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The iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Carbon Fiber Monopod is a nice addition to your photo/video gear


Staying on the subject of monopods, I found another interesting one that I think is worth mentioning, and has its own place in the photo/video gear box.

The iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Carbon Fiber Monopod is not necessarily considered a small footprint monopod for traveling or for easily attaching to a backpack, but its features are great, and it would work well on location. It does come in two sizes, but for this news story, I will be focusing on the larger one that when fully extended reaches a height of 70.9 inches, and when collapsed is still reasonably small at 27.8 inches. The leg has 4 sections and uses “buckle-like” leg locks. It can support a load up to 22 pounds, and the mounting plate includes both ¼”-20 and 3/8”-16 threaded studs to accommodate just about any tripod head. At the base of the monopod there are 3 feet that provide stability. The base has a lock, and includes a knob that allows you to adjust and apply the correct amount of friction to accommodate the weight of your camera. The base is also completely removable. The feet have a button release that either allows them to fold up completely, or at specific angles of 20, 50 or 78 degrees. Despite its size, this monopod weighs only 3 pounds. If necessary, the entire base-foot section can be removed, and the monopod can be used as low-angle minipod.

If you would like to take a closer look at the iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Carbon Fiber Monopod, you can head over to B&H photo video and check it out. You can also purchase it there for $179.

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The iFootage Cobra 2 C180 Carbon Fiber Monopod is a nice addition to your photo/video gear originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 3, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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The ACK-E6 USB Power Kit AC Adapter Replacement DR-E6 DC Coupler Dummy Battery for Canon EOS cameras may just give me the power I am looking for!


A few nights ago I was working with my photo light box, shooting photos for product reviews, and messing around with some macro shots. After shooting for a while, I was “in the zone” when lo and behold my camera went dead. Of course I quickly realized that the batteries in my extended battery grip were depleted. While they were not fully charged when I started, I somehow did not realize that I had used them several times already, and that they were almost out of charge when I started to shoot.

This experience got me to thinking about power sources for my camera, especially when working in-studio, and even when at an event. I was curious to find out if there was another option that could provide for an even longer time between changing batteries, and could still remain portable.

My research led me to the ACK-E6 USB Power Kit AC Adapter, which in theory seems like a great solution for my needs. It is a dummy battery that fits inside of the extended battery grip, and can be powered by one USB power pack, or even two USB power packs to last even longer. Now I know that one might think that in this case why not use it directly into the battery slot in the camera. Well, the simple answer is that I like the size and grip that I get with the extended battery grip, and since the dummy battery will only take up one space in the battery grip, I could actually install a regular battery in the second space for even more “juice”. In addition, I am figuring that if the supplied cable is long enough, I can “rig up” a USB power pack on my gear belt, and actually shoot events for a long time with one high powered USB power pack. Keep in mind that this is all theory and speculation, but I did order this device, and I will write a follow-up story on my findings, and the results of my testing.

If you would like to purchase this device for specific Canon cameras (it is likely that this type of device is available for other camera brands as well), you can pick one up from Amazon for just $20.99.

If you first want to know the results of my testing, stay tuned!!

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The ACK-E6 USB Power Kit AC Adapter Replacement DR-E6 DC Coupler Dummy Battery for Canon EOS cameras may just give me the power I am looking for! originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on May 1, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The BlackRapid Double Breathe Camera Harness is a fit for all photography occasions

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Many years ago when my primary focus was videography, I would pair up with professional photographers on many jobs like weddings and fashion shows. Although I was primarily responsible for the video production, I was a rapidly developing photographer, and I would look in admiration at the many “geared up” photographers. I remember seeing a photographer and good friend of mine all decked out with an expensive brown leather, dual camera harness, and thinking that it gave him a very professional and impressive look. While it was obvious that the harness was quite expensive, I was more interested in its fit, function, and use.
Over the years I have researched quite a few camera harnesses, but I never felt compelled enough to purchase one over my favored camera belts.

Just the other day, I came across the BlackRapid Double Breathe Camera Harness which by usual design, accommodates two cameras, one each hanging upside-down on each side. In this position, they can be easily and quickly grabbed and raised into position for the shot. The harness includes breathable mesh pads that make it comfortable to wear even with two large cameras and lenses. The pads are important since the harnesses are usually worn for a long time, and it is horrible to wear gear and feeling hot and sweaty.

On each side of the harness, there is a “brass and zinc-alloy CR-3 ConnectR locking carabiner”. BlackRapid also includes their FR-5 FastenR Breathe to work with each carabiner, which creates a connection point via the camera’s 1/4″-20 tripod mount. This can also work with a lens mount. The length of each strap can be adjusted from 36 inches to 63 inches, and the harness can be configured for use with only one camera. A pouch is included for storage and transport.

If you would like to purchase the BlackRapid Double Breathe Camera Harness, you can head over to Amazon or B&H Photo Video and pick one up for about $135.

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The BlackRapid Double Breathe Camera Harness is a fit for all photography occasions originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 30, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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The Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod can stand on its own


As I continue to chase down that perfect but elusive travel tripod, I am coming across many products with great potential. Even if they do not exactly fit my search criteria, they certainly are interesting enough, and possibly fit another need that could win them a space in my gear bag.

The Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod is exactly such an item. It is a seriously compact monopod that has an 8-section leg, and a simple twist lock system to extend or collapse the monopod. The beauty of this system is that it can lock at any point along the length of the leg, which makes it easy to obtain a very specific height. When collapsed, it is a super compact 10.2 inches, and when fully extended, it is 57.9 inches. Since it has a load capacity of 6.8 pounds, it should work well for use with DSLR and mirrorless cameras, as well as many video cameras. A monopod presents much more difficult when using a video camera, and especially so because of the lack of stability. However, I have used one for video with acceptable results. A wrist strap and a belt clip are included with the monopod. The belt clip will help with stability since the traditional flip-out legs are not a part of this design.

If you would like to check out the Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod, you can head over to B&H Photo Video and take a look, or purchase one for $69.95.

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The Velbon Ultra Stick Super 8 Monopod can stand on its own originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 29, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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The Edelkrone Wing is the rail-less slider that gives you the movement that you need


Continuing the focus on camera sliders, the Edelkrone Wing Slider is a portable and compact slider that is designed for use with DSLR, mirrorless and Cine cameras. The two newest versions are the Wing that has a load capacity of 16 pounds, and the Heavy-Duty Wing Pro that has a load capacity of 48 pounds. It is a very simple manual slider that attaches to your tripod or support, and then can be manipulated back and forth by moving the camera or the slider itself. Its movement is linear, and it has a total range of 15.6 inches. This slider seems to be designed for the quick setup and shoot gig, where manual control will do the trick.

It is constructed of aluminum and stainless steel components, and has a ¼”-20 screw on one end and a 3/8”-16 threaded mount on the other. When transporting, the slider has a built-in locking mechanism to ensure that it can be packed safely.

If you would like to take a closer look at Edelkrone Wing or the Heavy-Duty Wing Pro, or if you would like to purchase one, you head over to the Edelkrone website. The Edelkrone Wing sells for $399 and the Heavy-Duty Wing Pro for $699.

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The Edelkrone Wing is the rail-less slider that gives you the movement that you need originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on April 28, 2018 at 9:00 am.

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