Supporting Stars page 3

Bags of gear

Intro2020 is also UK distributor for Tamrac and the funky Australian-made Crumpler bags, with the Tamrac Evolution and Raleigh series of bags flagged up as capable transporters. The latter are camera bags that don’t overtly resemble camera bags, which will also hold a laptop. “They tend to look more like lifestyle bags because they’re narrower than the usual Tamrac shoulder bags,” says Intro’s Jane. “You can use them for a little bit of everything: your notebook, your iPad and your camera. The Evolution range has been around six months.”

Daymen International, UK distributor for Lowepro, spotlights the Pro Roller x-series of bags as taking away ‘hassle’ for social photographers – or indeed any photographer – on the go. The Pro Roller Attache x50 features a twobags-in-one design sized to meet international carry-on requirements and can be used as a rolling attaché with your complete camera kit and 14-inch laptop accessible from the front. Alternatively the Reserve Shoulder Bag can be removed enabling it to be carried like a messenger-style bag.

Lowepro also recently launched its modular S&F bag series, featuring the brand’s innovative SlipLock system for adding or subtracting a wide array of compatible bags, cases and pouches. S&F begins with a core item whether the belt, integrated vest or harness, and the photographer builds on this to suit their own personal needs. Whether the belt is worn with a vest or harness it’s designed to comfortably carry a heavy load and access gear quickly.

For those who simply want to throw kit onto their back and go, Vanguard, distributed in the UK by Johnsons Photopia, markets Skyborne backpacks that are described as “shockingly feather-light and comfortable”. Its harness system boasts adjustable air-infused shoulder straps, the ability to attach a tripod to its buckled strap and holder, or carry a laptop within its padded compartment complete with anti-theft buckles. Three different sizes are available in the 45, 48 and 51, each allowing transportation of a variety of DSLRs and lenses.

A steadying influence

Jane Nicholson at Intro2020 offers up a comprehensive cornucopia of support for the social photographer, as UK distributor for key tripod brands including Slik, Velbon and the funky Gorillapods (“We’ve got the ‘Focus’ which takes up to 5kg worth of equipment, eg a DSLR,” says Jane). Anyone looking for their next tripod, and who obviously doesn’t want to be overly burdened on a client’s big day is directed at the new Velbon Ultrek UT43D.

“The Ultrek folds down to a length of 295mm,” reveals Jane. “The legs bend back on themselves – they’re 180° reversible – but it’s a full-size tripod with a ball-and-socket head.”

Kenro has recently announced a new range of lightweight Benro tripods in the Flat Traveller. Available in either aluminium or carbon fibre with steel-spiked or rubber feet, these supports come with twist-lock legs, and are dust and water resistant. “The Benro Flat Traveller range is ideal for any demanding photographer who works on location,” claims Kenro’s Paul.

There are three models available in aluminium, load bearing up to 6, 8 or 12 kilograms. Prices range from £109.99 to £160. The carbon fibre versions cost £319.99, £359.99 and £394.99 respectively for the same loads.

In terms of more familiar names, there’s Giottos, distributed by Daymen International. Its spokeswoman selects the Vitruvian model as worthy of particular attention. Available in aluminium and carbon fibre these newest additions have an operating height of 147cm yet fold down to 40cm, and with the centre column extended reach a maximum 171cm. The VGRN9265 employs aluminium tubing and weighs 2.03kg while the VGRN8265 uses seven-layer carbon tubing and weighs 1.72kg. Both are supplied with a carry bag.

For its part, Johnsons Photopia, UK distributor for Vanguard tripods and bags, recommends the Auctus Plus tripod, in particular the carbon fibre Auctus Plus 323CT. Set-up is quick, via twist-to-loosen locks. All-terrain feet convert from antirust spikes to angled, textured rubber for secure footing on an array of terrains. It’s flexible, too, with legs that adjust to 25-, 50- and 80-degree angles for use on uneven ground and for low-angle photography. With its multi-angle centre column, the Vanguard Alta Pro is different again; its flexibility gives rise to a brand new range of camera angles that its spokesman suggests: “could allow very creative and different wedding pictures”. The GH-100 was flagged up as a grip head that would be a perfect addition to the same tripod.

Lightweight yet rugged are the new 8000 series eight-layer carbon fibre tripods and monopods from Calumet. Each carbon fibre tripod features a grooved centre column with a spring-loaded weight hook for added stability, three foam leg covers for over-the-shoulder carrying comfort and rubber feet with retractable steel spikes. With six models to choose from, point your browser at Calumet’s URL for more.

A tripod round-up would be incomplete without a mention for Manfrotto, numbering a Compact range and the 290 series among its most recent releases. The Compact series has an innovative thumb-wheel locking system while the 290s have a removable head and all-metal locking joints. The Compact Photo Kit’s five section legs and reversible column provide maximum compactness for storage and transportation; yet when fully extended it is a full-size tripod. Just right then for harassed social photographers already juggling two DSLR bodies and sundry lenses.

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Contacts

For more on all recommendations, visit the following:
www.calumetphoto.com
www.canon.co.uk
www.daymen.co.uk
www.giottos-tripods.co.uk
www.intro2020.co.uk
www.johnson-photopia.co.uk
www.kenro.co.uk
www.lowepro.com
www.nikon.co.uk
www.manfrotto.co.uk
www.sigma-imaging-uk-com
www.sliktripod.co.uk
www.tamrac.co.uk
www.Tamron.co.uk
www.vanguardeu.com
www.velbon.co.uk

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