin, 85x85mm resin, 150x150mm resin, 165x165 resin, wide range of screw size Filter Factor 64x, 1.8 optical density Material Optical resin with refraction index nearly identical to optical glass FeatureS Claims to be world’s most neutral ND; infrared blocking, light gasket seal, high scratch resistance, chamfered edges to resist breakage

HiteCH FoRMatt PRoStoP iRND 6

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Accessories

6EV ND filtErs

leFt Both filters had positive results in our tests, with the only aspect that differed massively between being the colour casts. Both rate highly in our books, but the price difference of £50 may be a deal-breaker for you.

the verdIct i have to say, both filters acquitted themselves very well and will certainly deliver fine results with no problem at all. Which one you go for will probably be influenced by price and whether your preference is for a slip-in or screw-in filter – the formatt is available in both types. screw-in filters may have the advantage in the much longer term because there is no light-fast foam gasket to worry about. the two filters were accurate in terms of six stops of light absorption and both have slight colour issues – the B+W is warm and the formatt is cool – but nothing beyond the pale and easily remedied in post-production. in sum, you won’t go wrong whichever you choose, so buy one and try long exposures.

B+W 106m 1.8 64X nd mrc Features

25/25

handlIng

23/25

perFormance

24/25

value For money

21/25

MrC, brass mount, high-quality glass screw-in filters can be fiddly

No problems at all apart from the warmth the MrC version is pricey

OVERALL

93/100

A once in a lifetime investment so worth it pros MrC, brass mount, screw-in is quick and no future worries with respect to light leaks cons Gives slightly warm results, cost

Formatt prostop Irnd 6 Features

25/25

handlIng

23/25

perFormance

24/25

value For money

23/25

infrared blocking and claims to be neutral

Just make sure the filter is correctly positioned No problems apart from the slight coolness Attractively priced

OVERALL

95/100

Nice price and fine performance pros tough, wide range of sizes, price cons slightly cool results

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

issUE 38 advanced photographer 87

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:12:51

Accessories

Lencarta atom

Lencarta Atom 180 Power, portability, intuitive handling and versatility are the key selling points of the Atom range. In this test, we try the Atom 180 wordS WILL cHeUnG

Lencarta is making a big name for itself in lighting circles by offering highly specified, great quality kit at attractive prices. We tested a SuperFast mains flash kit in Issue 32. We loved its brief flash duration, thanks to IGBT technology; having mains flash as brief as 1/20,000sec opens up all sorts of action photography potential. The Lencarta Atom portable flash system also uses IGBT technology, giving flash durations as brief as 1/10,000sec. There are two models in the Atom range, both powered by a separate power pack. The Atom 180 on test here has an output of 180 watt/seconds.

Unlike a typical modern hotshoe-fitting flashgun, the Atom is manual output only, from full power down to 1/128th power.

Its IGBT circuitry means that when you’re using lower power outputs, the light’s colour temperature stays consistent.

The gun itself is much bigger and heavier than something like a Nikon SB-910 or Canon 430EX II. With its size, manual output and choice of light modifiers, the Atom is more at home used off-camera on a lighting stand with a coldshoe adaptor – included in the kit.

The Atom flashgun has no on-board power source so you need the separate Atom rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. Two power output sockets mean you can link two Atom units to one battery without affecting recycling speed.

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

the verdIct the Lencarta atom will not be everyone’s cup of tea. there’s no automation, not even auto setting of the right sync speed, so it’s not a competitor for dedicated flash units. But for £350 you get a one-head battery powered flash that offers output comparable to an entry-level mains flash in a portable form and its IGBt circuitry means you get consistent colour temperature even at the lowest power settings and very short flash durations. the atom system is another fine product from Lencarta. Highly recommended.

how It rateS FeatureS

23/25

perFormance

24/25

handLIng

23/25

vaLue For money

22/25

Plenty of power, manual output only and IGBt circuitry for short flash durations Impressive all-round flash skills

IMAGES The Atom really comes into its own offcamera on a lighting stand and, impressively, you can link two units to one battery.

This battery pack is available on its own and with the appropriate lead it can also be used to power Canon, Nikon and Sony flashguns as well as recharge iPads, iPhones and any other accessory with a USB connector.

In use, there is the option of choosing the manual mode with your chosen output with the flashgun on the camera’s hotshoe or synced with a radio trigger. The Atom also has two slave modes that work when flash from another unit is detected. In S1 the Atom fires instantly, in S2 it ignores the first from a master gun and fires on the second main flash. For multiple flash shots, a stroboscopic mode is available, but you can’t use it on full or half power.

Probably the most interesting setting on the system is high-sync triggering mode. You need a trigger that allows highspeed sync (and it’s not available with the flash on the hotshoe).

I tested output using a Polaris flash meter. At one metre, ISO 100 and with its standard reflector, I got an aperture reading of f/42.2 so that’s a GN of 42. The claimed GN is 60 so our test showed the Atom was slightly down, by around 1EV, which is nothing in the world of flash GNs – they are determined in lab conditions.

Readings were taken at key power settings, ie. half, quarter, eighth and so on.

Output dropped in almost perfect relation to full power. The only exception was the difference between 1/64th and 1/128th power, where the difference was just over 0.5EV, not 1EV. All in all, an impressive showing, demonstrating that there’s plenty of power and creative potential on tap.

