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Adorama has announced its new series of reasonably priced Flashpoint carbon fiber tripods. Featuring classic European styling, the three Flashpoint tripods bring all of the advantages of carbon fiber tripods to photographers who want and need the advantage this high tech material brings to capturing images with today's digital SLRs. Besides its legendary light weight and strength, carbon fiber offers many advantages over fully metal tripods. The thermal transfer rate with carbon fiber is much less than most metals and carbon fiber is noted for its ability to absorb vibrations.

The Flashpoint tripod line starts with the three-section model l128 that measures only 18.5-inches long when its legs are compressed making it an ideal tool for the backpacker and nature photographer who wants something small and light to attach to their camera bag. Fully extended (and without head) the 1128 measures 55-inches long. This compact tripod only weighs 2.64 pounds and is capable of supporting almost ten pounds. The 1128 sells for $169.95.

The main leg of the three-section 1228 model has a wider diameter (7/8-inch instead of ¾-inch) than the 1128 along with a slightly beefier look. It's a little over 20-inches long but extends (without head) to a highly usable 60-inches and weighs 3.3 pounds. The 1228 has a load bearing capacity of 17.6 pounds and sells for $199.95. The model 1328 uses a one-inch diameter leg as its main section and has an extended length of 63-inches! Because of its four-section design, the 1328 measures only 21 ½-inches long when compressed. The tripod weighs less than four pounds, can support load up to 24.2 pounds, and costs just $299.95.

A Flashpoint carbon fiber monopod complements the tripod line-up. Its 19-inch length and almost negligible weight (10 ounces) make it an ideal support for sports, nature, and action photographers. Extended it goes to a practical 58-inches high. A rubber grip over the one-inch main tube gives photographers something grippy to hang onto when the weather may be less than accommodating. The monopod sells for $89.95.

Complementing these tripods is Flashpoint's new series of precision magnesium alloy ball heads that with prices ranging from $54.95 to $74.95. The heads feature a micrometer-marked base, rubber gripped adjustment and locking knobs, and a quick release shoe for attaching your camera.

Flashpoint tripod legs are fully adjustable to suit a variety of working conditions including the ability to spread for low-angle and macro photographs. All a users needs to do is push a leg in, slide out a metal tab, and the leg can move past its normal stop allowing it to be placed at any angle the photographer wants!

All Flashpoint tripod legs have rubber double-grip twist locks that allow the legs to be tightened whatever the temperature may be and each tripod comes with a wrench for tightening and adjusting the legs so the friction is set the way an individual photographer prefers. The tips of the legs can be set with either a rubber tip when working indoors or a spike when working outdoors on rugged terrain.

For strength and durability, the top and leg attachments of all Flashpoint carbon fiber tripods are made of tough and lightweight magnesium alloy. Even the least expensive Flashpoint carbon fiber tripod has a bubble level atop its leg mount to add in fast and accurate set up. The tripod's top features a reversible screw for attaching either 3/8 or ¼ inch mount heads. All Flashpoint tripods are delivered with an attractive and rugged Cordura case complete with handy grip and carrying strap.

www.adorama.com