24.05.2017

Hands-on review: Street Camera Backpack & XPRO Ball Head

written by:
Rachel Stewart

24.05.2017

Hands-on review: Street Camera Backpack & XPRO Ball Head

I am one for nature. Take me to any place in the world where I can stand at one with mother earth, and I happy. Take me there with my camera and tripod, I’m even happier. I also love seeing the creative minds of humans at play, which is why one of my favourite past times is discovering Art, paintings, street work… it’s what first drew me into the creative world of photography.

I was trying to think of the best places to test out the new Street Backpack and XPRO ball head by Manfrotto, and two places that suit my style of photography came to mind. My hometown waterfall, and some of the awesome street art we have around our city.

The hike to the waterfall is a fairly easy one and only takes around 10 minutes. But trying to get a composition with the waterfall can be slightly trickier… this is where the XPRO ball head worked its magic. I set up my camera and tripod (Manfrotto 190Go! Carbon Fibre) in portrait mode, and had full trust in the ball head for both precision, safety, and a guaranteed shot. The XPRO ball head is designed with a triple locking system ensuring that your camera is safely fastened, and guaranteed position stability. It will not move. Where you place it, it will stay… any camera drift or movement is completely ruled out. The unit is very solid and can be used at many angles without any issues. The quick release locking plate allows you to set your shot up within no time, and the two bubble levels allows you to adjust your camera so it is sitting level. The three separate adjustment levers allow you to adjust and pan your camera at ease without friction or difficult movement. Overall I would definitely recommend this ballhead for its locking, smooth adjustments, and ease of use.

I hiked down to the falls carrying my gear in the Manfrotto Street Backpack. This bag is perfect for carrying your DSLR camera, three lenses, plus many accessories. It comes with a dedicated compartment for your laptop, a camera insert so all your gear stays in one place, plus internal and external pockets for extra goods.

The bag is very easy to wear and fits nicely on your back with a padded area for extra comfort. The shoulder straps are easily adjustable and the top strap allows for it to be easily carried if not wearing on your back. I loved the style of this bag, the colours are very on trend, and the square shape gives it that extra edge. So not only does to look great, it actually performs great as a camera bag also.

My last stop with the camera bag and tripod was the city. Without a doubt this combo is perfect for any urnan/city scape photography. Again the ball head is easy to set up and adjust to get the perfect shot. With your tripod placed on steady ground, and the triple locking system at play, both landscape and portrait orientations are guaranteed to be sharp.

The bag blends in nicely with the scene and its functionality is perfect. The top compartment can hold your keys, wallet, personal belongings, and the bottom compartment with camera insert solely for your camera gear.

I would certainly recommend these Manfrotto items to anyone who is looking for a solid and reliable – easy to use ballhead, and an everyday on trend camera bag.

 

Rachel Stewart

Rachel Stewart is a self-taught landscape, travel and adventure photographer based in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand.

With a passion for nature, art, adventure and exploring, Rachel’s photography can be characterized by her desire to seek out and find the beauty created by the natural world.

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