2013-06-01T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Try a Few times before you decide
I needed a tripod to use when in a car or traveling light, because of shaky hands, I must use a tripod. (I had gone through a drive through wildlife safari, and I was having difficulty taking photos and was frustrated (2 years before I did not have this problem). I thought I would try the sandbag items, and the salesman at ADORAMA suggested that I try this item.
I ordered the product and tried it, I was using my Gorilla ball head to hold my camera on for flexibility of the camera. I went out the next day into the Redwood Forest, was there about 6 hours. When I returned home to look at MY pictures, they had blur. I felt that this is not the product for my problem and thought I would not keep it and would check it out again when I got the proper ball head.
I then ordered the Vanguard 5BH-100 ball head (recommended by the salesman) and when it arrived I went out to a place loaded with hummingbirds and snapped about 700 shots. I returned home looked at my pictures, and got some sharper pictures, and you know how hard it is to shoot hummingbirds.
It is a light pack, I find it easier to go shooting with it and I am set up ready to shoot. Mind you I would prefer to shoot without and tripod as I use to, but this is a means to allowing me to continue shooting.
I have decided to keep the telephoto pack.... and keep on shooting.
I like the fact that for me the pack, comes to my waist, although I am long in the waist and allows me to bend over easily, sit down and shoot and the moment you are out of the car, you are ready to shoot, don't have to set up a tripod. I will continue to use my regular tripod, for those night shots are tough when you have to move or breathe.....
DINAH L.
2011-09-05T21:00:00
Rated 4 out of 5
Works well, protects gear
I've been using this pack for a few months and I'm glad I made the purchase. It does get you steadier than hand holding for sure, and it's a place to hold your gear. This definitely does not take the place of a tripod or monopod, but its convenience is brilliant. I was surprised to discover that there is a built-in rain fly tucked at the bottom of the pack. From reading descriptions of the product I was lead to believe that the pack was waterproof and didn't find mention of a rain fly (I'd rather have a fly for extra protection, just in case). I have plenty of room in mine to hold my 70-200 2.8 on-camera and a small lens (50mm) and even a teleconverter packed with a padded separator to prevent contact with each other. I can manage to barely squeeze in the camera/tele/70-200 2.8 combo attached, but I don't recommend it for long travel/storage. I will be flying with this pack as my carry on in a few weeks. I suggest removing the aluminum frame (easily removable) and pack it in checked luggage so TSA doesn't freak out about your carry on bag.
Brandon
