PDN - March 2012

Manfrotto Maxima-84LED Panel

Speaking of shooting video, one of our favorite portable light sources for capturing HD with our DSLR is the Manfrotto LED Panel. Very similar to another product we reviewed a few years ago called Litepanels (also recommended), Manfrotto LED panels attach to the top of your camera via a cold-shoe mount and use a grid-like pattern of LEDs (light emitting diodes) to produce soft, 6000°K light. The flagship model, the dual-purpose Maxima-84LED Panel, offers both continuous LED light and a flash option for still photography, which produces a burst four times the output of the continuous light. As its name suggests, the Maxima- 84 is an 84 LED panel that’s powered by a built-in lithium rechargeable battery. It ships with a ball-head mount that lets you attach the light either on the hot shoe of your camera, a photo head or a light stand. It also offers a “Duo” position, letting you mount it either horizontally or vertically. If you want more light for your big movie shoot, you can stack several Manfrotto LED panels together. If you want less light, turn down the dimmer or add the included diffuser or gels to soften the light or change the color temperature.

PRICE: $299

Clarity Defog It

Whenever we go on a shoot in tropical, humid or foggy conditions, we bring along some Clarity Defog It. The anti-fogging solution, made by Nanofilm, is available in moist towlettes or in liquid form, which you gently wipe on the front of your lens—or eyewear—to prevent it from fogging while moving between temperature-changing environments. One wipe/squirt of Defog It will keep your lenses from fogging for the whole day. The product has been extensively tested on optical lenses, eyeglasses and safety goggles and, along with preventing fogging, it’s a pretty decent lens cleaner. Just wipe and shoot.

PRICE: $7.49 for three reusable anti-fog cloths in a plastic carrying case; $5.99 for kit with 5ml bottle of anti-fog liquid and microfiber cloth INFO: www.nanofilmproducts.com

GorillaPod Focus with Ballhead X

We rarely go anywhere without our GorillaPod Focus and Ballhead X from Joby. While most situations require a full-length tripod with more support, bendable GorillaPods with their flexible, wrappable legs let you set up in tricky settings. (We love them for on-location food and libations shoots.) The Focus is the largest GorillaPod in the line and the first one designed specifically with the pro in mind. It can support up to 11 pounds of pro gear, so if you want to use a long telephoto or zoom with your DSLR, you’re covered. Pair it with the lightweight and compact Ballhead X and you’ve opened a range of possibilities, such as fluidly panning, tilting and rotating your camera while shooting HD video. Meanwhile, the bubble level helps you keep your shots straight; while the head itself provides 360-degree panning and up to 90-degree tilt. The Ballhead X is made from pre-cision-machined anodized aluminum with a weight of over nine ounces and a height of 3. 3 inches. It has both a universal 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch threads.