• Product Protection
• Telephone Support - limited to the USA
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In addition, if you register your lenses by February 29, 2008 (I forgot it was leap year this year!) you can receive a 15% discount at the Canon eStore towards camera and lens accessory purchases.

Follow this link for the details.

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In low light situations, even a bit of movement from your body can ruin a nice shot. In fact, some SLR digital cameras have custom functions to help minimize even the most minuscule of movement. They can lock the mirror in place before a shot to reduce the smallest vibrations. Many of today’s cameras, or preferably lenses, have some type of image stabilization feature built-in. Termed IS (image stabilization) in the Canon line and VR (vibration reduction) in the Nikon line, IS can help from 1 - 4 shutter/ EV stops for movement of the camera - a photographer shooting at 1/250 can turn on a 3-stop IS and shoot hand held at 1/30. The lenses all differ in their approach, but the basic idea is that a lens ‘floats’ and moves in an opposite direction of the camera movement to capture a sharper image. In fact, some of the earlier generation IS/VR modes need to be turned off when used on a tripod, as the sheer lack of movement ‘tricks’ the sensors and the image may be worse if taken in this mode….but I digress.

So I set out to look for my first tripod. I was looking for the following features / qualities:

After much research, I decided upon the Slik Sprint Pro. It is a smaller, lightweight tripod that can hold up to 4.5lbs - which was right in my wheelhouse as the XTi weighs just over a pound. This tripod shipped with the gunmetal-grey finish, which looked very professional, included a ballhead, and a small nylon carrying ‘pouch’ with a shoulder strap. The tripod collapses to a very manageable 18.9″ and weighs only 1.9 lbs - so, it is very light and easy to take with you.

The first time I used the tripod, I knew I made a great purchase. The legs feature quick release knobs which allow a wide range of heights as well as use on uneven ground. The feet of the tripod are multi-purpose - there are rubber stoppers for indoor use, and with a few twists the rubber stoppers spin up to reveal small spikes for outdoor use. The legs lock into multiple angles as well as an extreme wide stance with the release of small plastic hinges at the top of the legs to get extremely low level shots. The tripod felt extremely stable for it’s light weight. It is made from aluminum, unlike it’s more expensive carbon fiber brothers.

The center column extends upwards to a maximum height of 64.3″ which is a perfect height for me - I’m 5′7″. A taller friend of mine, around 6′4″ found it to be a little low for him, but not terribly inconvenient.

For macro photography use the legs open to very wide angles for extremely low shots with the camera mounted the normal way. In addition, the center column can be removed and flipped, with the camera mounted upside down, for even more extreme shots just an inch off of the ground - or for different perspective on life.

I brought the Slik with me on a walk of a small garden in my area. This garden is home to a very large array of plants and insects and has a small stream running through it. The tripod deploys very quickly, thanks to the quick release locks - and with a few swivels the camera mounts quickly to the ballhead. I was soon taking macro shots of plants with the EF 100mm f/2.8 USM lens that came out incredibly sharp. I set my XTi up for a long exposure, and snapped a pic of the stream. The goal was to blur the water to create a silk effect, and leave the remaining background sharp and clear.

I also brought the Slik with me to a fireworks display this summer, and I was not disappointed. I was able to use long shutter times to blur the fireworks to create trails. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate this year, and there were thunderstorms the next day which prevented a second attempt. However, the Slik worked quite well with the XTi and the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0 IS USM lens. This is a pretty heavy lens weighing in at 1.7 lbs, for a total of almost 3 lbs with the XTi - the only thing to be careful of is when you loosen the ballhead. There is zero resistance, and as soon the lever is loosened, the weight of the lens would cause it tilt. The first time I loosened it to reposition I learned very quickly to hold the camera and lens with the other hand!

Stream and Fireworks

All in all, for the price ($79 from B&H or Amazon) this is an excellent starter tripod. It is very light and portable which means I will bring it with me for use in the field, as a heavier tripod might get a second thought and get left behind. I carry a small backpack with my gear in it and the tripod in the pouch straps on nicely and doesn’t add much weight. The Slik Sprint Pro was exactly what I was looking for and it’s a welcome addition to my gear.

In the future, I may be looking for a more robust tripod for indoor use - where weight and size are not as important. If I do go this route, the Slik will still be my choice for travel - and it can still be useful for holding a flash or other photographic equipment if a sturdier tripod replaces it in the future.

About the only thing I don’t like is the ballhead - it works fine. However, a quick release mount would be ideal. These mounts are available, but adds price and weight to this little package.

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I ordered a spare Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery for the trip.

On the memory front, I decided on the SanDisk SDCFX3-4096-901 4 GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card. A friend of mine went with the Ultra II a few months ago, and it’s a damn fine card. However, I couldn’t resist the extra ‘I’ on the package, and went for the Extreme card.

Of course, my friend told me the only reason I did it was to 1-up him, and sent me this:

I spent some time researching different options, and I settled on the BG-E3 battery grip. I just ordered it today, and I can’t wait to try it out. I will post a review of the grip after my return.

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Alignment is key, and proper placement allows you to develop power through the shot. Maintaining the tilt through the swing is imperative to making power.