It’s a big unit for on-camera use but otherwise handling rates highly a head and battery kit for £350 is good value

OVERALL

92/100

Portability, ease of use and power make for a potent combination proS Power, range of modifiers, shooting capacity, consistent colour at different settings conS Size may be an issue for on-camera use

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIceS atom 180 kit £350, 180 head only £285 what’S In the box Head, flash tube, standard reflector, power pack, charger, soft bag, power pack to flash lead, two stands optIonaL extraS atom power pack with battery £125, USB radio trigger set £70, beauty dish with honeycomb grid £50, Str-1 speedlight to S-fit adaptor £23 contact www.lencarta.com guIde number 60 (ISo 100/metres) maxImum power 180W/s coverage to suit a 28mm lens with the standard reflector power SuppLy atom battery pack recycLIng tIme 0.05sec-2.6secs with atom pack FLaSh duratIon 1/800sec-1/10,000sec output controL Full power to 1/128th power in 1/3eV steps FeatureS Focus-assist beam FLaSh modeS manual, two slave modes, high-speed sync triggering, user selectable stroboscopic flash output coLour temperature 5600K ±200K over entire power range, overheat protection function, audible recharge beep weIght 2.04kg (complete 180 kit)

ISSUe 38 advanced photographer 89

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:14:45

Accessories

Epson ExprEssion photo xp-950

the verdIct

Epson Expression Photo XP-950

Epson has combined the convenience of consumer all-in-one printers with A3 photo printing. It could be the solution if you’re in two minds

it’s important to remember the limitations of the xp-950 – the ink system is ultimately the same as the consumer A4 all-in-ones, so it’s no substitute for more advanced, dedicated photo printers capable of A3 prints, such as the Epson r3000. nevertheless, prints are excellent quality, and the convenience of the multiple functions means you can get great results from a printer that will serve the rest of the household and that doesn’t take up much more space than a typical A4 model. there are considerable cost advantages too – to give you an idea, the xp-950 is £200 less than the r3000, and a set of inks is £130 less. All in all, if you’re looking for a good-quality A3 photo printer but are not ready to take the plunge with a professional-quality A3+ model, then the xp-950 is an ideal home solution.

wordS iAn fyfE

Until now, Epson has made you choose between a multifunctional printer and A3 photo printing. The XP-950 has resolved this dilemma and combined the convenience of an all-in-one home printer with the ability to print photos worthy of hanging on the wall. What’s more, this is packed into a unit little bigger than an A4 all-in-one – perfect for a home office.

The design of the XP-950 includes a host of neat features that make it exceptionally user friendly. On the front panel is a touch screen that’s responsive and intuitive to use, and behind it is a collection tray that extends automatically to hold prints as they come out, even if you print remotely. Two trays allow A4 paper and smaller photo media to be loaded simultaneously, and there’s a rear feeder for A3 and thicker media.

Wi-Fi connectivity opens all sorts of doors for wireless and remote printing.

One of the highlights of this for me is Wi-Fi Direct – in this mode, the printer itself becomes a Wi-Fi hot spot to which you can connect your computer or other Wi-Fi enabled devices without the need for a network. Also excellent is i-Print, which allows direct printing of files on your mobile device or on cloud storage, and the app gives you full control over the print settings. Other remote printing options include email printing and compatibility with third-party services such as Google Cloud Print and Apple Air Print.

Although the XP-950 benefits from A3 printing, its ink system is less advanced than those in Epson’s professional A3+

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

printers such as the R3000. The XP-950 uses six dye-based Claria Photographic inks; in contrast, the R3000 uses nine pigment-based Ultrachrome K3 inks.

As well as vivid magenta inks, the more advanced set includes four blacks; the XP-950 uses just one.

Inevitably, this has an impact on overall print quality, but that’s not to say that the XP-950 puts in a bad performance – far from it, in fact. Colour images printed on Epson’s Premium Glossy Inkjet paper are punchy and vibrant, matching calibrated on-screen images almost perfectly. Detail levels are also excellent, subtle colour gradations are smooth, and blacks are deep. Operation is also exceptionally quiet.

When printing direct from memory cards or USB sticks, from wireless devices, or from Epson’s own software, colour management is left entirely up to the printer, and it does a good job. If printing from Photoshop, you can manage the colours from the software, but I tried both colour management techniques from Photoshop CS3 and found it was generally best to leave it to the printer – results in this case were brighter with more detail, and colours were more accurate.

In any printing situation, you have the option of altering the print quality. I tried both Standard and Best, and there was a noticeable difference in colour – at Standard quality, there was a magenta cast, most noticeable in monochrome images, but also affecting colour images. Using Best quality put this right, and colour images at this quality were also richer.

how It rateS FeatureS

24/25

handLIng

24/25

perFormance

24/25

vaLue For money

24/25

Excellent combination of home office and photo printer Very simple to use Great print quality with minimal effort All things considered, a bargain

OVERALL

96/100

Excellent home printing solution proS Compact, print quality, price conS Consumer inks

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIce £299 contact www.epson.co.uk prInt reSoLutIon 5760x1440dpi prInt Speed 11secs per 10x15cm photo InkS Epson Claria photo hD ink (light magenta, magenta, yellow, light cyan, cyan, black) paper FormatS A3, A4, A5, A6, B5, Letter, 10x15cm, 13x18cm, 16:9, envelopes (C6, DL, no. 10), legal, user defined externaL devIce compatIbILIty sDxC, sDhC, sD, Memory stick pro-hG Duo, Memory stick pro Duo, Memory stick Duo, MagicGate Memory stick Duo, MinisDhC, MinisD, MicrosDxC, MicrosDhC, MicrosD, Memory stick Micro M2 dImenSIonS (wxhxd) 79x148x356mm weIght 8.8kg

issUE 38 advanced photographer 91

Advertisement feature Giotto’s

‘Y’ so special?

