11 replies to this topic

[ScottinPollock]

Anyone here use one of these? Which one, and how happy are you with it?

[ScottinPollock]

In response to my own question, I ended up snagging one which arrived yesterday. Since the "technology" (i.e physics) of these smaller hand held ones is pretty much all the same, I opted for one of the cheapest I could find to get my feet wet; a Neewer branded one off of eBay (I have purchased a number of Neewer branded accessories and have so far been impressed with the price/quality ratio). 26 bucks and change, total.

 

I am dumbfounded by the quality of this. There is not a plastic part on it. Handle is anodized, machined, billet aluminum, with a foam wrap. Weights appear to by highly polished stainless steel, screw knobs are all aluminum with a knurled surface. Body is anodized, extruded aluminum, assembled with recessed allen head screws. Wow! did I say 26 bucks?!

 

First outing with it gave me smoother hand held pans (with VR turned off no less) than I have ever managed to do before, even with VR on. I can definitely see though, that if you want to walk with it (or even use it in the wind), some skills will need to be acquired. Hopefully, after acquiring those skills, I'll post some footage.

[Ron]

I never found the particular device you're writing about but I did go to the Neewer web site and what I found was little short of amazing. Especially the prices.

 

--Ron

[ScottinPollock]

It was this guy... http://www.neewer.co...s/10060623.html

[Ron]

OK, yeah... I did see that one. However, they now list the price at US$34.95. That's still a steal if it's as well made as you say. In fact, all of their stuff looked good to me. I'm even thinking about ordering a set of their off camera radio slave triggers. The set I currently use is much more expensive... although it's far from the best, and adding a second slave costs almost as much as a whole set from Neewer.

 

--Ron

[ScottinPollock]

OK, yeah... I did see that one. However, they now list the price at US$34.95. That's still a steal if it's as well made as you say. In fact, all of their stuff looked good to me. I'm even thinking about ordering a set of their off camera radio slave triggers. The set I currently use is much more expensive... although it's far from the best, and adding a second slave costs almost as much as a whole set from Neewer.

 

--Ron

 

Mine was 26 'cause I got if off the 'bay. Don't know about their triggers. I am thrilled with my Yongnuo RF603N II's; about $30 bucks/pair (including shutter release cable) from B&H. In fact, I am very happy with all my Yongnuo stuff.

[Ron]

OK, yeah... good deal. I've never bought anything off of ebay. Not my cup of tea.

 

I've heard good things about Yongnuo speedlights and accessories. I may look into them when I get around to upgrading my portable studio.

 

--Ron

[nbanjogal]

Any more thoughts on the stabilizer now that you've had a few days to play? Thinking about getting one, and as you point out, the Neewer price is right (as long as you go into it knowing that it likely won't be as durable as some of the other pricier options).

 

Just have to say that I've been using two Yongnuo 560iii speedlights with the 603 triggers for awhile now, and I really like them. But I am probably going to get a few of the Neewer strobes sometime this fall--a photographer I really respect tried them out recently and has nothing but good to say about them (while noting that they aren't as sturdy as some of his other lights). 

[ScottinPollock]

Any more thoughts on the stabilizer now that you've had a few days to play? Thinking about getting one, and as you point out, the Neewer price is right (as long as you go into it knowing that it likely won't be as durable as some of the other pricier options).

 

Just have to say that I've been using two Yongnuo 560iii speedlights with the 603 triggers for awhile now, and I really like them. But I am probably going to get a few of the Neewer strobes sometime this fall--a photographer I really respect tried them out recently and has nothing but good to say about them (while noting that they aren't as sturdy as some of his other lights). 

 

Haven't had all that much time to play, but I am still impressed. I have been experimenting with the best way to balance it (more mass, positioned higher up vs: or less, positioned lower). The latter certainly makes it easier to hold for longer periods of time, and I think it also minimizes the back and forth swinging that can be induced. Still playing with it. Been pretty warm here so I haven't felt the urge to get outdoors and work with it.

 

BTW, if you have multiple 560's you should check out the YN560TX (full independent, on camera control of up to 6 groups). Super straightforward interface... very cool for about 40 bucks. Can also be used as remote release with a 603.

[iNYONi]

Any idea what size body and lens this thing is built for? Would it hanndle a 7100 and 85mm lens? or even the 7100 and 70-300?

[ScottinPollock]

Any idea what size body and lens this thing is built for? Would it hanndle a 7100 and 85mm lens? or even the 7100 and 70-300?

 

Size really isn't an issue, but weight and focal length are. I doubt any simple hand held rig would be sufficient for telephoto work. I don't think you'll have a problem with the 7100 with wide to standard lenses.

[iNYONi]

Before moving to DSLR I used a Manfrotto 585 Modosteady, (Link Below), I used this with my Panasonic HD camcorder. At the time I paid around £30 for it. I see now that the going price is £100 on Amazon. It's not worth that at all and didnt really work that well. I havent tried it with my 7100, might have to give it a go.

 

http://www.amazon.co...anfrotto steady