FAQ
Mongoose and Plate questions
How does the limit system work?
Most of our plates and quick releases feature many limit screw positions to narrow the range of motion. The system works in the conventional way when the limit screws are mounted in the center of the quick release and the plate screws are mounted on the ends of the plate. You can also create customized to create limits for each lens by using different screw positions.
What is the “Limit System”?
Our plates and quick releases are compatible with other “drop stop” methods but we provide more. Because of multiple screw positions the limits of motion are carefully controlled. Placing screws in the center positions of the quick release and the outer positions of the plate provides conventional function. Moving the quick release screws outward or the plate screws inward you can match the lens balance point.
What about mounting lenses off center?
Our lower hub and the pan bases of good ball heads are fully capable of supporting off center loads. Think about the off center loads on a ball head.
What about very heavy lenses?
We designed this product for lenses up to 9 lbs, however we know it will support heavier lens. We have a large following that use our product with 600mm lenses and above. With heaver lenses you may notice a slight drag compared to lighter lenses, but with greater feel and control over the competition.
What are the products made of?
High strength aluminum alloys, stainless steel, and engineering grade composites. Every part is corrosion resistant.
Where are the products made?
All components, except some fasteners, are made in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Why side mount heads?
We believe there are more pros than cons.
What is the difference between a lens foot and a lens plate?
All collared lenses have a foot to allow them to be attached to a tripod head or monopod. Many larger lenses have a foot that is removable from the collar. With these lenses we believe that superior functionality and weight reduction can be obtained with a full replacement foot. Most lenses weighing less than 5 pounds do not have a removable foot. For these lenses we offer finely sculptured plates to offer good functionality and low weight. To provide uncompromising performance most of our lens feet and plates fit only one or two lenses.
PROS:
Lighter weight
Compact form factor
Self centering lens height
Allows easy access to the focus ring
Allows easy lens support while griping the focusing ring
A low mount bracket is available.
CONS:
Some prefer bottom mounting because of hand size or strength
Underwater Questions
Question: With today's airlines charging for every ounce, can you compare the weight of your strobe arms and components against those of other popular brands, including Ikelight?
Our SX Series arms without floats are about 30% lighter than the competition. For example, a ULCS 8” arm weighs 3.2 ounces, an Aquatica TLC 10” arm weighs 5 ounces, while our SX-09 9” arm weighs 2.1 ounces. Our arms are consistently lighter; the exact difference varies slightly by manufacture and length.
Our SX series arms with small floats weigh about the same as our competitor’s arms (non-buoyancy) and provide meaningful flotation. For example our SX-109 9” flotation arm weighs 3.2 ounces and provides 5.6 ounces of buoyancy. Our SX-209 (large floats) at 4.5 ounces provides 10 ounces of buoyancy. Our SX-309 (jumbo floats) at 6.2 ounces provides 15 ounces of buoyancy.
Our buoyancy arms provide about twice the buoyancy of the completion, weigh less than half as much, and do not require longer heavier clamps. For example the new ULCS 16” (DB-BL 16) provides 18 ounces of buoyancy while our SX-315 provides 26 ounces of buoyancy.
Do you make floats for video housings?
We do, however they tend to be very unique so we ask that you call us so we can discuss your housing and port in depth (no pun intended).
Why should I bother with floats for my underwater camera?
1. Buoyancy control for you and your camera is essential to protect the reefs that we love.
2. Nobody likes aches and pains.
3. You will take better pictures if you don't have to fight with the buoyancy of you camera.
4. You won't rocket to the surface if you set your camera down or pass it to another diver.
Do your floats compress at depths?
We rate our floats for “recreational” depths where they will exhibit slight compression but not enough to significantly affect the buoyancy. An occasional float will compress more than normal because of variations in the material, we replace those at no charge.
Floats rated to 300 feet are available on a custom basis. These will be non adjustable and somewhat pricy. Please inquire for a quotation.