Combining a space-saving ‘Y’ shaped centre column design with the strength of a traditional tripod, the Giotto’s YTL series could be the tripod to suit every photographer

L

ike bread and butter, cheese and crackers and coffee and cream, there are just some things in life that were meant to be together, and cameras and tripods are no exception to this rule.

There’s no denying that the tripod is a fundamental piece of equipment for any photographer; whether you’re seeking to capture creative long exposures or simply trying to eliminate any chance of camera shake ruining your shots, there truly is no substitute for your three-legged friend.

With a plethora of tripods on the market ranging in various shapes, sizes and designs, it’s easy to make the mistake of purchasing a cheap tripod, which is made attractive by its low price tag but is made from inferior materials and simply won’t provide the all-important stability that’s required of it. The only true way to ensure that you’re buying a quality product is to invest in a brand that has stood the test of time and proven itself to be an innovative tripod manufacturer.

Giotto’s Silk Road Series Giotto’s Industrial Inc was founded in 1988 and specialises in the design and manufacture of premium quality tripods, heads and accessories. Its latest Silk Road series of YTL tripods replaces the company’s previous MTL range, and features a unique ‘Y-tube’ shaped centre column design, which when folded up enables the legs to lay flush against the body of the tripod, reducing its size by

30 per cent when compared to ‘regular’ tripods of a similar size. This means not only is the overall weight of the tripod reduced, but it’s also able to pack down to a more portable size, making it overall much less of a burden to carry than ‘traditional’ tripod designs. This is particularly good news for landscape and outdoor photographers who may need to transport their equipment for extended periods of time. What’s more, although the overall weight and size has been decreased, there has been no sacrifice in stability or weight capacity, meaning that the YTL range of tripods is able to match the strength of the previous MTL range, supporting up to as much as 5kg, 8kg or 10kg of camera equipment depending on the model.

There are a total of 12 variations of tripod within the YTL range, all of which come with a five-year warranty as standard and feature a variety of characteristics to suit almost all types of photography. There’s the choice between aluminium and carbon fibre construction, a 3D or vertical centre column, as well as a range of maximum heights spanning from 166cm to 194cm, and the choice between three and four foldable leg sections. In addition, each tripod features graduated leg markings, quick easy lever leg locks, three leg angle adjustment positions, a built-in spirit level and 3/8 to 1/4-inch tripod threads to fit a variety of heads. For more information on the models in the range see the specifications right.

Limited edition YTL kits This Christmas, Giotto’s is offering two special edition YTL kits, featuring the award-winning YTL series of tripods. Included in this offer are the YTL9254-5011N Aluminium (£129) and the YTL8254-5011N Carbon Fibre (£199) kits. Both kitted tripods feature four extendable leg sections with lever leg locks, are able to support a maximum weight of up to 4kg and come bundled with a three-way tripod head. Both tripod kits are available from photographic retailers including Jessops, WEX and Park Cameras.

92 advanced photographer ISSUE 38

ABoVE this cross-section shows the Y at the centre, with the legs folded flush, reducing the tripod’s size by 30 per cent.

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Giotto’s

Advertisement feature

YtL9253 & YtL8253 MateriaL Aluminium (YTL9253) or carbon fibre (YTL8253) coLuMn tYpe Vertical column FoLded height 59cm Min height 15cm Max height without centre coLuMn 135cm Max height with centre coLuMn 166cm weight 1.38kg (aluminium)/1.12kg (carbon firbre) Load capacitY 5kg Leg sections 3

What do the codes mean?

MateriaL coLuMn Aluminium (9) 2-way (2) Carbon fibre (8) 3D (3)

weight 5kg (5) 8kg (8) 10kg (1)

Leg sections 3 4

YtL

9

2

5

3

YtL

8

3

8

4

YtL

9

2

1

3

YtL9353 & YtL8353 MateriaL Aluminium (YTL9213) or carbon fibre (YTL8513) coLuMn tYpe 3D column FoLded height 63cm Min height 19cm Max height without centre coLuMn 139cm Max height with centre coLuMn 171cm weight 1.55kg (aluminium)/1.29kg (carbon fibre) Load capacitY 5kg Leg sections 3 YtL8354 MateriaL Carbon fibre coLuMn tYpe 3D column FoLded height 54cm Min height 17cm Max height without centre coLuMn 138cm Max height with centre coLuMn 171cm weight 1.38kg Load capacitY 5kg Leg sections 4 YtL9283 & YtL8283 MateriaL Aluminium (YTL92583) or carbon fibre (YTL8283) coLuMn tYpe Vertical column FoLded height 63cm Min height 15cm Max height without centre coLuMn 146cm Max height with centre coLuMn 177cm weight 1.68kg (aluminium)/1.37kg (carbon fibre) Load capacitY 8kg Leg sections 3 YtL9383 &YtL8383 MateriaL Aluminium (YTL9213) or carbon fibre (YTL8513) coLuMn tYpe 3D column FoLded height 68cm Min height 20cm Max height without centre coLuMn 151cm Max height with centre coLuMn 183cm weight 1.88kg (aluminium)/1.56kg (carbon fibre) Load capacitY 8kg Leg sections 3 YtL8384 MateriaL Carbon fibre coLuMn tYpe 3D column FoLded height 58cm Min height 18cm Max height without centre coLuMn 150cm Max height with centre coLuMn 182cm weight 1.66kg Load capacitY 8kg Leg sections 4

