Preface:
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Accordingly, critical I gave myself when I ordered this SpeedMount.
It is the only one in the current range of Amazon, in which the flash is mounted horizontally. This has advantages and disadvantages. The (unbeatable) advantage is that he so is closer to the umbrella bracket than regular models and the screen is thus far better illuminated.
The downside is that used radio triggers are more heavily loaded (the flash acts as a lever) and find less space.
Haptics, processing, materials:
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The speed ring is made of metal (I guess Powder coated aluminum), the large knurled screw it also.
The rail on the flash can be pushed deeper into the speed ring is also made of metal (also aluminum)
The vertical flash fixing rail is also made of metal. As well as the threads of the screws.
However, the screw handles plastic. It seems to be quite stable, feels the touch but not overly wertig on.
The material of the Panhead I have unfortunately just not in my head, I write the review from memory. The article is just not me before)
Included is an adapter for standard tripod screw. The adapter is not available (for some inexplicable reason) plastic coating with ... Metallic. The likely flake off under warranty after the first use. Thank God I do not need this adapter and may dispose of it immediately. The fact that he is but in such poor quality, devalues my opinion the entire product, because you lose some confidence in the processing.
The flash fixing rail is detected with a sharp metal screw on the horizontal bar. The leaves already at the first fix rough scratches on the rail. That does not detract from the function though, but is ugly. A superbly finished screw or a small rubber cap would please me better.
Ever the odd part is burred not very clean. However, this is to get over.
Flexibility, versatility:
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The speed ring is fastened with two small thumbscrews on the rail. The advantage is: strobist with umbrellas can be unnecessary ballast home (the speed ring) and stow the mount so compact.
When flash bracket are two (!) Versions at. Once the stable clamping device of metal (unfavorable in radio triggers with plastic shoe for example Yongnuo RF-602), however, which developed a high holding force, and a clip attachment, in which the flash is inserted and then locked. This does not work with radio triggers are simply postponed such as Yongnuo RF-602)
Thank God there are three variant. Since I am not sure whether the intelligent planning of the Phottix team's, or just randomly. But the screw that is attached to two flash brackets, entsprich the usual camera thread so you Funkauslöser that have a tripod socket (RF-602 for example, like the Yongnuo) can screw. Keeps perfect!
About the speedring I can not say much because I still have no light shapers with Bowen bayonet until now.
The umbrella holder but served its purpose.
Conclusion:
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The current price of about 40 is able to be at first glance high. Especially the processing defects in a yet so simple articles from terror.
However, one must also say that is sold in this particular sector much scrap at high prices and this speedring one of the good fairness. Finally, it is stable, versatile and mostly made of metal.
The absolute unique selling point is the better positioning of the flash head to the screen axis. The mere fact it is in my opinion worth to invest in the holder.
As a bonus, you get the versatility of being able to supplement his Strobistenequipment someday Beautydishes or Softboxes without new brackets to buy.
Anyone looking for a pure screen Eiger no frills and can do without the flash assembly, is certainly better off with the Manfrottoneiger. But who wants to remain as flexible as possible (and in my opinion is a big criterion strobist) should access calm. I'll buy it back in any case ... for my third flash.
