Reviews

A fit-over adapter for softening the light from electronic flash guns.The orbis ring flash adapter has been developed with the specific aim of providing SLR photographers with a softer light source from their accessory flash guns. Made from tough ABS plastic it has a ribbed grip with lugs for the supplied tethering strap. Above this sits a 42 mm thick annulus with a translucent front panel and internal mirrors that direct the light forward.

A powerful and affordably-priced external flash for Canon and Nikon DSLR cameras.The Nissin Di622 Mark II flash gun, which was announced at Photokina in September 2010, improves on an earlier model by adding Wireless TTL remote capabilities and the ability to be used as a slave flash with multiple flash units (including studio flash systems). This model sits in the middle of the Nissin flash range and is for DSLR cameras only. Its light output, coverage and controllability of the flash head make it ideal for photo enthusiasts.

A powerful flash unit with advanced capabilities for professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who use multi-flash set-ups.The SB-900 flash is an evolution of the SB-800 model but still runs on four AA batteries (not supplied) and forms the heart of Nikon’s Creative Lighting System. Larger and radically different in design from the SB-800, the new model offers a GN of 48 (ISO 200/metres).

Two highly-adjustable, professional-quality tripods for photographers with DLSR and medium-format cameras.Manfrotto’s 190 series tripods were first introduced 20 years ago and the design remains popular with photographers, both professional and enthusiast. The new 190XPROB model retains all the best-loved features of its predecessors but provides improvements in build, compactness and ease of use. A ‘big brother’ to the 190XPROB model, the 055XPROB has many of the same features but is larger and more solidly built and can carry greater loads.

An innovative tripod head designed for single-handed directional adjustments.The Manfrotto 322RC2 Heavy Duty Grip Ball Head is made from magnesium to ensure light weight and high performance. Its design keeps the weight of the camera plus lens as close as possible to the tripod’s centre of gravity. This head only adds 10.3 cm to the height of the tripod and 700 grams to overall weight. Targeted mainly at photographers with SLR cameras with relatively light lenses or advanced, long-zoom digicams, it can also accommodate lighter medium format camera/lens combinations. Maximum recommended load is five kilograms.

A well-built pan/tilt head with conventional directional controls.The Manfrotto tripods supplied for us to review were accompanied by two tripod heads, each of which can be used on a wide range of Manfrotto tripods. Both heads are attached to threaded posts on the top of the tripods via sockets with 3/8-inch mounting threads. Although made from different materials, both have a black finish that matches most Manfrotto tripods. The 804RC2 Basic Pan/Tilt Head, which is constructed from tough, technical polymer, is suitable for use with camera/lens combinations weighing up to four kilograms. It adds 12 cm to the height of the basic tripod and 750 grams to overall weight.

A heavy-duty, high-capacity back-pack that provides security and protection for camera equipment.The Primus AW, Lowepro’s first photo backpack in which recycled material represent 51% of its content, is designed with travellers in mind. Most of the exterior material is Cyclpet, which is manufactured from recycled soft-drink bottles and is tough and resilient. Each bag contains the equivalent of 22.6 soft-drink bottles.