Hmmnnn - Flight Brace

[Diamond Lil]

Now this certainly looks interesting!

Joseph Noordman's Flight Brace (http://joenoordman.smugmug.com/Photography/Flight-Brace/3167379_4CRKx#170543178_RgPPM)

J. R., do you think there would be a way to take the Manfrotto Shoulder Brace and hook it up to a head to make the same thing?

[J. R. Weems]

Lil, I am just not sure. However-- the head is just like the one that came on my monopod that I took off. Remember, I listed it for awhile?? I just DO NOT trust levers, at all. Never sold though. There are a couple things I DO see with this. First, I am not at all sure it would be better than what we have. (MY brace will be in today), I say this because. With our braces, we will not have to hold our left hand under the lens to support it. In my case, I have a holder that came with the bag for the 600 that the monopod will fit in and be pretty much supported. Is installed on my belt. Left hand just used to hold it tight to my shoulder. Seems that will be easier than trying to hold the lens up, AND hold it tight. ?? :) Second, will this work with my battery grips on?? ( do you use them? You have never said. I just do not know, If not, a BIG design mistake. Third, I took off my head because it I was committed to a ARCA SWISS operation. ALL my lenses are set up that way, as well as my cameras. Now- they offer a conversion kit so you can use that head and the ARCA SWISS plates. I am not sure what that might consist of, but will check into it. Also, with the Lowepro holder that came with the bag for the 600, I can still use it as a monopod, and feel I could track a bird, or running wildlife with it. If I had to hold it up to shoot something, I should be able to, except for the 600. While all this remains to be seen, you can be sure I will keep you posted, and will conduct some tests when my brace arrives today.

I must say, it looks WELL made. I am REALLY interested in that conversion kit-- I might have what I need on hand to make one. :)

Sorry to ramble on, but I was just trying to cover all the bases. :)

:camera

Oh yes, as far as the camo covers?? I found last winter, at Walmart, covers that fit on tree stands. I bought a couple and trimmed them to fit my standing monopod and Low Boy tripod. I would be willing to bet they were much cheaper that the ones he sells. :) Just a thought-- However, you might not find them now that hunting season is over.

[J. R. Weems]

Lil, what I have discovered for the moment. One- looks like using a battery pack would not be a problem. --- I can make this, all that would be required would be the clamp. I just ordered one from KIRK -- The unknown factor here, will just be how the brace will attach to the monopod. A 'hands on operation will be required for this." I have several extra plates so that cost is a mute point. The clamp was $60.00, but I needed it anyway.
ONE CAVEAT here.
Be careful when you tighten things up. You can easily break the bond of the screw and the monopod. I did the first time I used one. I was able to fix it, but just barely. Total weight might also be a concern. :)

[J. R. Weems]

Lil, you have the brace so no need for me to go into the operation of it, but. I see NO reason we cannot use our monopod to track birds in fight. All we have to do is hold the camera higher-- since the brace will swivel, we can just hold the monopod close to the lens plate/base. why not? I have a old cable release handle that would give me a good grip as well. Small lenses would not be a problem at all, unless I am missing something. I am trying to think in terms of working with 'the beast' as well. What you think?? :)

[Diamond Lil]

J. R. !!!! You are the best! Much more than what I anticipated and I love it.

The reason I'm considering it at all is to help me stabilize the camera for birds in flight. I thought of a Bush Hawk, but have read the opinions of folks who have used both and like the Flight Brace better.

Please continue to enlighten me with your thoughts. Thank you so much!

Oh yes, I do not have a battery grip, yet. :)

[J. R. Weems]

J. R. !!!! You are the best! Much more than what I anticipated and I love it.

The reason I'm considering it at all is to help me stabilize the camera for birds in flight. I thought of a Bush Hawk, but have read the opinions of folks who have used both and like the Flight Brace better.

Please continue to enlighten me with your thoughts. Thank you so much!

Oh yes, I do not have a battery grip, yet. :)

Lil~ All the above being said, I must add, I think the Flight brace is better built than our little braces. I will, and have to, do just about anything to hold a camera steady. At slower speeds, the nerves in my back hold me back. The Manfrotto Fluid Head I have, has some kind of (funky little lens stop), that I haven't been able to figure out how to remove, So when I tried it, I just put on a ball head.

[Diamond Lil]

Lil~ All the above being said, I must add, I think the Flight brace is better built than our little braces. I will, and have to, do just about anything to hold a camera steady. At slower speeds, the nerves in my back hold me back. The Manfrotto Fluid Head I have, has some kind of (funky little lens stop), that I haven't been able to figure out how to remove, So when I tried it, I just put on a ball head.

