Review: Custom SLR Glide Camera Split Strap with C-Loop Strap Mount Solution

Glide Split Strap Overview : The Glide Strap with Split Strap Technology is designed to make it easy to draw the camera from your side. The camera glides up the strap so your are ready to shoot quickly. This strap works with the C-Loop and is compatible with the hardware from most camera sling systems. Includes everything you need to attach it to the C-Loop.

Glide Split Strap Features :

• Split Strap Technology™: Distributes weight evenly to reduce pain/fatigue and provides superior ventilation
• Unique Ergonomic Design: Conforms to shoulder for unparalleled comfort
• Swiveling Quick Release Buckles: Rotates for maximum flexibility and detaches for increased mobility
• Silicone Print: Reduces slippage
• High Quality Material and Construction
• American Design and Innovation

C-Loop Overview : C-Loop is truly a sweet, “why didn't I think of that?” solution. We designed the C-Loop in response to how the traditional top mounted camera strap always gets in the way. By relocating the mounting position to the bottom of the camera and integrating a swivel, we discovered numerous benefits that improved the shooting experience when using a camera strap.

C-Loop Features :

• Eliminate Strap Interference: Quicker access, flexibility and improved handling.
• Smooth Rotation: The C-Loop swivels 360° degrees to reduce tangling and for smooth panning
• Low Profile: Makes it easier to transition from landscape to portrait shots
• Increased Security: Lens comfortably tucks away making mobility easy in tight or crowded areas
• Compatibility: Works with existing camera straps and all devices with a tripod mount

We're Back from PDN PhotoPlus Expo 2011!

We're back from this years PDN PhotoPlus Expo at Jacob Javit's Convention Center in New York City. I'm born and raised in NYC but this weather was brutal; 45 degrees with rain early in the morning and than dropping to 35 degrees by early afternoon and turning into snow. YES! Snow in October! We hope everyone got home safe especially those from out of state.

This was definitely entertaining and fun because there was FREE SWAG! (this was the part my wife liked the most. She grabbed everything she could get her grubby hands on...LOL). Upon entering Javit's you would pick up your badge holder which is pretty much a plastic holder with Epson printed on the top with a Sony A lanyard to put around your neck. LowePro gave out press type badge holders which is of better quality with a window to show off your badge in the front and on the back is a small pocket to put business cards and 2 slots for pens. Nikon gave out 2012 calendars, Nikon neck lanyard and a Nikon 1 pin. Adorama was also there and had microfiber pouches with cleaning cloth inside. Fuji handed out free rolls of film. WesternDigital (WD) had free squishy characters and when pressed, it says "Before you lose it, back it up on a Western Digital drive!". Some exhibitors such as Drobo and Unique Photo scanned the barcode on your pass to allow you to enter into raffles/drawings.

There were live demos of products and lectures/seminars which was great and very informative. I will definitely be there again next year.

See below for additional pictures. Sorry there isn't much as we were having fun talking and chatting with all the exhibitors such as BlackRapid, CarrySpeed, Joby, ThinkTank Photo and many others.

Nikon's new Nikon 1 mirrorless camera; J1 and V1 and models showing it off

Had to stop by and check out ThinkTank Photo's new Modular Component System

And we definitely had to stop by and say HI to our friends over at BlackRapid *waves*

Sony booth showing off their cameras with an acrobatic show

Deal: 10% OFF Any Rental at BorrowLenses

We just got back from PDN PhotoPlus Expo at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City and we thought we'd share a nice promo code with you all.

Click the image above to BorrowLenses.com and when checking out, enter code PPE10. This will give you 10% OFF any rental. Coupon code ends 1/13/12.

ThinkTank Photo Pre-Announces Modular Rotation System and System Skin Components

At this years PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits Center in New York City, ThinkTank pre-announced the release of their Modular Rotation System (MSRP $142.75) and Modular Rotation System Skin™ Components (MSRP $132.75). Both systems have been completely redesigned, with many new cases and pouches added. They are live on their website, www.thinktankphoto.com, and will be available for sale in early December.

If you're interested in the Modular Rotation Component System v2 or System Skin v2, fill out the FORM that ThinkTank has provided and they will email you when Version 2 has arrived.

