Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head

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A post by Valerie Jardin.

I’ve always preferred trigger-type ball heads than any other. I like the fact that I can quickly adjust my camera with the simple squeeze of a trigger.

I was pretty happy with the ball head I was using for food and interior photography when the Vanguard GH-100 came in the mail and totally redefined my idea of how a pistol grip should feel. First, let me tell you that you can’t help but be impressed the minute you open the box. It is sturdy, and you can feel that right away when you hold it in your hands. I quickly attached it to my tripod and put it to good use. The Vanguard GH-100 will fit on most tripods with the included 1/4? to 3/8? screw adaptor.

First, I attached the flat-plate to my camera and checked the locking mechanism. I have had severals close calls with my previous ball head and almost lost thousands of dollars of gear because I thought the plate was properly locked and it wasn’t. The orange latch of the GH-100 locks the plate automatically when you place the camera on the ball head and it has consistently locked my camera in place (but I always make a point to double check that it is secure). Once locked your precious gear is definitely safe with this mount.

One thing that is quite unique with this pistol grip is the fact that the ergonomic handle can rotate and move into different positions. To shoot stills I like it down. But you can easily adjust its position to what feels most comfortable for the type of photo shoot you are doing or for video.

The GH-100 features a tightening adjustment at the end of the handle to allow for the ball head to move freely without using the trigger function if it’s loosened. Or to trigger release and lock if tightened.

You can switch easily and rapidly from landscape to portrait mode or even shoot straight down simply by pulling the trigger, moving the ball head into one of the notches and release to lock securely in place.

Another great feature of the GH-100 is the panoramic head that allows for a 360? movement of the platform for 72-click panoramic photography with a simple click and lock function.

If you use a bubble level, there is one on the Vanguard GH-100 but you can only check it when your camera is off the mount. If you are accustomed to checking the level during the shoot, I would recommend installing one on your camera hot shoe.

Now that I have experienced the quality and functionality of the Vanguard GH-100 pistol grip, I am not planning on taking it off my tripod anytime soon… Not until I replace my old tripod for a Vanguard maybe…

You can learn more about the Vanguard GH-100 and their other line of fine products by visiting their website at www.vanguardworld.com – or get a price on it at Amazon on their Vanguard GH-100 page.

Connect with Valerie on Facebook or Twitter @valeriejardin or visit her website http://www.valeriejardinphotography.com.

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Vanguard GH-100 Pistol Grip Ball Head

A post by Valerie Jardin.

I’ve always preferred trigger-type ball heads than any other. I like the fact that I can quickly adjust my camera with the simple squeeze of a trigger.

I was pretty happy with the ball head I was using for food and interior photography when the Vanguard GH-100 came in the mail and totally redefined my idea of how a pistol grip should feel. First, let me tell you that you can’t help but be impressed the minute you open the box. It is sturdy, and you can feel that right away when you hold it in your hands. I quickly attached it to my tripod and put it to good use. The Vanguard GH-100 will fit on most tripods with the included 1/4” to 3/8” screw adaptor.

First, I attached the flat-plate to my camera and checked the locking mechanism. I have had severals close calls with my previous ball head and almost lost thousands of dollars of gear because I thought the plate was properly locked and it wasn’t. The orange latch of the GH-100 locks the plate automatically when you place the camera on the ball head and it has consistently locked my camera in place (but I always make a point to double check that it is secure). Once locked your precious gear is definitely safe with this mount.

One thing that is quite unique with this pistol grip is the fact that the ergonomic handle can rotate and move into different positions. To shoot stills I like it down. But you can easily adjust its position to what feels most comfortable for the type of photo shoot you are doing or for video.

The GH-100 features a tightening adjustment at the end of the handle to allow for the ball head to move freely without using the trigger function if it’s loosened. Or to trigger release and lock if tightened.

You can switch easily and rapidly from landscape to portrait mode or even shoot straight down simply by pulling the trigger, moving the ball head into one of the notches and release to lock securely in place.

Another great feature of the GH-100 is the panoramic head that allows for a 360° movement of the platform for 72-click panoramic photography with a simple click and lock function.

If you use a bubble level, there is one on the Vanguard GH-100 but you can only check it when your camera is off the mount. If you are accustomed to checking the level during the shoot, I would recommend installing one on your camera hot shoe.

Now that I have experienced the quality and functionality of the Vanguard GH-100 pistol grip, I am not planning on taking it off my tripod anytime soon… Not until I replace my old tripod for a Vanguard maybe…

You can learn more about the Vanguard GH-100 and their other line of fine products by visiting their website at http://www.vanguardworld.com/ – or get a price on it at Amazon on their Vanguard GH-100 page.

Connect with Valerie on Facebook or Twitter @valeriejardin or visit her website http://www.valeriejardinphotography.com/.

