Tripods
So I am looking into buy a better tripod, as right now all I have is one I bought from bestbuy for like $30 when I got my first DSLR. I have been doing a lot of reading on the topic and am just curious if people here have any thoughts on this. I would be willing to spend between $200-$500 (if it was really worth it), but some things I am seeing say that I am wasting my money unless I am purchasing a top of the line stand which is > $500.
Post your reply
You have to sign in to be able to leave your reply to this topic
-
fredclarkphotography
Sounds like a good choice and a good price for quality gear.
11 June 2012 -
-
senoch
Thanks everyone for you feedback and advice. After days of reading, debating and watching you tube videos on various brands, legs and heads. I ended up going with the Manfrotto 055XPROB legs and Manfrotto 498RC2 head:
10 June 2012
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/718590-REG/Manfrotto_055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Kit.html
I went back and forth between this Manfrotto set of legs and the Benro A2970-F and in the end I went with Manfrotto. For anyone interested here is a link to a review done between the two that I found helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiqD7v9mKPY
So a couple of reasons why I picked this kit:
1) It's Manfrotto, so a known proven brand and the legs are very popular.
2) Price. $260 for a good head and legs isn't bad.
3) I like the fact that the ball head also allows for smooth panning too.
4) was tired of looking and felt that this would be a good starting place and million times better than the $30 dynex tripod I bought a Best Buy 3 years ago. I figure I can use this and if in a couple years I find myself needing more that this gives me that I haven't spent too much upfront. I would rather it be this way than buy something much more expensive now and find I bought a bunch of features that i never use.
Anyways, maybe I can post back after a couple of months of use and let people know what I still think. ;) -
maspick
I've had several tripods of varying expense, including a very heavy duty monster that served me well for a few years that I found for $5 at a thrift shop. I finally invested in a Manfrotto 190XB, which is available for as low as $120. It has a reversible stem and legs that unlock to allow for it being lowered closer to the ground. Although it is aluminum, it is not lightweight or very compact, but it's very stable, even in gusty wind.
10 June 2012
Upon that, I have a Promaster 4400 Pan Head, which runs around $50. It has a quick release plate that locks in solid, and can be used equally well for still a video since it's pan movement is very smooth.
These two pieces work together to provide the stability and versatility needed in virtually any shooting situation. When my camera's not on this rig, it's on a monopod to compensate from a bit of hand shake that middle age has brought to the table. d;¬{D -
DennisG
@fredclarkphotography
9 June 2012
Hiya Fred,
You could hang a blacksmith's anvil from that hook if you wanted and you would only improve the tripod's stability a small amount. This is because the extra weight is directed straight down the central axis of the tripod. While this will certainly anchor the device more firmly to the ground it does not improve the stabilty against wind or shake that is inherent in the lightness of the carbon material.
I have used a rather heavy camera bag hanging from the hook on my aluminium job and in a stiff breeze, even my tripod trembled noticeably. I ended up sitting on the ground making myself the camera support by locking my legs up to my chest and supporting arms and camera on my knees. Mch more stable and quite a successful shot in the end.
I will bow to the advantage of having a reversible stem for low shots but I use a small but strong tripod, a bean bag or even the ground for low shots such as fungi. IS turned off, mirror lock-up and live view zoomed in for manual focus result in some excellent photographs with external flash/es or natural light.
A good head on the photographer can help too. 8-)
GB
D! -
fredclarkphotography
@DennisG Simply because though these carbon fibre beauties are super strong, that means they are also super light and lightness equates with to being unsteady regrdless of how good all the leg locks are.
9 June 2012
this is an important point, if you go light such as carbon fiber or any light pod(I went light because I go on long hikes) be sure it has a hook at the bottom of the center stem, this is so on a windy day you can hook something on it to steady the tripod solid - I use my camera bag.
The other feature I wanted was a reversible center stem so I could mount the camera bellow the tripod, and legs that fold out so I can have the tripod very low to the ground.
and spend money on a head, a poor head on a great tripod is usless -
DennisG
G'day Steve,
9 June 2012
I will be in themarket for a new tripod later this year even though my old and trusty $120 aluminium job still works. (I mean what work does a tripod do? It holds the camera steady is all. So does a bean bag, a brick wall, the bonnet of your car, a tree branch, the ground, a rock etc). The real workhorse of a tripod is the head. Mine is a simple plate that tilts two ways and can flip to one side with a nicely geared centre post for more elevation.
So what do I want in a new tripod? Mate, I have researched them to death and now firmly believe that if you go for the super duper high end most expensive jobs you are doing your dough. These are the supposedly ultra good carbon fibre jobs mainly and all the praise heaped upon them is pure hype and belongs in the realm of gear heads with more money than sense. Why? Simply because though these carbon fibre beauties are super strong, that means they are also super light and lightness equates with to being unsteady regrdless of how good all the leg locks are.
This brings me back to finding a good solid, heavier aluminium job like this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0013ES69O/improvphotog-20 or this one: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000UMX7FI/improvphotog-20, with a really good ball head. (More research required on the suitable head).
The light weight/money-is-no-object boys will moan about the weight but you look like a solid, young, fit bloke. You could carry a heavier AND MORE STEADY tripod around all day mate.
Don't fall for all the hype and gumph from people who want more money from youtr hard earned wages, have a good think and ask yourself, "What does a tripod do?" Answer, it holds the camera up. You could probably make a really good, solid, steady tripod out of three tomato stakes but I doubt if you could handle all the laughter from the "real photogaphers". 8-)
Like all things, if you look after it, it will look after all.
Here endeth the lesson.
GB and good luck.
D! -
fredclarkphotography
9 June 2012 -
fredclarkphotography
I looked for sales and got a carbon fiber for $100 it was a blow out but deals are around. I wish I spent more on a ball head as mine does not tighten solid as I like and I find the plate sloppy, it works but you get what you pay for when it comes to heads.
9 June 2012
Like anything get the best you can afford.