*UPDATE* 12/12/11

Modular Rotation System is now available. You can purchase them from ThinkTank Photo.

See below for press release for more information:

Tutorial: How to Use Rakuten (Ebates), Mr. Rebates and CouponCabin Cashback Site

I use to walk into Best Buy, Foot Locker, Express, Walmart, Target and other stores to buy my stuff whether it be for birthdays, Black Friday, Christmas, Valentines, anniversaries, etc. But how can you save when they charge tax and don't offer much of a discount especially if you're looking for something specific? For me, I prefer to shop online for all my stuff whether its camera gear, home or personal products unless I have no choice or the store actually has a better deal.

I've been using Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates), Mr. Rebates and CouponCabin for quite some time. These are the two main cashback sites that I use often. There are a bunch of other cashback sites as well. I tend to compare between the two to see which one offers a higher cashback percentage. Sometimes, one cashback site is offering BONUS percentage and the other is not or one just has a higher cashback. So I have the flexibility of going to either one but definitely compare both to see which offers a better percentage.

Here is a list of some eligible stores out of over 2,000 stores:

• Abe's of Maine - 2%
• Abt Electronics - 2%
• Adorama - 3%
• Amazon - up to 7%
• Apple - 1%
• Beach Camera - 2%
• Best Buy - up to 2%
• Buy.com - 3%
• BuyDig - 2%
• Canon - 3%
• Crutchfield - 2%
• Dell Home - 3%
• eBay - up to 5%
• Groupon - up to 8%
• Newegg - 1%
• Samy's Camera - 2%
• Sears - 3%
• Target - 3%
• TigerDirect - 4%
• Unique Photo - 1%
• Walmart - 2%
• And many many more!

Cashback % may change without notice.

Here are some examples of my purchases: I purchased two (2) Nikon D7000's and spare batteries from Abt Electronics and received $51 in cashback. Another example was ordering $1160 worth of gear from Canon and was able to get back $47 in cashback. I've even purchased items that were a couple bucks and got back as a couple of cents in cashback. It may not sound like much but when you start accumulating the cashback, it adds up quickly.

I've even gotten cashback for purchasing hotels, car rentals and airline tickets for vacations or business trips. If you're purchasing online regardless of what it is, there's going to be cashback.

You can save pretty much on anything...electronics, baby stuff, furniture, clothing, even Groupon and eBay!

Enough with the talking, how to do I use Rakuten, Mr. Rebates and CouponCabin so I can start saving!?

Review: Think Tank Photo Retrospective 10 Shoulder Bag

Overview : The Retrospective series is comprised of four shoulder bags (5, 10, 20 and 30) and two lens changer bags (2 and 3). Created for the professional photographer that wants to blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous in any situation. Our product designers have blended the look and feel of "old-school" camera bags and infused it with "new-school" features and technology for the digital imaging age.

Inconspicuous, soft-sided shoulder bag with a simple exterior that blends into the environment. Carries 1 pro size DSLR plus 2 - 4 lenses.

Features :

• Minimalist outer appearance conceals expensive photo equipment
• Carries a pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached
• Accommodates 2-4 lenses in main compartment with DSLR body in front pocket
• Front pocket fits a pro size DSLR (body only)
• Organizer pocket built into main compartment for pens, note pad, batteries, etc.
• Choice of two different colors, black or pinestone, to suit the situation
• Hook and Loop “Sound Silencers” on the front flap eliminate noise while opening the bag
• Soft, adjustable shoulder strap with cushioned non-slip pad
• Clear business card holder under front flap
• Removable short carrying handle for convenience
• Seam-sealed rain cover included for protection against the elements

Gear Profile:

• 1 pro size DSLR with standard zoom lens attached and 1 - 3 additional lenses
• 1 pro size DLSR (body only) in front pocket and 2 - 4 lenses in main compartment

Photographer Profile:

• Photojournalists and travel photographers

Technical Specifications:

• ID: 12” W x 9.5” H x 6” D (30.5 x 24 x 15.2 cm)*
• *bag softness and flexibility allows expansion to carry a pro size DSLR with lens attached, facing down
• OD: 13” W x 10.5” H x 7” D (33 x 26.7 x 17.8 cm)
• Weight: 3 lbs (1.4 kg)
• Lifetime Warranty