It just might be an example of you get what you pay for. I am happily surprised with it however, for added stability when using the monopod. I just need something to help me stabilize when shooting birds in flight.

I am committed to a steady camera as well. It does absolutely no good to have it moving. We have enough to contend with without having camera motion.

[J. R. Weems]

It just might be an example of you get what you pay for. I am happily surprised with it however, for added stability when using the monopod. I just need something to help me stabilize when shooting birds in flight.

I am committed to a steady camera as well. It does absolutely no good to have it moving. We have enough to contend with without having camera motion.

I wouldn't be surprised if either one, or BOTH of us end up getting one. :) I am at present, searching for a monopod that is rated for about 20 Lbs, or so. Higher price does not translate to bigger payload. :(

[Diamond Lil]

I wouldn't be surprised if either one, or BOTH of us end up getting one. :) I am at present, searching for a monopod that is rated for about 20 Lbs, or so. Higher price does not translate to bigger payload. :(
You may be right.

J. R., my Manfrotto 680 monopod (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/680B/_/Compact_4-Section_Monopod) is rated for 22lbs. It suits my purposes just fine.

PS
You want to know something funny? The monopod head you were trying to sell is the one I have on my monopod and I just realized this now. :faint

[Diamond Lil]

Oh yes! I received an email back from Joe. The Flight Brace delivered to NY is $135 US.

After this discussion, I'm saving my pennies! I need one of these and nothing else out there seems to fit the bill. Add that to the fact that I've seen nothing negative about it, more than can be said for the BushHawk and well, it is the way to go!

[J. R. Weems]

You may be right.

J. R., my Manfrotto 680 monopod (http://www.manfrotto.com/product/0/680B/_/Compact_4-Section_Monopod) is rated for 22lbs. It suits my purposes just fine.

PS
You want to know something funny? The monopod head you were trying to sell is the one I have on my monopod and I just realized this now. :faint

REALLY?? What did you do about that little stop?? It doesn't seem to screw in or out? Nor can I see that it is spring loaded?? :)

680B on it's way-- You are just a doll Lil, THANKS :kisses:kisses:thumbsup

[Diamond Lil]

REALLY?? What did you do about that little stop?? It doesn't seem to screw in or out? Nor can I see that it is spring loaded?? :)

680B on it's way-- You are just a doll Lil, THANKS :kisses:kisses:thumbsup

I'm glad it seemed right for you J. R.!

Here is a photo from Manfrotto of the head. I do not know what the stop you are referring to actually is.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/medium/Manfrotto_234RC_Head.jpg

[J. R. Weems]

I'm glad it seemed right for you J. R.!

Here is a photo from Manfrotto of the head. I do not know what the stop you are referring to actually is.

http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/532/medium/Manfrotto_234RC_Head.jpg

Lil, I don't see it on yours, but mine has one? Hmmmm-

[J. R. Weems]

Lil, here is one for you-- They sold them WITH the tripod as well. Tripod is rated for 22LBS. The HEAD, is only rated for 5.5 LBS. ?? Now, what is THAT??
Guess I will not try and use mine after all. My D700 weighs more than that. :((

[Diamond Lil]

Lil, I don't see it on yours, but mine has one? Hmmmm-
Weird!
Lil, here is one for you-- They sold them WITH the tripod as well. Tripod is rated for 22LBS. The HEAD, is only rated for 5.5 LBS. ?? Now, what is THAT??
Guess I will not ry and use mine after all. My D700 weighs more than that. :((

I'm thinking I need to pay very good attention to the health and well being of my tripod head....

(Canon 50D) 1.60625 lbs + (100 - 400mm lens) 3.1 lbs = 4.70625 lbs

I am surprised that your D700 weighs so much more.

[J. R. Weems]

Weird!


I'm thinking I need to pay very good attention to the health and well being of my tripod head....

(Canon 50D) 1.60625 lbs + (100 - 400mm lens) 3.1 lbs = 4.70625 lbs

I am surprised that your D700 weighs so much more.

