Fotopro Introduces a New Line of Professional and Travel Tripods to America

Fotopro and Custom SLR have partnered to bring a new line of professional and travel tripods to the United States. Designed for professional and amateur photographers alike, the line includes the C5i tripod, which converts to a monopod and the TT-1 travel tripod kit, which includes a versatile camera sling bag.

San Francisco, CA - 09/15/2013, Fotopro, manufacturer of professional tripods, monopods and accessories, and Custom SLR, manufacturer of camera straps and innovative camera gear, have partnered to bring a new line of professional and travel ready tripods to the USA.

With over a decade of experience and distributors across the globe, Fotopro tripods are finally arriving to America, adding a new, competitive, and quality line to photographers in the states.

"The Fotopro line complements our growing line of performance camera gear and accessories," said Ivan Wong, Chief Operating Officer at Custom SLR. "Our M-Plate tripod plates work in conjunction with FotoPro ball heads and we are excited to offer a comprehensive range of products for photographers and videographers”. Custom SLR will feature a full line of Fotopro tripods and monopod support systems including the C5i series and TT-1 travel tripod kits on CustomSLR.com.

The C5i tripod series comes in a lightweight, 3.6lb. package with reversible legs for compact stowing. The kit is equipped with an Arca-Swiss 3D ball head with single-action locking and can be converted into a monopod. The C5i will be available in five stylish colors - blue, green, red, orange and titanium, and includes a portable carrying case. Suggested retail price for the C5i is $189.95.

The TT-1 tripod kit is ideal for travelers and those looking for an ultra portable support system. It is bundled with a lightweight X4i reversed-leg, five-section aluminum tripod and Arca-Swiss 3D ball head. TT-1 tripod kit includes a versatile travel sling bag (with waist belt) for a D-SLR, lens and flash. The bag also features two zippered pouches, water bottle holder, and cell pouch, plus rain poncho. Weighs 2.6 lbs with a 11 lbs load capacity and has a max height of 57.5 inches. Suggested retail price for the TT-1 is $199.95.

The new line of tripods and monopods are available now and prices start at $89.95.

For more information visit: http://www.customslr.com/collections/fotopro-tripod-and-accessories.

Press Release: Tamron Announces New 3-Day Turn Around on Lens Repairs

August 14, 2013, Commack, N.Y. - Tamron USA announced that the company now offers 3-business day repair service turnaround for photographic lenses. This achievement works to alleviate customer concerns that when they send in a product for repair service, they may be left without that product for some time. Now, all lenses received in our system by noon EST are estimated the same day and moved onto the next stage. Lenses under warranty (Tamron USA offers a 6-year limited warranty on its photographic lenses) are repaired and shipped back to the customer within three business days. Out of warranty lenses are repaired and shipped back within three business days of the customer’s approval of the repair estimate.

“We are thrilled here at Tamron USA to supply our customers with a 3-business day turnaround time,” stated Pat Simonetti, Director Technical & Customer Service/Distribution. “With the support of our parent company, we were able to take the necessary action to build upon our staff and make this dream a reality. This accomplishment was and continues to be a real team endeavor. I truly appreciate the efforts from all of those involved in this project,” said Simonetti.

The Background
Customers may anguish about sending a lens in for repair, expecting that they could be without their favorite or workhorse lens for some time. Tamron Co., Ltd. recognized this and challenged its subsidiaries to reach a standard 3-business day turnaround service to make customers feel more confident that, in the unlikely event their lens requires service, they would not be long without it. “By speeding up the repair turnaround time, we can alleviate our customers’ anxiety about repairs and thereby increase their satisfaction of and confidence in Tamron products,” stated Tak Inoue, President and CEO of Tamron USA. Tamron USA took dramatic steps over the past year to increase the number of repair technicians that work on photographic lenses as well as customer service staff. Internal systems were changed to accommodate the inspection of lenses received by noon of each day and route the lenses to the proper technician for expert repair. Repaired lenses are then given top priority in the distribution center to ensure the product is on its way back to the customer within the established guidelines.

