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Thread: 4th Generation Designs & Mongoose 3.6

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    Default 4th Generation Designs & Mongoose 3.6

    I purchases a Mongoose 3.6 from 4th Generation and have a couple of questions. One is whether my Mongoose will work with the integrated flash arm without upgrade (their site says some older ones may). The other is whether any means exist to increase the amount of horizontal aim distance when using the low mount arm with a Canon 1D4 and 70-200mm lens (with RRS plate).

    I have tried to contact them through email and phone calls and have received no replies. Any advice on how a customer might get customer service assistance from them? Are they still in business? Are they shut down for the holidays?

    Thanks.

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    Mike -

    I just purchased a Mongoose 3.6 from them directly too... Let's just say that they are not as responsive as other manufacturers when it comes to questions. But keep after them. I know they are open and not "on holiday"...

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    They make a very good product but their customer service should be called customer dis-service. And a good reason to purchase their stuff from BAA; we will do our very best to help you with any problems.

    Mike, did you get my detailed e-mail with the photos of the gear that you requested?
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

    BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.

    Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,

    E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.










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    Default BAA & Mongoose

    Artie,

    Thank you for the information and photos. I am still digesting everything.

    I can see that mounting a 70-200mm on the Mongoose is a practical approach since it effectively reduces the motion needed for tracking. I know that you and Robert do not use the Mongoose Low Arm attachment with your big lens. However, I am much more comfortable with a bottom mount rather than side mount for the 500/800mm lens. Further, you both carry a small ball head for non-collared lens.

    I have been using the Low Arm attachment, which is very nice with 500/800mm lens since it provides a horizontal mount. However, it is restrictive when used with a 70-200mm. I also would prefer a solution that avoids a ball head since the Mongoose is so nice to use.

    On my last trip I used the Low Arm (ILM), an L-plate on the camera (of which I know you and Robert are not fond). That provided a horizontal mount for the 500/800 lens. I put a L-plate on the 1D4 and used a RRS MPR with integral clamp to rotate the clamp 90 degrees for use with non-collared lens (24-105) in both the horizontal and vertical position. This all worked, but it was somewhat restrictive when used with a 70-200 and 24-105.

    4th generation is modifying the C-90 bracket to provide a drop-in low arm mount which could be used instead of the ILM. That would provide a low weight horizontal clamp for the 500/800 lens. Then I would use the Mongoose straight side clamp with the 70-200. That improves my collared lens connections.

    I am also considering taking off the L-plate and putting on a bidirectional camera plate. I could then use the C-90 bracket clamp to provide a horizontal non-collared solution. I would then remove the C-90 to have a vertical non-collared solution with the Mongoose side clamp. I am hoping that the modified C-90 will not sit as low as the ILM and provide a bit more range in the up/down motion with the 1D4 in the horizontal position. I would compare that approach to the RRS MPR with integral clamp and a camera L-plate to see which has less weight and ease of use. The modified C-90 does have some appeal.

    Walter Weiss of 4th Generation is indeed very busy and is difficult to contact. He has responded to some of my questions.

    Without doubt, BAA is the place from which to buy (friendly customer service, fair prices, and quality inventory). In fact, I am getting ready to order some flash attachment things for the Mongoose and other items.

    Thank you again for all your assistance. Best wishes to you and yours for a safe and enjoyable holiday season.

    Mike

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    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
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    Thanks for the explanation Mike. I am a KIS (keep it simple) kind of guy....

    Thanks for the holiday wishes and ditto.
    BIRDS AS ART Blog: great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions; we will not sell you junk. 30+ years of long lens experience/e-mail with gear questions.

    BIRDS AS ART Online Store: we will not sell you junk. 35 years of long lens experience. Please e-mail with gear questions.

    Check out the new SONY e-Guide and videos that I did with Patrick Sparkman here. Ten percent discount for BPN members,

    E-mail me at samandmayasgrandpa@att.net.










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