I received my shipment of my new equipment!!! Most notably was the new Quantum Q-Flash X5d-r. Time will tell but I am missing my old Q-Flash. The new model is lighter weight (good) but with inferior plastic housing and control. The "modeling" light is not a continuous light source but a sickening strobe ??? Still trying to figure THAT one out. However, on the plus side, you can set pre-programmed settings which make switching settings much easier. I can't wait to use it. I am sure I will warm up to it (I never did use the modeling light much anyway).
I also got the new Canon ef 70-200 2.8 L IS lens (which replaced my old but trustworthy Canon ef 70-200 2.8 L) Being prone to motion sickness, I am not thrilled with the IS feature, however, I am going to start doing more "fusion" photography which will include some HD video. For this reason alone, I went for the IS model.
The best gadget, and what I am going to rate as the best gadget of the year is my Custom Brackets rotating camera bracket. It is a flash bracket with a rotating camera plate which allows me to shoot vertically without rotating the flash for more even flash coverage in vertical. Super cool!!!
Here is the manufacturers photo of the Custom Brackets Digital PRO-E bracket I just bought.
My biggest concern before I bought is was clearance for a larger SLR. This is not a problem. The only constraint is that with the 70-200 lens on the tripod mount on the lens must be rotated 90 degrees to the side (no biggie) or removed. I opted to rotate the mount.
This is the kit I can't wait to use the most. My first major test will be in a week or so for my big engagement shoot in downtown Charlotte.
Now enough playing with my new toys. I HAVE to get back to finishing up wedding albums I have working...