www.giottos-tripods.co.uk

YtL9213 & YtL8213 MateriaL Aluminium (YTL9213) or carbon fibre (YTL8513) coLuMn tYpe Vertical column FoLded height 69cm Min height 15cm Max height without centre coLuMn 163cm Max height with centre coLuMn 194cm weight 2.08kg (aluminium)/1.37kg (carbon fibre) Load capacitY 10kg Leg sections 3

ISSUE 36 advanced photographer 93

Accessories

manfrotto 190 series

Manfrotto 190 series Manfrotto’s most popular tripod has already stood the test of time, but the latest updates make it faster and easier to use wordS ian fYfe

With versatility that makes them great one-for-all tripods, Manfrotto’s 190 series of ’pods is its most popular range, and according to the company, the latest generation sets a new benchmark. It includes aluminium and carbon fibre models, each available with three or four leg sections. It’s the ergonomics that have been refreshed, with features designed to make the 190 easier and quicker to use.

The biggest innovation is the Quick Power Locks on the legs. These work by the same principle as any other lever locks on tripod legs, but their shape has been designed to let you grab all the locks on one leg and release them at the same time for faster set-up. It does the job well, although with the three locks of the four-section models, the comfort of doing this might depend on the size of your hands – in this case, bigger will be better. In any case, even if you choose to use the locks individually, they’re a lot more comfortable to use than most of this type, and snap shut strongly without being stiff to open or close. The locks can also be tightened if and when they work loose, although no tools are included in the box for this.

Also redesigned is the housing for the 90° centre column mechanism, although the principle remains the same.

By pushing on the button found on the bottom end of the column, you can bring the column up through the top bracket into a ball-and-socket housing that lets you tilt the column 90°. Manfrotto says this is a ‘one finger action’, but you do need to involve your other hand so that you don’t trap your finger in the housing as the column tilts on its own. It’s simple, very clever and quickly gives you the option of shooting straight down – perfect for copying images and still lifes.

As you’d expect, all the new 190 series tripods are sturdy and accept maximum loads of 7kg 94 advanced photographer issUe 38

The latest generation of 190 ’pods feature Quick Power Locks – think of them as ‘grab and go’ gadgets to help you set up quicker. On show here is the £360 MT190CXPRO4.

With the centre column at 90°, you can get the tripod extremely low by splaying the legs right out. Combine this with the horizontal centre column position, and you can get your camera pretty much down to the ground. The mounting plate is obviously at right angles to its normal position in this arrangement, so if you want to use the camera in landscape orientation, then you’ll need a head that can swivel far enough, or an L-bracket to mount the camera in what would normally be portrait orientation. There are two intermediate leg angles, making four in total, and the redesigned leg angle selectors make adjustments comfortable with no risk of trapping your finger.

One added extra on the new 190 series is an Easy Link Plug for connection of Manfrotto accessories such as LED panels and reflectors – ideal for macro work when you might need an extra hand.

As you’d expect from Manfrotto, all the new 190 series tripods are sturdy and will accept a maximum load of 7kg. Just make sure you use a head of similar ability – our prices are quoted for the legs only.

You have the option of four-or threesection legs. The former is more compact while the latter is quicker to set up and cheaper. The carbon fibre pods are lighter than their aluminium counterparts, but that comes at a £160 premium.

the verdIct You know with manfrotto that you won’t go wrong when it comes to performance, and the 190 series is one of its most reliable. the updates have done nothing to change this, and have introduced some nifty improvements in handling – the Quick Power Locks are the most obvious, and do make it more comfortable. if you already have a manfrotto 190 series tripod, the improvements probably aren’t sufficient for you to shell out again, but if you’re a first-time buyer, then the new 190 series has to be on your shortlist.

how It rateS FeatureS

24/25

handLIng

23/25

perFormance

24/25

vaLue For money

23/25

excellent versatility new locks add comfort as solid as ever

Costly, but will last many years

OVERALL

94/100

a good, worthwhile update to a classic proS 90° centre column, leg locks, low minimum height, stability, good looks conS expensive if you want carbon fibre

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIceS mt190XPro3 £185 to mt190CXPro4 £360 contact www.manfrotto.co.uk weIght 1.6-2.1kg mIn/maX heIght 8-9cm/160cm (no head) cLoSed Length 49-61cm (no head)

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Accessories

westcott ice light

Westcott Ice Light

LEDs have totally transformed the world of continuous light and now getting daylightquality light artificially is easier than ever before. We try the big selling Ice Light wordS & pIctureS James Farley

I’ve come very close several times to hitting the ‘buy’ button and going for the Ice Light but haven’t. Yet. It has been around a while now and its designer, the renowned wedding photographer Jerry Ghionis in conjunction with Westcott, has achieved some very good results with it.