Guest Contributor This post was written by a guest contributor to DPS. Please see their details in the post above. Become a Contributor: Check out Write for DPS page for details about how YOU can share your photography tips with the DPS community.

View the original article here

Sydney 18 Shoulder Bag by Vanguard

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A Guest Post by Val?rie Jardin.

I am a photographer and I love camera bags! Most of the ones I own are quite boring looking and scream ‘pro photographer’. I carry heavy bags with lots of gear for work all week and I decided to treat myself to a smaller and lighter bag that would hold one camera and one lens when I go on casual photo walks. I was also looking for a bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag, that would give me quick access to my camera and sit comfortably on my shoulder.

I walked into the local camera store and I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of new styles and colors. Even pink bags that look more like designer purses. Well, I am definitely not a girlie girl but I do like color!

I was immediately drawn to my favorite color among a mountain of bags on the rack: ‘olive green’! I picked up the bag and noticed its light weight right away. The bag I was holding in my hand was the Sydney 18 Shoulder Bag bag by Vanguard.

I checked to see if my camera with the 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens attached would fit comfortably inside. It did! I checked the size of the front compartment, ideal for storing an extra battery, memory cards, my car keys, cell phone, some cash and business cards. I looked at the price tag… Just under $50. Sold!

What more to say about the Sydney 18 by Vanguard? It is designed to hold one DSLR with attached lens, 2 extra lenses or 1 extra lens with 1 flash unit. It features a nicely padded customizable interior that can be removed entirely to turn it into a regular messenger bag. Its secure shoulder strap system keeps the bag in place, even when riding a bike. The long and comfortable interchangeable shoulder strap pad protects your shoulder.

The Sidney also features a quick access zipper on top of the flap to get your camera out without having to undo the front buckle. You can also easily add items to the side hanging system. Did I mention that it is light? Weighing just 1.40 lbs, you hardly know it’s there when your camera is around your neck. It is available in three sizes and two different colors: blue and olive. My only regret was not buying a larger one when I want to shoot with my 70-200 mm lens all day.

I love my new bag. I keep a camera body and lens attached in it at all times and it?s the first thing I grab whenever I go out the door! No more ?I wish I had my camera with me?…

Get a price on one today at Amazon in the following colors: Olive or Blue. Also check out two larger models – the Vanguard Sydney 22 and the Vanguard Sydney 27.

Connect with Val?rie Jardin at her website and on her blog.

Post from: Digital Photography School

View the original article here

Sydney 18 Shoulder Bag by Vanguard

A Guest Post by Valérie Jardin.

I am a photographer and I love camera bags! Most of the ones I own are quite boring looking and scream ‘pro photographer’. I carry heavy bags with lots of gear for work all week and I decided to treat myself to a smaller and lighter bag that would hold one camera and one lens when I go on casual photo walks. I was also looking for a bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag, that would give me quick access to my camera and sit comfortably on my shoulder.

I walked into the local camera store and I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of new styles and colors. Even pink bags that look more like designer purses. Well, I am definitely not a girlie girl but I do like color!

I was immediately drawn to my favorite color among a mountain of bags on the rack: ‘olive green’! I picked up the bag and noticed its light weight right away. The bag I was holding in my hand was the Sydney 18 Shoulder Bag bag by Vanguard.

I checked to see if my camera with the 24-70 mm f/2.8 lens attached would fit comfortably inside. It did! I checked the size of the front compartment, ideal for storing an extra battery, memory cards, my car keys, cell phone, some cash and business cards. I looked at the price tag… Just under $50. Sold!

What more to say about the Sydney 18 by Vanguard? It is designed to hold one DSLR with attached lens, 2 extra lenses or 1 extra lens with 1 flash unit. It features a nicely padded customizable interior that can be removed entirely to turn it into a regular messenger bag. Its secure shoulder strap system keeps the bag in place, even when riding a bike. The long and comfortable interchangeable shoulder strap pad protects your shoulder.

The Sidney also features a quick access zipper on top of the flap to get your camera out without having to undo the front buckle. You can also easily add items to the side hanging system. Did I mention that it is light? Weighing just 1.40 lbs, you hardly know it’s there when your camera is around your neck. It is available in three sizes and two different colors: blue and olive. My only regret was not buying a larger one when I want to shoot with my 70-200 mm lens all day.

I love my new bag. I keep a camera body and lens attached in it at all times and it’s the first thing I grab whenever I go out the door! No more “I wish I had my camera with me”…

Get a price on one today at Amazon in the following colors: Olive or Blue. Also check out two larger models – the Vanguard Sydney 22 and the Vanguard Sydney 27.

Connect with Valérie Jardin at her website and on her blog.

Guest Contributor This post was written by a guest contributor to DPS. Please see their details in the post above. Become a Contributor: Check out Write for DPS page for details about how YOU can share your photography tips with the DPS community.

View the original article here