Once again, another great video. Thanks Shawn!

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It should be remembered that in a golf swing, a spiral movement is created. This is closely related to the concept of creating momentum in Physics. As this spiral coils and uncoils in the swing process, a potentially tremendous clubhead speed is created.

In time, a better grip on this process of golf swinging will allow golf players to improve their clubhead speed. Constant practice or workout on this process will produce a golf swing procedure well suited to the individual player.

Golf playing, like other sports, is a physical activity. The body should be well-tuned to the minute changes in swing mechanics, in order to adapt and be more receptive to harder drives on the succeeding games.

The second component of the equation in clubhead speed is the body of the golf player. Seen from a distance, golf playing seems not to depend much on the body, and instead on the clubhead itself. But this is not the case.

In swinging, it is the body that produces the necessary power to push the clubhead into the desired position and strength. When properly aligned, the shoulders, hips, feet, and hands of the golf player will produce the much needed power.

Consistent routine or exercise will help the golf players in developing strength, and in the process producing stronger torque. Eventually, the player will get used to it and be flexible enough to generate a higher degree of clubhead speed.

The most effective way, therefore, in increasing the clubhead speed, is the sensitive and intelligent combination of clubhead swing speed, controlled movement and a properly sequenced motion that will make it possible to hit the ball in the center of the player’s clubface. This is the perfect combination of swinging mechanics and the player’s body in proper motion.

For more golf instruction on improving your golf swing, please go to http://www.improve-golf-game.info/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anthony_Lee

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Clubhead Speed and Power in the Golf Swing

Take a moment to answer the question; which comes first, clubhead speed or power?

Write down your answer and continue reading. Before we answer this question, let us do a quick review of both clubhead speed and power.

Clubhead Speed

Again, we understand that clubhead speed is the rate at which the clubhead is moving at impact with the golf ball. The development of clubhead speed is a resultant of your golf swing mechanics. It is essentially a summation of the entire process of the golf swing, beginning with address, moving through the backswing, into transition, onto the downswing, and completing with impact.

The paragraph above should answer the question of which comes first; clubhead speed or power? Clubhead speed is the resultant of power development with the mechanics of the golf swing.

The next question we want to ask is about power:

How is Power Developed in the Golf Swing?

Power is a combination of two entities:

1. Golf Swing Mechanics

2. Body

Your golf swing mechanics is the efficiency at which you perform the golf swing. Essentially, the golf swing can be broken down into the stages. These stages are;

Address, Backswing, Transition, Downswing, Impact, and Follow Through

Each of these stages within the golf swing can be performed efficiently or inefficiently. PGA Tour players tend to perform the mechanics of the golf swing very efficiently, where as the 30 handicapper performs them very inefficiently.

If the mechanics within each stage of the golf swing are efficient. The creation of power and transfer of this power into clubhead speed is at a greater percentage.

On the flip side, if each stage is performed inefficiently. The amount of power developed and transferred into clubhead speed becomes a low percentage.

The first key in power development and the generation of clubhead speed is golf mechanics.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics = Greater Power Development and Clubhead Speed

Once we understand that efficient golf swing mechanics equals more power and clubhead speed. We can turn our attention to the “support structure” of your golf swing.

The Body

The body is what drives the golf swing. It is your skeleton, muscles, and nerves performing the mechanics of the golf swing. As a result, your body has a direct affect on how much power you generate in your golf swing.

The mechanics of golf swing requires certain levels of:

Flexibility

Balance

Strength

Endurance

Power

Optimal levels within these body categories allow for the possibility of performing the mechanics of the golf swing at their most efficient levels.

For example, a full shoulder in the backswing is necessary for optimal power development. In order to perform a full shoulder turn, you must have a high level of flexibility.

If you are lacking the flexibility to perform a shoulder turn it will affect the amount of power you can generate.

Bottom line the body is the foundation on which the golf swing is developed.

If you have a weak foundation, you will have a weak golf swing.

Efficient Golf Swing Mechanics + A Strong, Flexible, and Powerful Body = Clubhead Speed

We now know clubhead speed is a product of power development in the golf swing. Power development within your golf swing is contingent upon two entities. The first entity is your golf swing mechanics. Performing the mechanics of the golf swing efficiently elicits more power. Secondly, it is the body. Optimal power development requires certain levels of flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and power within the body. Put these two entities together and you have the ability to generate high levels of clubhead speed within your golf swing.

About the Author

Sean Cochran is one of the most recognized golf fitness instructors in the world today. He travels the PGA Tour regularly with 2005 PGA & 2004 Masters Champion Phil Mickelson. To learn more about Sean and his golf fitness programs go to http://www.seancochran.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sean_Cochran

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Shawn Clement, Director of the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre, and CPGA Professional, shows you how to perform a very special little shot around the greens…

This little beauty can be used with the putter or one of your wedges. I can’t wait to hit the greens and try this one out! Thanks Shawn.

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Shawn Clement, Director of the Richmond Hill Golf Learning Centre, and CPGA professional, shows you how to stay stacked through the one leg drill and two feet together drill.

Another excellent video. Thanks Shawn!

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