The Ice Light comes well packaged, with electrical adaptors for most countries and a well-made carry case. Although it’s well constructed, it’s expensive and I’d be cautious about it getting knocked about so the case is welcome.

The LED panel takes up approximately two thirds of the length; power and brightness adjustment buttons are just below, and a single LED indicates battery level. This could definitely be improved; it’s green for a decent charge and orange for low power, and that’s it.

Metal caps top the ends and each has a standard female screw mount to attach to light stands. The Ice Light is pretty lightweight so it’s easy enough to shoot for short periods holding it in one hand and camera in the other. Better still, get a friend to play assistant – you can see the effect and make changes immediately.

The Ice Light is daylight balanced, giving no noticeable colour shift as is often found with cheaper LED lights, so you can use the sunlight setting on your DSLR. Lightweight and well made, the Ice Light is daylight balanced and offers a 6EV lighting range.

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Auto white-balance works too unless there’s mixed lighting in the scene.

Light quality is flicker-free, very soft and diffused, quoted at a 72° spread, going from barely lit at one end of the power scale, right up to very bright at the other.

It’s no match for a pro quality flashgun, but indoors or outdoors when it’s cloudy the Ice Light can come in very useful. I also found it very handy for macro.

The unit takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge from flat, and then gives between one and two hours’ shooting time depending on the brightness. The battery is sealed inside so if you use it on a day’s shoot, go cautiously or invest in the optional £150 Light Power Pack battery. If there’s a mains supply, you can plug in the charger and run the light off the mains.

When selecting the brightness, there is no indication of the power level selected, and the Ice Light won’t remember previous settings when turned off and on so replicating the set-up between shots comes down to guesswork (or notes).

To assess light output, I used the Ice Light on a subject at one and two metres distance taking light meter readings on a Nikon D800. With f/5.6 and ISO 400, at one metre distance, at full power I got 1/30sec, at mid power this increased to 1/20sec and at minimum power it dropped to two seconds. In other words there was a 6EV lighting range from full to minimum power. At two metres, full power gave a shutter speed of 1/8sec at f/5.6.

Now to the price. At £400, to some, wedding photographers for example, the Ice Light would pay for itself in no time.

It’s easy to use, gives fantastic results and delivers daylight quality light when there is none of the natural stuff available.

the verdIct Very nicely made continuous light, the ice light handles well and delivers a lovely light.

Personally, great though it is to use, i can’t justify the £400 it retails for. however, should westcott bring out a cheaper version with a replaceable battery, i will be first in the queue.

how It rateS FeatureS

23/25

perFormance

22/25

handLIng

23/25

vaLue For money

19/25

Daylight quality light, 50,000 hour leDs, dimmable, lithium-ion battery

Beautiful soft, daylight balanced light, with good range of power output

lightweight, well made, easy to operate, can be mounted on a lighting stand expensive for what it is

OVERALL

87/100

ideal for some and money well spent, but the price will put others off proS Daylight quality output, controllable conS Price, fixed battery

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIce £400 contact www.icelightled.com coLour temperature 5200-5400K output 150w dImenSIonS 52x4.4cm weIght 580g

issUe 38 advanced photographer 95

Advertisement feature Lowepro

in transit

Discrete, stylish and efficient, Lowepro’s Transit range is the ideal partner for street and urban photographers on the go

W

hen shooting in an urban environment, ensuring that your expensive camera equipment is safe and secure is paramount. One of the best ways to ensure your gear’s safety is to store it in a bag that not only blends in with its surroundings, but also offers easy access for your equipment, so you can quickly grab your camera, get the shot and store it away safely once again without drawing too much attention. As a pioneer in the design and manufacture of camera bags, Lowepro has come up with a solution to this problem with its Transit AW series.

The Transit Backpack 350 AW is the largest bag within the range, making it ideal for the photographer who wants to carry professional camera equipment discretely. Inside it’s able to accommodate a pro-sized DSLR body with up to a 70-200mm lens attached, plus it can be accessed quickly and discretely using a handy side panel. Alternatively, stowing the camera vertically within the large main compartment allows a DSLR to be

Lowepro Protection

Ensuring that your expensive camera gear is kept safe and secure is vitally important to every photographer, and that’s why Lowepro prides itself on creating high-quality bags which offer protection from the trials of everyday life. Inside all Lowepro bags you’ll find shock-absorbing padding to guard your equipment from knocks and scrapes, whilst on the outside, tough and durable outer materials protect against abrasions and the elements – like wind, dust and water. What’s more, if the Lowepro bag has AW in the title, this means it features the patented All Weather Cover, which pulls out and fit snugly over the bag to give it the ultimate in weatherproofing.

All the zippered sections found on Lowepro bags are constructed using only premium zippers that are study, smooth and reliable, not only producing a tight seal around your equipment, but also allowing quick and uninhibited access to your gear when you need it.

96 advanced photographer ISSUE 38

carry your kit in style with the capacious Backpack 350 Aw. BeLoW You can even fit a tablet into the rear pocket on the Sling 250 Aw.

stored with up to a 300mm lens attached, with ample space for another one or two lenses, a flashgun and other accessories.

