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Induro Launches A Hi-Hat Tripod Set

Jun 042012

Induro have just announced this cool looking new hi-hat. Just the other day I was reading Vincent Laforet’s blog post on the new Cinevate Dromos hi-hat and thinking to myself that it would be a cool little addition to my gear cupboard. Well the Induro offering looks to be a better option if you want to use it for both photography and video production. It also comes in considerably cheaper, supporting a 220lb load for only $279. I can see wildlife photographers liking this with long lenses and as an owner of Induro gear myself I can testify that they do know how to make support equipment. I’m looking forward to taking a closer look at these at some point.

Induro Press Release

Induro® Announces New Dual Range Hi-Hat Tripod Set

Unique support system for both still cameras and video cameras that can securely hold up to a 220 lb. load scheduled to be in stores July 2012

North White Plains, NY – (June 1, 2012) – Induro (http://www.indurogear.com), makers of tripods, heads and accessories designed for demanding professional photographers and videographers, announces July 2012 availability of the new Dual Range (DR) Hi-Hat Tripod Set.

Shown for the first time at NAB 2012, the new Induro DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set, designed with both photographers and videographers in mind, is a unique support system that provides a range of capabilities that makes this tripod compatible with the requirements of still cameras as well as video platforms. Supporting an unprecedented 220 lb. load, the new DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set consists of both a short Aluminum Alloy tripod with 100mm Bowl, and a 100mm Half Ball Adapter.

“We are so excited to soon be bringing this amazing compact, flexible and extremely strong tripod set to market,” said Jan Lederman, President of Induro. “Sure to please the most demanding photographers and videographers, this new tripod set meets and exceeds the standards set by other Hi-Hat and Low-Hat solutions.”

Matching traditional Hi-Hat dimensions, the DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set goes far beyond in terms of operational scope and flexibility. Each leg features a two section extension and three steps of variable angle adjustment, making height adjustments and terrain adjustments a breeze. Specially reinforced pivoting ovoid feet provide a sure grip on virtually any surface, plus the capability to be screwed, spiked or otherwise firmly secured to establish a rock-solid connection to the ground or a board.

Bubble levels are incorporated both on the tripod spider and the top plate of the half ball adapter. And three evenly spaced points provide secure 3/8” and 1/4” threaded mounts for accessories.

The Induro DR Hi-Hat Tripod Set will be available in stores in early July 2012 for $279. For more information visit http://www.indurogear.com .

Impact Air Cushioned Heavy Duty Light Stand 13′ (4m)

Equipment Reviews & Articles, Studio Equipment No Responses »

Apr 282012

The first thing of note about the Impact 13′ light stand is that it’s actually not that heavy. Heavy duty yes, but not that heavy. Sounds odd right ? Well all I can say is that when compared to some of my small light stands it’s a comparable weight BUT it extends to a much larger height! I was so happy to see this that I immediately threw it in a bag and flew off to a photo competition taking place in Austria. Weight is important when you are trying to fit all your gear within the requisite baggage limits but I had no issue choosing this stand over some of my existing ones. You never know when a bit of extra height will come in handy!

Minimum Height	44 in (112 cm)
Maximum Height	13 ft (4 M)
Closed Length	42 in (107 cm)
Footprint Diameter	36 in (91 cm)
Leg Tip	25mm
Weight	5 lbs (2.3 kg)
Maximum Load	10 lbs (4.5 kg)
Attachment Size	5/8″ stud with 1/4″-20 treaded top

As you can see, it will even double up as a ski pole when needed!

You can see that the Impact 13′ stand has a reasonable base spread to it. If you jack this thing up to full height though you’ll definitely want to weight it down with some sand bags or something similar but up to about 8ft the legs will give you good stability.

Big chunky connections is what you want to see for durability

Winning image from photo contest in Austria

Jumping back to my story about Austria quickly, you can see the 13′ stand in use in the background of this image that I shot. In this case I was holding up an Elinchrom Ranger Head ,probably about 10 or 11ft off the ground. This image was actually the winning image in the photo contest that I was taking part in there and I put the height of this stand to good use!

I tend to be pretty rough on my light stands, they don’t stay in a studio. They get strapped to backpacks and skied around mountains, they get thrown in piles in the back of my pickup truck when I’m heading out to shoot and they rattle around in cases in the bottom of airplanes. If it can last a couple of months of that kind of abuse then it’ll stay with me a lot longer. The Impact stand past with flying colors and has become my ‘A’ stand that choose above all others. Primarily for it’s excellent height to weight ratio. It’s also air cushioned so if you loosen the screws too quickly it will gently lower itself and not trap your fingers. I used to recommend a specific Induro light stand to people when they asked what I prefer for my big lights in an outdoor environment but from now on I wouldn’t hesitate to point them in this direction. Again for the price I think you’re getting a very good deal.