Keep challenging our products
Our most recent test session
• WHERE : Our quality engineering team visited Rimi Island in Jilin Province, north China. The average temperature at night there is about -30 to -20°C (-22 to -4°F), while average daytime temperatures are -10°C to -5°C (14 to 23°). Joined by professional photographers from the region, our teams set out to test our products in the extreme cold.
• WHAT : Each product category in the Vanguard photo-video accessories line was thoroughly tested after being frozen for 24 hours. Specifically, these items were tested:
- Tripods: Auctus Plus 323CT, Auctus Plus 324AT, Abeo 323AB, Abeo 243AB, Alta Pro 263AT, Alta Pro 283CT, Alta+ 203AP, Espod AM-263,Dropdown M62, Dropdown B62, Quest M62
- Heads: GH-200, BBH-300, BBH-200, PH-31, PH-32, SBH-250, PH-113V, PH-114V, QS-39
- Bags and hard cases: Xcenior 62T, Xcenior 36, Skyborne 49, UP-Rise 48, Supreme 53F
- Optics: Endeavor ED8545, Endeavor ED 1042, Endeavor ED 1045, Spirit ED 8420, Spirit Plus 8420, High Plains 581, Endeavor 65A, Endeavor 82S, Spirit XF
• HOW : Test Environments and conditions
| PERIOD |
Indoors before freezing |
Outdoors after 24 hours in freezing conditions |
Indoors after freezing |
| TIME |
2/11/2012 |
6:30 a.m. 2/14 ~ 8:30 a.m. 2/15 |
2/17/2012 |
| TEMPERATURE |
Room temperature |
-20 ~ -15°C (-4 ~ 5°F) |
Room temperature |
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Tripods
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Auctus Plus tripods were tested in temperatures below -19°C (-2.2°F), where each feature, including the Extreme Support Height Positioning wheel system and one-twist-to-loosen leg locks, performed as normal. The tripods were also tested day and night on harsh terrain, including snow and ice, to challenge the all-terrain snow shoes and anti-rust spikes.
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The Alta Pro 263 aluminum tripod mounted with the GH100 pistol grip ball head was buried 24 hours under heavy snow. |
Tripod Heads
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Fluidity of motion for pan heads normally drops in freezing temperatures as lubricants stiffen, but thanks to our special design and construction materials, our PH-113V and 114V tripod heads remained fluid, even at -20°C (5°F).
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Camera Bags and Hard Cases
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Every aspect of each camera bag and hard case was thoroughly tested: handles, straps, buckles, zippers, fabrics, interiors. All of the parts and materials endured the extreme weather conditions with flying colors. Most impressive, our Supreme hard case was perfectly sealed beneath 50cm (19 inches) of heavy snow for 24 hours, and no damages were found.
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Optics
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Binoculars barrel size and focus wheel fluidity were also checked at extreme temperatures.
• Binoculars barrels contracted less than < (0.1%) at -20°C (-4°F)
• Focus wheels remained smooth.
• Binoculars barrels remain in alignment, event at extreme temperatures.
• Fog proof test at -20°C (-4°F): No fog discovered on any binoculars or the Endeavor spotting scope.
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