A tripod or monopod is easily mounted to the outside of the bag using the built-in Hideaway Tripod Mount, while there’s also space at the back of the pack to hold a 15inch laptop via a dedicated pocket.

If you prefer to travel lighter, then the Sling 250 AW is a great option. Instead of the traditional dual shoulder straps, it opts for a single ergonomic sling strap that helps to distribute weight evenly. Despite its slightly smaller frame, it’s still able to pack in a lot of kit, including a DSLR with

transit Backpack 350 aW capacity Pro DSLR with lens, 1-2 extra lenses, flash, 15” laptop, tripod plus accessories externaL dimensions 305x240x480mm internaL dimensions 270x150x420mm materiaL Polyester Weight 1.10kg transit sLing 250 aW capacity DSLR or CSC with lens, 1-2 extra lenses, flash, 10” tablet, tripod plus accessories externaL dimensions 225x160x430mm internaL dimensions 220x100x360mm materiaL Polyester Weight 0.80kg

up to a 24-70mm lens attached using the side access – or with a larger 70-200mm when stored vertically – as well as another couple of lens, a flashgun and accessories.

Its light weight and size also make it ideal for CSC users too, with enough space to store a camera with lens attached, as well as a handful of extra lenses, a flashgun and other accessories. Just like its big brother, the 250 AW features an external Hideaway Tripod Mount as well as a dedicated rear pocket for storing a ten-inch tablet.

And don’t forget the AW in the title means that both bags benefit from Lowepro’s built-in All Weather Cover.

www.lowepro.com

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Accessories

Lexar Professiona ProfessionaL L Workf WorkfLoW soLution

aBove rIght Lexar 32GB JumpDrive P10 £84 A high-spec flash drive using the USB 3.0 interface for super-fast file transfer – claimed write speed is 245MB/s. Metal alloy design adds durability and the retractable connector means you don’t have to worry about a cover. A great buy for those on the move. aBove LeFt Lexar 32GB JumpDrive S23 £15 This tiny flash drive uses USB 3.0 for write speeds of up to 55MB/s, four times quicker than equivalent USB 2.0 drives. The retractable connector keeps size down too.

A tempting price and a perfect stocking filler.

the verdIct

Lexar Professional Workflow Solution

Getting hundreds of pictures from several memory cards to your computer can really hold up your workflow. Lexar has the solution wordS ian fyfe

As megapixel counts increase, file sizes inevitably grow, filling memory cards quicker, but transferring to computers more slowly. Lexar’s Professional Workflow Reader Solution is designed to maintain a smooth workflow and to allow transfer of large amounts of data from several cards of different formats via a fast USB 3.0 connection.

The central unit of the solution is a four-bay reader hub. This allows docking of up to four Lexar Professional Workflow card readers, which are available for SD, CF and XQD card formats. This docking arrangement means that you can assemble any combination of the supported card formats in the hub, and the readers can be swapped at any time. They also dock via a standard USB 3.0 socket, so can be used independently of the hub with a USB cable, meaning you don’t need extra readers for when you’re on the move. Each reader is supplied with its own cable and dust cover.

Docking the readers in the hub is smooth and simple, and once they’re in, the whole unit connects to your computer, either PC or Mac, via a single USB cable.

In our case, it couldn’t draw enough power from the computer to work, but there is also a separate lead for connecting it to the mains power, albeit a fairly short one that limited its position on my desk.

When cards are inserted, they each appear as separate drives on your computer, and you’re free to transfer data from them or to them as normal, or even

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

between them. We tried the set-up with an iMac running OS X 10, connected to USB 2.0 ports – although the hub uses USB 3.0, it supports the older format. We used two CF cards and two SD cards, holding a total of 33GB between them.

Transferring the entire 33GB from the four cards simultaneously using the hub was a lot quicker than doing it by each card in turn – transfer was complete in three quarters of the time, and the average transfer rate was boosted from 25.4MB/s to 33.8MB/s. If you’re connected to a USB 3.0 port, the absolute transfer rate will be considerably faster than this – its top rate is ten times faster than USB 2.0 – but the time saving would presumably be proportional. And, of course, there’s the added advantage of being able to set the transfer going and walking away from it, rather than having to hang around to switch cards.

Interestingly though, we found we could save even more time by connecting the four readers to separate USB ports without the hub and using them simultaneously. In this case, the average transfer rate was 38.6MB/s, saving a couple more minutes over our USB 2.0 set-up. There are obvious disadvantages to this – it’s cumbersome to connect each individually, and the cables are untidy, while you also occupy more USB ports than if you use the hub. Nevertheless, it saves the cost of buying the hub, as well as a little more time.

the outlay for the full Lexar Professional Workflow reader solution is considerable – the hub and four card readers will set you back £140. if you don’t mind a few untidy cables and you’ve got enough usB ports, then you can save more than a third of this cost by not having the hub, and according to our tests, you even gain more time if you use the four readers independently and in parallel.