Tamron Lenses - Amazon | B&H Photo | Adorama

Review: Hejnar Photo Manfrotto 494/496/498 RC2 to Arca-Swiss Conversion Set

Overview : Hejnar Photo conversion set for Manfrotto M494RC2, M496RC2, M498RC2, 055 Mag Ball Head. This combination of plate and standard arca swiss clamp will let you use any arca type equipment with this ball head. Clamp can disconnected from plate and use independent on other equipment if needed. It is the best quick release system for tripods and monopods when combined with Arca style ball head and quick release clamps.

All the corners and edges are rounded for the safety to prevent from accidental injuries or damages to the other equipments.

Features :

• 2.375 inch long
• Weight 3.6oz (103g)
• Center socket is countersunk on top but also threaded 3⁄8”-16.
• Two outside holes are taped 1/4-20 and 30mm apart from each other.
• 2.6mm deep relief grooves guarantee compatibility with most plates/rails.
• Relief groove prevents free fall when the clamp is not fully closed and your plate has safety stops.
• Knob is captive. Knob stops at maximum opening - cannot be lost in the field.
• Knob is made from one part aluminum. No room for dust or sand.
• Back side has grove to match some ball heads connection and preventing it from twisting.
• Precision C.N.C. machined from 6061-T6 Aluminium.
• Compatible with Kirk, R.R.S., Arca-Swiss, and many other Arca-Swiss style Quick release plates.
• Stainless steel hardware.
• Black hard coat anodized surface.
• Made in USA.

Review: Think Thank Photo Sling-O-Matic 20 Sling Camera Backpack Bag

Overview : Think Tank Photo introduces the Sling-O-Matic, the photo industry’s first sling camera bag that can be easily switched back and forth to either shoulder. The Sling-O-Matic’s adjustable, fully padded shoulder strap “automatically” slides along a set of rails to change which shoulder the bag can be worn on. This is the innovative solution to the problem inherent with other sling bags: only being designed to wear the sling bag over the same shoulder. With one smooth motion, the Sling-O-Matic can be quickly switched to the opposite shoulder without losing the characteristics that have made sling bags popular among photographers. The Sling-O-Matic series offers three unique bags to choose from, depending on the set of photo gear a photographer needs to carry.

Features :

• Sling-O-Matic can switch back and forth “automatically” to carry over either shoulder
• Gear access always stays on top when Sling-O-Matic is in front
• Carries a DSLR and a 70-200 f2.8 attached, with the lens hood in position
• Carries a regular size DSLR and a 70-200 f2.8 attached with lens hood in position, plus 3-5 additional lenses
• Can accommodate some pro size DSLRs and a 70-200 f2.8 attached with lens hood in position, plus 3-5 additional lenses
• Not compatible with all Nikon Pro DSLR cameras

Technical Specifications :

• ID: 10.25” W x 15.5” H x 5.5” D* ((27.5 x 39 x 14 x cm*)
  ED: 11” W x 16.5” H 6” D (28 x 42 x 15 cm)
• bag flexibility allows expansion to carry some pro size DSLR bodies with a lens attached inside the main compartment.
• WEIGHT: 2.5–3.4 (1.1–1.5 kg)
• No Rhetoric Warranty Policy
• Exterior - All fabric exterior treated with DWR while fabric underside is coated with PU for superior water resistance, 1680D ballistic nylon, 420D velocity nylon, YKK® RC Fuse (abrasion resistant) zippers, antique nickel plated metal hardware, nylon webbing, 3-ply bonded nylon thread
• Interior - 210D silver-toned nylon, high-density extruded nylon, removable 210D silver-toned nylon & velex dividers, PU backed velex liner, clear PU mesh pocket (non-PVC), 2x PU coated nylon 210T seam-sealed taffeta rain cover, high-density open & closed cell foam, 3-ply bonded nylon thread

Kickstarter: Peak Design's Capture Camera Clip v2 Surpasses $500,000

We first mentioned about Peak Design's new Kickstarter campaign back in July. If you haven't heard of Peak Design, they created the original Capture Clip that impressed many photographers around the world. It was such a success that they came back to Kickstarter to help them launch the new Capture Clip v2.

