New Tech Tips Video on YouTube

We have a new video on Youtube this week for our Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand. See it in action here:



Links: Tallyn's YouTube Channel (tallynprophoto) | Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand on Tallyns.com

New Tallyn Series Laptop Deck

Tallyn's is pleased to introduce the newest addition to our Tallyn Series line of professional studio solutions: The Tallyn Series Laptop Deck. We have specifically designed this product for digital studio photographers who want to have their laptop as close at hand as their camera.


The 3/8" thread mounts directly to any Manfrotto Tripod or Studio Titan Camera Stand and features an external locking bolt to provide added stability and secure mounting. The sturdy ball head allows for a full range of mounting angles and the adjustable brackets allow the Laptop Deck to support laptops up to 17" wide and up to 8 lbs (also includes a velcro strap for additional security).


The ultimate application for the Tallyn Series Laptop Deck is on the second platform of our Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand. This setup makes tethered or wireless shooting easier than ever adding a new level of flexibility and control to your studio shooting.

The Tallyn Series Laptop Deck is only $84.95 and will be available for shipment before the end of this month. Our Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand is still available as part of our Spring Specials Virtual Trade Show for only $975 (+ $55 shipping) through the end of the month.

Links: Tallyn Series Laptop Deck | Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand | Spring Specials Virtual Trade Show

Camera Shooting Platforms

We have published a new article to our Tech Tips section of our website about full camera stands and their advantages over using a tripod in the studio:

When thinking about camera support systems, many of us might not think far beyond a tripod. And while tripods definitely have their place in the photographer's arsenal, they're designed more for portability and location work, not the studio floor. Try to adjust the height of your camera from six feet down to six inches quickly or try to roll it smoothly along your studio floor - It's just not going to happen.

Introduce a permanent camera stand into your studio and you'll soon realize how sturdy and versatile a platform you can have. You'll gain the freedom to move and position your camera without hassle. You'll project a serious, highly prepared and well equipped image to those in your studio. Combine a camera stand with a wireless triggering system and you can eliminate the camera as a barrier between you and your subject, easing conversation and building rapport.

We have put together a few options that could add a whole new level of flexibility to your studio:

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One setup we use in our studio features the popular Studio Titan Side Kick Stand. With a simple Bogen/Manfrotto adaptor plate (028) you can connect any Bogen/Manfrotto tripod head and have a quick, efficient camera platform.

Pros:

- Quick height adjustment from one foot up to eight feet by way of trigger grip arm.

- A full range of positions are available with Bogen/Manfrotto tripod heads.

- Lightweight for ease of movement across studio floor.

- Inexpensive and cost effective. Can be set up for under $400.

Cons:

- Most Bogen/Manfrotto tripod heads do not maintain the lens center line when adjusted from landscape to portrait orientation. This may require repositioning the camera stand to restore similar framing. This problem is solved with our second example below.

- Most Bogen/Manfrotto tripod heads place the weight of the camera directly above the adjustment fulcrum, creating the opportunity for dramatic if not dangerous weight shifts when knobs are loosened for adjustment. This problem is also solved with our second example below.

- Studio Titan Side Kick Stands may not have enough weight in the base to support a full size DSLR body and a full-featured tripod head when positioned towards the top of the stand.

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Our best setup in our showroom/studio here at Tallyn's consists of the Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand, Custom Brackets' Gimbal & Custom Brackets' Digital Format Studio Bracket (with plates for quick releases).

Pros:

- Quick height adjustment from one foot up to seven feet by way of adjustable cross arm.

- Full range of position available with Custom Brackets Gimbal Head.

- The Custom Brackets Digital Format Studio Bracket maintains the lens center line when adjusted from landscape to portrait orientation.

- There is far less chance of dramatic if not dangerous weight shifts when knobs are loosened for adjustment because of how the Custom Brackets Gimbal is designed (with the fulcrum above the camera body).

- The Studio Titan Pro 4 Camera Stand has the weight and stability to support a full size camera with the Custom Brackets Gimbal and Studio Bracket combination at it's maximum height.

Cons:

- This system is not easily transported out of the studio or from one location to another.

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Finally, we have adapted the use of the Custom Brackets Gimbal & Studio Bracket setup for our Studio Rail Systems. Obviously, this isn't an option if you don't have a rail system, but for studios already trying to eliminate the floor clutter of stands and cables, this setup is a natural extension of that idea.

Pros:

- Quick height adjustment within the range of rail system panograph.

- Full range of position available with Custom Brackets Gimbal Head, including strait down (with the film plane parallel to the floor).

- The Custom Brackets Digital Format Studio Bracket maintains the lens center line when adjusted from landscape to portrait orientation.

- Because of how the Custom Brackets Gimbal is designed (with the fulcrum above the camera body) there is far less chance of dramatic if not dangerous weight shifts when knobs are loosened for adjustment.

Cons:

- This system requires a studio rail system for installation.

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Links: Tallyn's Custom Camera Stand Kits on Tallyns.com / Tallyn's Tech Tips Articles