But if you regularly fill several memory cards and want to save time transferring images or video to your computer, then the advantages in cable tidiness, the portability of the separate readers and the flexibility in card formats all make this a useful set-up. it’s an efficient way of cutting down on transfer times to streamline your workflow, and it does it in the most fuss-free way.

how It rateS FeatureS

23/25

handLIng

24/25

perFormance

23/25

vaLue For money

20/25

Cleverly designed Well made and simple to use Makes data transfer quicker

Benefit may not outweigh the cost for all

OVERALL

90/100

a good tool if it will help you proS interchangeable readers, usB 3.0 connection, simple to use conS Price

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIce reader Hub £60, Cf card reader £20, sD card reader £20, xQD card reader £40 contact www.lexar.com card FormatS uDMa 7 Compactflash, sDHC uHs-i, sDxC uHs-i, xQD connectIon usB 3.0 dImenSIonS Hub 153x109x84mm, readers 23x73x60mm weIght Hub 506g, readers 49g

issue 38 advanced photographer 97

Accessories

Metz BL-400 twin Head SoftBox kit

Metz BL-400 Twin Head Softbox kit Setting up a basic studio doesn’t have to cost a fortune. This all-in-one kit from Metz is a prime example wordS ian fyfe

If you’re starting out with studio flash, then a kit is a good way to get set up, and this one from Metz has everything you need: two 400Ws flash heads with 50x70cm softboxes, two lighting stands, modelling lamps, and all the necessary cables together with a carry bag.

Setting it up is simple – building the softboxes was easy, and they’re sufficiently good quality that there was no fear of tearing them while tensioning the rods.

The fitting is the popular S-bayonet so compatible with Bowens, Elemental and Lencarta modifiers. The overall build of the heads themselves is good, and the control panel on the back makes it simple to adjust settings, with positive and reliable buttons.

The only negatives in terms of the handling relate to the modelling lamp.

Most notably, the protective covers can’t be replaced on the flash heads when the modelling lamps are installed, which might not be a problem if you intend to leave the kit set up in one place, but isn’t ideal if you’re planning to transport it.

Also, when using the modelling lamp, you need to cycle through the power settings to turn it off or adjust it – the option to adjust the power in either direction, and independently of turning it on and off, would be more user-friendly. The rest of the controls are simple though, with straightforward plus and minus buttons for the flash power, a test flash button and one-touch control of the recycle audio signal and servo mode.

The quality of light from this Metz outfit is perfectly good and the kit having two softboxes is a bonus.

98 advanced photographer iSSUe 38

the verdIct

Talking of servo mode, when this is activated, the unit is triggered by the light from another flash. You can use this to trigger the second head with the first if you want to use just one sync cable, or it also lets you use the heads as slaves with other flash set-ups.

Flash power can be adjusted in 1/10th EV steps, with a total range of 6EV. Measurements using a Polaris flash meter showed that this range is borne out in practice – measured at ISO 100 and 1 metre from the front of a softbox with no diffuser, maximum power registered as f/32+0.6EV, and minimum was f/5.6+0.6EV. Intermediate power levels corresponded exactly to 1EV steps, while adding the diffuser to the softbox reduced the light output by about 1EV. Consistency at each level was excellent too – at both full and half power, 19 out of 20 flashes gave precisely the same measurement to 1/10th EV, and odd variations were no more than 0.2EV. At minimum power, there was less consistency, with regular variation of up to 0.3EV throughout the 20 test flashes, although this improved if we waited briefly after the recycle beep. Recycle times seemed slightly faster than quoted, at under 2.5 seconds for full power, and less than 0.5 seconds at minimum power.

The modelling lamp can be adjusted to six power levels in the same way as the flash power. However, ambient light measurements from the modelling lamp alone showed that a change in power level doesn’t always correspond to a change of 1EV – steps varied from 0.7EV to 1.6EV over a total range of 5EV.

at £500, this kit isn’t a small outlay, but for a budget set-up with two 400ws heads, it’s around the going price. for your money, you get everything you need, and it’s all good quality so there’s no need to worry about it falling apart after a couple of shoots. the modelling lamps aren’t as precise in terms of their power as you might like them to be, and the fact that you have to remove these lamps to replace the protective cap is a minus, but the performance of the flash heads themselves is excellent – they meet their quoted power range of 6eV, and are very consistent, particularly at the higher powers. for an entry-level all-in-one studio set-up, there’s not much more you could want.

how It rateS FeatureS

24/25

handLIng

23/25

perFormance

23/25

vaLue For money

23/25

everything you’d want from a starter kit Simple to set up, easy to use Very good consistency about right for this kind of kit

OVERALL

93/100

excellent option to get you started in the studio proS Consistency, easy to use, everything you need in the bag conS Modelling lamp clash with cover, modelling lamp power

at-a-gLance SpecS Street prIce £500 contact www.intro2020.co.uk power 400ws recycLe tImeS 0.5-2.7secs (230V), 0.5-2.5secs (110V) coLour temperature 5500-6000k FLaSh duratIon 1/700sec modeLLIng Lamp 0-75w acceSSory FIttIng Bowens-compatible S-bayonet weIght 1.2kg per head

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Accessories

advertisement feature

NEW PRODUCTS Time for great gear

Want to give the wonderful world of time-lapse photography a go? You need this kit...

The GamiLight 43 5 STAR REvIEW FROM AP

The New and Innovative GamiLight has changed the way we attach our accessories to our speedlights.

Prices from

£5.99

See it at: www.ukphotodistro.co.uk

Wondlan Wireless Follow Focus

CAMERA NOT INCLUDED

New to UKphotodistro, Wondlan products are of the highest quality. We have all kinds of products for the professional and amateur alike.