We were one of the very few to receive samples before it was officially available (as shown above) let alone. In the short amount of time, Peak Design has raised over $500,000 considering their original goal was only $100,000. This is a huge milestone as there is still over 20 days left (as of this posting) before the funding period ends. So if you're interested, be sure to pre-order (pledge) one before it ends. Typically with Kickstarter and its projects, the purchase price of the product is cheaper than the retail price once its officially available.

For $50, you can get the Capture v2 with standard plate and $65 gets you the CapturePRO. You can even pre-order the POV kit that works with GoPro or the PROpad. It provides additional support for those with heavier gear or gripped cameras.

If you're still on the fence if this is for you, we also posted our full review of the CapturePRO. This way, you can decide whether or not this is for you. The original Capture Clip is still available on Peak Design's website, along with the Leash, Cuff and other products. There's also a discount for anything you purchase on their website (below).

Discount: As a follower of 1KIND Photography, you are eligible for a special 10% discount on Peak Design products.

Press Release: Sigma Announces Mount Conversion Service and Extended Warranty

Manufacturer announces first-ever mount change option, as well as universal, four-year warranty for all products

RONKONKOMA, N.Y., – Aug. 1, 2013 - Sigma Corporation of America, a leading researcher, developer, manufacturer and service provider of some of the world’s most impressive lines of lenses, cameras and flashes, today announced a revolutionary new, fee-based service that will enable the company’s Global Vision lens owners to change their lens mounts for use on different camera systems.

Starting Sept. 2, Global Vision lens owners can request the Mount Conversion Service to convert their current Sport, Contemporary or Art DSLR lenses to their choice of a Sigma, Sony, Pentax, Nikon or Canon mount. Global Vision category lenses for mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras (MILCs) can be updated to either a micro four thirds (MFT) or Sony E- mount.

In addition to the announcement of the industry’s first Mount Conversion Service, Sigma is also extending the warranty on all of its products – including cameras, lenses and flashes purchased on or after July 1, 2013 – to four years. Previously, warranties varied by product. This enhanced product protection provides Sigma’s customers with more consistency and improved service.

“Professionals and amateurs alike are taking advantage of the many affordable camera options in today’s market; they’re updating their camera bags and exploring new systems and brands,” said Mark Amir-Hamzeh, president of Sigma Corporation of America. “When photographers purchase a lens, it’s often a significant, financial and artistic commitment – and we believe that investment should last a lifetime. Our new Mount Conversion Service and extended warranty are intended to help Sigma users get more enjoyment from our products, regardless of how their approach to photography changes overtime.”

The Mount Conversion Service is limited to all of Sigma’s Global Vision lenses. Current, applicable full-frame lenses include the 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS Sport and 35mm F1.4 DG Art; APS-C crop sensor lenses include the 30mm F1.4 DC HSM Art, 17-70mm F2.8-4 DC OS Macro Contemporary and 18-35mm F1.8 DC Art; and MILC lenses include the 19mm F2.8 DN Art, 30mm F2.8 DN Art and 60mm F2.8 DN Art. Lenses can be converted to any mount of a photographer’s choosing, as long as Sigma has released that product in the requested mount.

Cost of the conversion will range between $80 to $250, plus shipping costs, depending on the focal length of the lens. All lenses will be shipped to Sigma’s US subsidiary in New York, and updated, calibrated and optimized for the new camera system at Sigma’s factory in Aizu, Japan. All lenses that undergo the Mount Conversion Service will be covered under warranty for six months following the update. Teleconverters, USB Docks and other accessories are not eligible for the service.

To request the Mount Conversion Service, please visit your local Sigma subsidiary. Customers in the United States should visit www.sigmaphoto.com.