Can I use a standard umbrella adapter from adorama to support this thing? Reviewers say the ball head is too weak...
1251305
It is too weak for that, the material it's made out of is not strong enough. Its only strong enough for that flash unit only
393875
I would not recommend it. I tried using a boom with a speedlite in medium softbox with a sandbag and the stand broke. Specifically, the plastic plug that creates the air cushion came out because the screw that held it in place broke. The stand is useless now. I've had 2 of these stands break. If you want to support only a speedlite and an umbrella you would be OK, but with any modifiers and ballast, they will break. I finally bought a C-Stand. Best purchase ever since C-Stands can hold a lot of weight and they are built like tanks. A C-Stand costs about $100 but at the rate I was breaking the Ravelli stands, I think they are actually cheaper in the long run. Cheers! I would not recommend it. I tried using a boom with a speedlite in medium softbox with a sandbag and the stand broke. Specifically, the plastic plug that creates the air cushion came out because the screw that held it in place broke. The stand is useless now. I've had 2 of these stands break. If you want to support only a speedlite and an umbrella you would be OK, but with any modifiers and ballast, they will break. I finally bought a C-Stand. Best purchase ever since C-Stands can hold a lot of weight and they are built like tanks. A C-Stand costs about $100 but at the rate I was breaking... » Read More I would not recommend it. I tried using a boom with a speedlite in medium softbox with a sandbag and the stand broke. Specifically, the plastic plug that creates the air cushion came out because the screw that held it in place broke. The stand is useless now. I've had 2 of these stands break. If you want to support only a speedlite and an umbrella you would be OK, but with any modifiers and ballast, they will break. I finally bought a C-Stand. Best purchase ever since C-Stands can hold a lot of weight and they are built like tanks. A C-Stand costs about $100 but at the rate I was breaking the Ravelli stands, I think they are actually cheaper in the long run. Cheers! « Show Less
954282
Yes absolutely! I do recommend buying a ball head along with it like the one on this link: http://amzn.to/1zcLRlp which makes it easy to change the angle in certain shots!
100320
I wanted the gimbal head because it was strong enough to hold my 15 lb Canon 500 securely on the tripod. I don't know how much weight your ball head supports, but I doubt it will support the weight of the gimball. The Opteka seems to perform well, allowing easy vertical and horizontal movements, and with a longer slide piece, balances the lense well. JonK.
721501
I mounted a bridge camera using the supplied 1/4" adapter. That worked fine. But as some of the other questions have alluded to, the tripod is a little bit shaky. It is very light weight.
1553965
ok let me give you my reconnection http://www.amazon.com/Aputure-Trigmaster-Trigger-Shutter-Release/dp/B004FLAK4Q/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_y for trigger just incase you dont already have any, there are every cost effective and are of a good quality build.. Your will also need http://www.amazon.com/CowboyStudio-Flashlight-Umbrella-Holder-Bracket/dp/B0034WR19Y/ref=pd_bxgy_p_img_z to mount your flash to a stand and your umbrellas. if there is anything else, feel free to ask.
1311988
For the money, this is a good setup for YouTube videos. If the video only has one subject, putting two lights in each umbrella and getting them really close is plenty of light. It works like a beauty ring at that point. Good luck!
495575
You need a reasonably good tripod to support it. I have a Really Right Stuff replacement foot, RRS ballhead, and a Gitzo tripod. That's overkill, probably, but it does all work well. Anyway, do a google search for 'bythom tripod 101' for a nice, introductory writeup about getting tripod/support equipment.
1974855
Sorry for the delay but I bought this for my son and I had to get in touch with him to get the answer. He says that he had to buy a robust Ball Head that would hold the weight in order for this to work successfully. The ball head also allows you to tilt and move the camera as you want to. I hope this helps you with your problem.
1527896
That ball head will definitely work with this tripod. As long as the head has threads on the bottom (they all do) and a mounting plate to screw to the bottom of the camera you're all set.
366674
The mount is actually really cool. You could get a universal umbrella adapter, or mount it to any cold shoe adapter. Additionally it has a threaded mount so you can screw it to the top of a stand. It's a really great light for the money.
1939577
If you have sandbags then there should be no problem. It's basically a medium sized lightstand. The boom arm can handle reflectors and speedlights. I do not recommend attaching anything heavier on the boom arm.
2129721
Shure ! but you will need an adapter, This will work great: Fancierstudio E27 Bulb Holder Socket Flash Umbrella Swivel Bracket Photo Light Lamp Mount Umbrella Ac Adpater By Fancierstudio E27
1593366
I use the SB800 with small umbrella and it works great. If you want more power, you can upgrade to the SB900ish. I have a friend who has one and it work a bit better because it produce more flash power.
294889
Yes you can. You can screw it on any stand or umbrella holder. I never use it on the cameras hot shoe. Great powerful light but dont expect f8 at iso 100
1931149
As far as I can tell, ther should be no issues with attaching another brand of BallHead or other tripod head, as there are the typical 1/4-20 threads on top, which is standard for any tripod I've worked with. Hope this helps, good shooting!
103752
I bought this Manfrotto 026 Swivel Lite-Tite Umbrella Adapter so I can screw the table mount of the speedlight into the top of it and also mount my umbrella./