After a year of holding down prices in the face of the strong Euro, Manfrotto Distribution have increased prices this week - typical increase is between 7 and 15%, but in some cases it's more. Apart from reflecting the VAT change, we have bought forward stock and will hold existing prices on normal stock lines for as long as possible.
So the message is, if you want new Gitzo or Manfrotto kit, DON'T DELAY.

The new f-stop bags offer traditional Billingham quality at lower prices. By using durable and lightweight FibreNyte with leather trim, and a simplified interior, the look and feel of these bags is comparable to the other bags, but the cost is kept down. Anyone wanting a stylish and classy alternative to the many made in the Far East offerings should take a look. The f2.8 suits a typical DSLR with 2 lenses; the longer f1.4 takes a bit more.

Tamrac's Expedition Series backpacks are designed to cope with the toughest conditions. With really comfortable harnesses, zipper rain covers and a host of thoughtful touches like the 'wing' pockets which fold out to give easy access to cards and accessories. they are also compatible with Tamrac's MAS system pouches to enable capacity to be increased. One of the most useful is the Water Bottle and Holder. Usually £12.50, it's yours free with the 5x, 6x, 7x, 8x and new super-large 9x.

Fitting most bounce head flashguns, the Orbis allows you to create soft, virtually shadowless lighting which will really flatter your subject. It just pushes on to the flashgun, which you then position around the end of the lens so that the light falls directly on the subject. If you want to work with a hand free, or on a tripod, there's an accessory bracket which holds the flash, Orbis and camera.

More and more popular with wildlife photographers, or anyone needing to follow-focus with long telephoto lenses, gimbal heads enable a precise point of balance to be achieved to make the handling of heavy lens/camera combos much easier,
These new brackets are less expensive and lighter. The LB (right) attaches directly to the collar of a lens up to 400mm, and the LS is designed for heavier lenses up to 600mm.