Xotopro experiences?

[phantelope]

I just came across the macro flash setup by Xotopro, does anybody here have experience with their products? The flash bracket looks exactly like what I wanted to build myself and the flash units looks nice too, but I'm a bit hesitant regarding the pricing. The whole setup is $420 at Adorama, with the bracket and arms costing a bit more than half of that. (???)

I can't find any reviews of the setup or of Tumax flash systems anywhere, and the fact that 3 flashes cost around the same as some base plate and lock-hose arms with ball heads just seems a bit out of whack. Even if the plate is made of "aircraft" aluminum (like I care, I'm not building a plane...), I can't see the material cost of that plate/arm part to be more than $50, and manufacturing of that stuff is certainly easier than building 3 flashes.

I also can't figure out if the dual heads can be controlled separately and if the main flash is always off when using the dual heads, or if I could use all 3 at the same time.
Here's a link to the product on Adorama's site:

http://www.adorama.com/FAXQMM1TC.html?searchinfo=xotopro&item_no=3

(if the link does not work just enter xotopro into the search field on Adorama's site)

and the company's site is here:

http://www.xotopro.com (http://www.xotopro.com/)

All together much cheaper than the canon flash (which I consider extremely overpriced but also very good) and looks exactly like what I'd like to have for macro and also still life/food photography.

Thanks!

Oliver

[LordV]

Not seen this before- does look interesting if a little cumbersome for non-tripod work.
Can only suggest you contact xotopro directly with any questions.
Brian V.

[macro junkie]

im pretty sure dalantech use to use this..pm him.

[phantelope]

I might contact them, but I'm more interested in reports of anybody that used these. The company website is not very good and I can't find a single review anywhere on the net. That makes me pause....

I agree that it's probably not very practical in the field, had not thought about that. Might just stick with the Canon gear and build my own arms with the fex hose or lock hose or what it's called. Very cheap to buy online and easy to assemble.

[phantelope]

reviving this question. I still have my FIL canon dual macro flash, but once things start blooming he'll want that back and I'll probably want one around the same time. I find myself using this mostly on tripod and very often removing the two flash heads from the ring to e.g have backlight and sidelight on a flower. I find the results with both heads on camera often not satisfactory, as I like to play with light and shadow. I still can't find many reviews, one from shutterbug is online but does not go very deep into detail. I'd love to hear from somebody that used this setup or has it.

Thanks!

Oliver

Anybody around here use this setup by now? It sells for 419 including the flex arms, 3 flashes. Certainly a better deal than the Canon one at around $700. Not the same build quality, but I doubt that matters much for macro in studio or on tripod outside.