Lil, I believe the 700 w/80/400 lens came in at 8/9 something pounds. My concern now is the Beast. :) BTW-- I DO not, and would not ever put my trust in levers, for ANY purpose. JMHO. :)

[Diamond Lil]

Lil, I believe the 700 w/80/400 lens came in at 8/9 something pounds. My concern now is the Beast. :) BTW-- I DO not, and would not ever put my trust in levers, for ANY purpose. JMHO. :)

J. R., I've been meaning to bring that up here. So, I should get a new head simply because of the lever?

[J. R. Weems]

J. R., I've been meaning to bring that up here. So, I should get a new head simply because of the lever?

Lil, well-- THAT would of course be up to you, but they are NOT secure, but not trusting ANY safety, is why I always wear the strap regardless, and NEVER carry a tripod over my shoulder with camera in place. I do with a monopod, but only using it as a handle, never over my shoulder. I had a spare pouch I could hook over my belt, which I inserted the monopod in, but a better one came with the bag for the beast, along with a strap. I have even had a camera strap come unhooked, a couple times. Once, I found my lens loose?? Don't know, somehow I must of pressed the button. When shooting, I can become VERY focused, no pun intended. That is how I got too close to some bears last year, and it is how photographers get hurt-- falling, etc. Erin knows this first hand as well-- BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!! :):thumbsup

[Diamond Lil]

Lil, well-- THAT would of course be up to you, but they are NOT secure, but not trusting ANY safety, is why I always wear the strap regardless, and NEVER carry a tripod over my shoulder with camera in place. I do with a monopod, but only using it as a handle, never over my shoulder. I had a spare pouch I could hook over my belt, which I inserted the monopod in, but a better one came with the bag for the beast, along with a strap. I have even had a camera strap come unhooked, a couple times. Once, I found my lens loose?? Don't know, somehow I must of pressed the button. When shooting, I can become VERY focused, no pun intended. That is how I got too close to some bears last year, and it is how photographers get hurt-- falling, etc. Erin knows this first hand as well-- BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!! :):thumbsup

J. R., Your experience an wisdom are invaluable. We should have you periodically write a little J. R. Practical Photography Pearl . :D

I've had the lens loosen and nearly panicked over it. I won't tell anyone why the car is always put in drive before making any attempt at a photo through the window. :hide

[J. R. Weems]

Lil, clamp from Kirk just arrived. It went on the brace with no problem. All I need is the new Monopod to arrive by the end of the week. :)

[Diamond Lil]

Lil, clamp from Kirk just arrived. It went on the brace with no problem. All I need is the new Monopod to arrive by the end of the week. :)

Very cool J. R.! Would you consider posting pictures of your set up when you assemble it?

[J. R. Weems]

Very cool J. R.! Would you consider posting pictures of your set up when you assemble it?

But of course. :ride::camera

[Diamond Lil]

But of course. :ride::camera

Thanks J. R.!

[J. R. Weems]

Like a glove-- New Monopod arrived a few minutes ago. As You can see, this combination fits together very nicely. It will be getting a workout this weekend.
THANKS! LIL!! for saving me time thus being able to get the 680B in the door in time for the weekend trip. Heavy duty is just hat I needed. I expect the I may be getting a" FLIGHT BRACE" as well. :thumbsup:kisses
Clamp in a 2" KIRK, and will interchange with the rest of my gear. :)


http://www.moviephotoforums.com/photopost/data/780/medium/DSC_40821.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

Excellent J. R.! I hope you like yours as much as I do mine.

Now, if you could only figure out how to put rifle-like butt on it. :D

[J. R. Weems]

This monopod is built like a tank :)-- however, the brace does not seem to extend far enough to be of use with the 600-- I am not sure about the Flight Brace?? :)

[J. R. Weems]

WOW!! My Flight Brace arrived today while I was out. :woo After a couple adjustments to suit my requirements, this rascal is SOLID!! I wanted camo, which Joe doesn't provide any more because of lack of requests. Well I had a piece left over that they use on tree stands I found at the Wal-Mart last winter- Presto- a perfect fit, AND it covers the screw and nut so they can never become lost. Waste not want not I say. :) I adjusted mine for summer wear- I am sure winter coats might required it be a bit longer, but it is fine for now. There is some kind of postal strike going on in Canada, but Joe got this here SUPER FAST!! In operation, this is solid a a rock- I can't wait to try it on birds-- or any wildlife.
THANKS JOE!! :) :thumbsup

[Diamond Lil]

Oh no! I was hoping you'd hate it!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Diamond Lil]

I have to tell you, my FB came in the mail this morning, I immediately assembled it and wahla!!! A beauty of a device was mounted on my camera within seconds. Tomorrow seems to be the earlies that I'll be able to take it out for a real run because of work responsibilities. I'm so excited!





Please know that Joe did nothing to encourage me to speak about his device. I sought him out and told you all about it. I told him about our sight. By email he told me that he was coming by here, but would not advertise and he is a man of his word. Thank you Joe.

I AM ADVERTISING! And doing so of my own free will.

[jjackflash]

And I Am Advertising Too!

Its A Neat Device

[J. R. Weems]

I as well-- I believe in passing the word about what works- IT DOES!!! Mine got plenty of attention at my Granddaughter's swim meet a couple weekends ago. :D Mine got a REAL work out this past week as well. :thumbsup