See them at: www. ukphotodistro.co.uk

£499.99

www.ukphotodistro.co.uk | 0845 287 0710 Our prices include VAT & Delivery to the UK mainland

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Charged at National Rate

UKphotodistro Limited have a number of new and exciting photographic accessories to suit all levels of photographer, including the New GamiLight soft boxes and accessories.

The GamiLight is Wondlan’s Time Lapse Electronic Slider brand new to the UK and the 43 version has already received a 5 star review from Amateur Photographer.

This is a fantastic result as AP do not give out the their highest award very often.

We also have a number of Wondlan products which include the New TimeLapse Electronic Slider and Wireless Follow Focus. Plus many more accessories and “Stocking Fillers” We pride ourselves on our customer service and support and all of our products are fully warranted.

Please feel free to check out our products at: www.ukphotodistro.co.uk or call us on 0845 287 0710 (local rate from BT line in the UK) we are open till 9pm week days and 2pm at weekends, we look forward to dealing with your inquiry.

FIND OUT MORE www.ukphotodistro.co.uk 0845 287 0710 issue 38 advanced photographer 99

Accessories

advertisement feature

Aim for printing gold Take your printing to the next level by contacting the professionals at 2020 Photographic Home printing is ok, but if you’ve reached a stage where you want to take your images a bit more seriously, then the best thing to do is to call in the professionals and this means looking up Farnborough-based 2020 Photographic. With a reputation for excellence, 2020 Photographic mixes the latest technology with old-fashioned, personal customer service, which puts the customer and their needs first. Every time.

A one-stop shop for all your imaging needs, 2020 Photographic covers high-quality digital and negative printing, film scanning and film processing.

The service doesn’t stop there though, 2020 Photographic also offers largeformat prints on canvas or acrylic and they can even help you recover lost images – surely a photographer’s worst nightmare.

Want more convincing that 2020 Photographic is the real deal? Here’s what award-winning pro photographer Elton Mogg says about his experience with 2020 Photographic: “For any photographer, the partnership you have with your printers is of paramount importance. I have worked with other print companies before but have found the service and quality at 2020 to be absolutely first class and now use them exclusively.”

FIND OUT MORE www.2020prolab.com 01252 375708

Point101 Get the perfect Christmas gift this year - a framed print of one of your stunning photos!

Point101 provide an easy way to have your images professionally printed and framed. We make use of the highest quality materials, put together with the utmost attention to detail. From archival papers to the expertly hand-finished frames, your artwork is gallery-quality in every aspect.

Point101 is a certified printer member of the Fine Art Trade Guild and only use professional framers for all our framing products.

We offer an easy way to upload, customize and frame your images at a very competitive price. We will ensure that your photos are colour matched, expertly printed and framed at a fraction of the cost (and time) compared to another printer and high street framer.

Fine Art Giclee, Canvas, Perspex Prints, Photo Blocks & Photo Books are also available

FIND OUT MORE www.point101.com 020 7241 1113 100 advanced photographer issue 38

www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

Accessories

advertisement feature

Wild Arena Improve your wildlife photography with a workshop tutored by the pros Wild Arena was set up over ten years ago to provide a range of workshops, events and trips that are tailormade for those interested in photography. With over 35 years of experience in the world of imaging and wildlife, we hope to offer a range of events across the UK, Europe and worldwide that will provide the very highest standards of opportunities and experiences for our customers. Our friends and contacts in the photography and wildlife industries work with us to achieve these aims, making our workshops amongst the best in the market. Based in the heart of Knowsley Safari Park and with the only dedicated nature macro studio in the country, we can also offer unique 1-to-1 and small group sessions. Our guides are selected to provide the very best levels of support and service to our clients. We use workshop and tour guides who, as well as being extremely knowledgeable, also understand the need for putting people first. All our guides are either professional photographers, wildlife experts or have years of seasoned experience as enthusiasts.

FIND OUT MORE www.wildarena.com 01514 268088

Carry on shooting Lighten your load with this innovative approach to carrying your camera The B-Grip range is a unique and versatile camera support system that improves the performance, comfort and mobility of your camera gear. The B-Grip and its fully compatible range of accessories allow you to do away with annoying and conventional camera straps that are just a pain in the neck.

Unlike a neck strap B-Grip’s Weight Distribution System spreads the weight of your camera gear making B-Grip an extremely comfortable, safe and easy way to carry your camera. The B-Grip’s Quick Release Plate gives you instant access to your gear and the built-in safety catch and switch ensure your camera is held securely in place. This simple and safe release system delivers your camera safely into your hands and having the camera directly attached to your body allows a freedom of movement not available before now.

However if you prefer you can mount the B-Grip onto a backpack with the B-Grip Travel Kit (available separately) and if you use a tripod you’ll find the B-Grip Tripod Adaptor (available separately) extremely useful. This handy accessory allows you to seamlessly switch between your B-Grip Belt and Tripod without changing any fittings.

FIND OUT MORE www.cameraclean.co.uk www.advancedphotographer.co.uk

issue 38 advanced photographer 101

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:38:48

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:15:51

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:42:49

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:16:25

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:17:16

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:21:23

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:24:15

AP.indd 1

8/11/13 11:28:42