Once again, the already well-known to me "dilemma": I rely on reviews, and reviews on my gut feeling and I buy the more expensive part of the market leader?
Gut feeling and reviews to gain much thought over and over again ... good thing :)
I deserve with photography my livelihood and therefore looking for equipment that keeps its promises. In this case, it is in doubt endure 3 piece Nikon SB900 on a Tri-Flash from Lastolite ... that's a whole lot of weight ... especially if you still want to hang a nice big screen with at least 1.20 m diameter ,
Long story - short: The Varos II BG holds from all, not just once but over and perhaps permanently.
What are for me the greatest advantages over the Manfrotto Neiger:
Quality:
x When Phottix almost everything is made of metal, that's wonderful.
... Even the Cold Shoe for flash photography and the small screw ... Everything!
x The joint has little detents interlock like two gears and absolutely fixed and fixed close to the small lever. Nothing wobbles, each a stable position.
Versatile:
During the Manfrotto allows only one mounting position of the flash namely "vertical" and the flash head has to be turned, the Varos provides the ability to flash, replace by simply the Cold Shoes, attaching horizontally.
Caution ... gravity and lever principle act in the fall increasingly on the hot shoe. Still nice that mans can do.
The small screw at the bottom of the Panhead, which allows installation on conventional camera tripod, you can simply remove by loosening the lower screw and so mounted on a light stand without thread ... I find great because I do not always carry around my light setup like.
Weight:
Is bearable when one considers that one also still carries enough weight with you ...
However, if I have the choice between weight and quality, I choose the quality and rather raise a few more grams.
Scope of supply:
When the Manfrotto Coldshoe which is missing here.
Who I recommend this product ?!
Everyone! From the professional to the amateur ... before I with the plastic base, the yes will cost already 10 Euro (I know that is included, however, breaks down at every opportunity) play around, I invest in a part that I'll need anyway longer and I probably accompanied forever.
I find the Manfrotto Neiger bad? NO! no way! I've also a few of them ...
I buy the part again? Yes! I'll buy it even takes the Manfrotto!
Am I missing something on the good piece? No, everything really has what should have a screen Eiger and could ...
So who thinks ... do not worry, do not always Manfrotto draufstehen who here does its purpose ... and he's doing well.
Have fun with it!
