Tag Archives: Light Stand

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In the last year Quadcopters have really exploded and have become incredibly affordable. I really enjoy taking my quadcopters out any chance I get, but there are too many instances where it's just not possible to use for an "aerial-style" perspective. Even if they can finally set down some proper rules and regulations to the use of 'drones', there will still be many situations where it would be impossible, illegal, or irresponsible to fly.

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GoPro on 10 ft Painter Pole - Hiking around Monterey Bay, CA grabbing Aerial Images

Prior to flying a camera, I've been experimenting with P.A.P. [example photo above] - Pole Aerial Photography (a.k.a Aerial Mast, Elevated Aerial, or Telescoping Mast Photography), and i've recently even shared an article about a sturdy 12 foot Budget Tripod I can use for video. For those of you who love adding "aerial-style" perspectives to your projects, then you really should take a look at this new 28 Foot tall Carbon Fiber MegaMast.

I'm sorry I didn't grab any still images as an example, but I plan on doing so this week. I have a couple of Real Estate projects that i've been dying to add aerial images to (and was unable to fly a noisy copter). When I get some of those images, i'll update this article, but for the time being you can see just how high this massive beast climbs to.

While the MegaMast can be positioned up to 28 Feet, you don't have to use it at full height. The MegaMast can still add unique camera angles at 10 feet or even at just 15 feet. The extension on the legs are a clever design to not only add more width to the base, but can also be individually adjusted for uneven ground (like when used on a sloping driveway).

The MegaMast weighs around 16lbs, and collapses to just 69" inches, so it's certainly manageable for one person to travel with and setup. For additional stability, the MegaMast will have an option for some type of guy-wire cabling, which is not available at the moment. To find our more about the MegaMast, check out the website at Seaport Digital (click here).

Product Description
* Give your real estate photos a lofty advantage in the competitive housing market.
* Reach above the crowds at events like concerts and graduations.
* The MegaMast will give your camera an "aerial" perspective from 27.5" (8.4m) in the air without the need to fly expensive drones. The risers are made of sturdy carbon fiber tubes with large latches to make setup quick.
*A rigging system is available separately to keep the stand steady in windy conditions.
Features:
> Made of sturdy, light-weight carbon fiber tubes.
> 27.5' (8.4m) tall for "aerial-style" perspectives.
> Easy latches make setup quick.
> Supports up to Full-frame DSLRs.

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find-price-button MEGAMAST 28' CAMERA STAND




Quick Tip:
This Special Tripod Leveling Adapter Can save you hours and speed up your workflow.

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The portable and small R-300 LED ring lights from F&V carry about about the same power as a large 1x1 LED panel in a much more travel friendly form factor. Though it can be used on camera as a ring light, it's just as effective when used in a 3 piece lighting kit set on stands.

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find-price-button F&V R-300 LED Video Ring Light

If you need a softer more diffused light from the R-300, there is a new Portable Softbox kit available.

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find-price-button Soft Box and Bracket for R-300 LED Ring Light

Product description:
The R-300 Soft Box will allow you to modify your light, creating a larger, soft, single source light. This becomes the perfect solution for interviews, portraits, and product photography. Your imagination is the limit to this tool's application. The soft box also comes packaged with a velcro honey comb which allows you to focus the light's beam and reduce spill.

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find-price-button Soft Box and Bracket for R-300 LED Ring Light

The R-300 Soft Box is made from a thick, high-quality nylon. Four large flaps in the back make it easy to install the soft box rods and R-300 w/ Bracket. A designated notch in one of the flaps makes accessing your R-300's dimmer knob easy.

The R-300 mounts to a matte-black, aluminum bracket system which functions as the soft box's speed ring. On this bracket are four receptacles that hold the soft box rods. The bracket has a 5/8'' stud that allows you to mount the soft box system using a c-stand or universal holder. The center of this 5/8'' stud is hollow which allows you to mount a translucent or reflective umbrella to the unit.

For more information about the Softbox and Bracket kit for the R-300 LED Ring light visit the F&V website (click here).

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find-price-button Soft Box and Bracket for R-300 LED Ring Light

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Lately i'm hearing about many videographers investing in LED lighting especially to add a bit more light during dimly lit wedding receptions. Wedding Photographers are probably quite familiar with CheetahStand Light Stands, but young video shooters may not be as aware.

To understand why these light stands are so special check out the old video below from the CheetahStand company, and another product overview from YouTube member Shuttertastic.

In a crowded event where you need to setup a light (or two) and quickly move around, you can see how beneficial these stands could be. If your work does not require you to setup and move light stands very often, it's probably not worth investing in as the prices start close to $90 each for the C8 (8ft) version. You can find CheetahStand light stands sold via Adorama (found here).

Adorama Cheetah Light Stands
CheetahStand C8 & C12 Light Stands via Adorama

22 Comments

I've recently required the need to have more sand bags in my space, so I purchased 20 pcs of these 9" x 10.5" sized Sand Bags. Unless you see them in person, shopping for 'inexpensive sand bags' on the internet might be a hit or miss. All you get is a few photos and not much information, so I thought I would share what i'm using.

The product listing doesn't really provide the exact weight these will be when loaded up, but from my estimates it should be around 20 lbs. each. The material is good lined with a tightly woven plastic like material on the inside so the sand doesn't sift it's way out. Stitching is great and double zippered to prevent them from accidentally opening up - pretty standard quality bags. Now time to make a stop over at the hardware store and pick up a few hundred pounds of Play Sand (for kids sandboxes) and fill them up. Here's a listing to the exact same 9" x 10.5" Sand Bags i've ordered (here).

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find-price-button 10pcs of 9" x 10.5" Sand Bags