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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Tripod Selection Help Needed
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Showing posts 26 - 44 of 44, (reverse)
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 11/30/2004 08:07:45 AM · #26
So...I keep hearing "3001Pro" and "3021Pro" for tripods...I'm 90% sure I'm going to want the 3021Pro because of the horizontal lateral arm feature of the center column (Edit: Oops, they both have this feature) as well as the low minimum height (4.4 inches) and extra 6" maximum height.

For the heads...I'll have to look at them. I really want the grip-type but not if I'm sacrificing support.

And I definitely will get a removable plate for my rebel.

Message edited by author 2004-11-30 08:08:30.
 11/30/2004 08:50:32 AM · #27
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
So...I keep hearing "3001Pro" and "3021Pro" for tripods...I'm 90% sure I'm going to want the 3021Pro because of the horizontal lateral arm feature of the center column


One thing that might not be so obvious now is that any time you are working with an extended center column, especially horizonatally, you are essentially working with a monopod, not a tripod. There are times when that can be your only approach, but I haven't found too many of them yet. Keep your focus on the weight and usability (ie - q/r leg locks) of the tripod. A heavy camera, lens, and flash on an extended post will sway with a light breeze. (my experience is with a Manfrotto/Bogen 3001BWN + 486RC2 head). I think you're on the right track for cost effectiveness with Bogen.
 11/30/2004 09:20:36 AM · #28
Originally posted by cghubbell:
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
So...I keep hearing "3001Pro" and "3021Pro" for tripods...I'm 90% sure I'm going to want the 3021Pro because of the horizontal lateral arm feature of the center column


One thing that might not be so obvious now is that any time you are working with an extended center column, especially horizonatally, you are essentially working with a monopod, not a tripod. There are times when that can be your only approach, but I haven't found too many of them yet. Keep your focus on the weight and usability (ie - q/r leg locks) of the tripod. A heavy camera, lens, and flash on an extended post will sway with a light breeze. (my experience is with a Manfrotto/Bogen 3001BWN + 486RC2 head). I think you're on the right track for cost effectiveness with Bogen.


All of the PRO tripods allow for horizontal arm mounting. If the 3021PRO seems too heavy and the 3001PRO seems to small, there is also a 3011PRO which falls somewhere in between.

There is a ring attached to the center block of the tripod (where the legs meet at the top. One of its uses is to allow you to hang weight for it to stabilize ther tripod. If your partictular tripod doesn't have this, you can always improvise.

Message edited by author 2004-11-30 09:24:14.
 12/14/2004 10:13:37 PM · #29
So is the 3021 too heavy for hiking? With perhaps the 486RC2 or 488RC2 head?
 12/14/2004 10:56:42 PM · #30
Originally posted by Arcy:
So is the 3021 too heavy for hiking? With perhaps the 486RC2 or 488RC2 head?


I think it's too heavy for hiking very far. I have a 3001PRO with 322RC2 head that I take when I go out and about. I also have a 3021PRO that I mount the same head on and use at home. I would probably not take either of them on a backpacking trip or on a really long (10+ miles) hike. The 3001 is light enough to carry (if you have a good way to carry it) for several miles if you aren't carrying 50lb of food and non-camera gear.
 12/14/2004 11:29:31 PM · #31
I've been frustrated with my $100 "cheapo" tripod for some time now. Well.. last week I decided I had had it when it started slipping and turning around (there is nothing you can tighten to keep it from turning).

I was about to spend big $$$ on a tripod when I stumbled on one that was only $80 that I just had to give a try.

Now wait... I know what you're thinking! The really nice ones don't cost $80. But you really need to check this one out.

Go into your nearest Best Buy store and check out their tripods. Look for their most expensive one. It's a big one (tall). Heavy duty. With "bubble" levels on it (yeah!) and a real tilt head (yeah!), the ability to smoothly pan (yeah, panoramics here I come!) and knobs that tighten so easily and so well that I don't think anything will move.

I'm impressed.

A ball head might still be better. But hey... it's Christmas and I gotta spend the extra $$$ on the family. :-)

Message edited by author 2004-12-14 23:32:25.
 12/14/2004 11:38:59 PM · #32
the BENBO tripod is a good brand, you can erest it to any shape from low to high,.
 12/16/2004 06:45:13 PM · #33
Could someone compare Bogen's RC2 and RC4 quick-release systems for me... I'm looking at the 488 head but I can't tell whether to get the RC2 or the RC4 version.

Also, on a side note, I asked earlier about the carrying weight of a 3021 + 488, or the like, and someone said it was too heavy for hiking. Could someone explain that? By my calculations the whole setup would be about 7-8 pounds. The lighter (aluminum) tripods like the 3001, etc, are at the most 1-2 pounds lighter. I don't see how that makes any difference. BTW I'm just planning to attach it to a loop on my camera bag (a backpack).
 12/16/2004 07:06:01 PM · #34
I have the 3001 and the 486RC2 head. It's not a super heavy combo. It's at the bare minuimum for a serious tripod. If you're serious about your photography it's not going to be a huge sacrifice to bring it along. I put it in my daypack all the time and it's not a big deal. If you're just bringing it along for a lark on a two week expedition, it might not be the best option.
 12/16/2004 08:05:56 PM · #35
Originally posted by Gauti:
A really good one is the Bogen/Manfrotto 058B/3251 since it's BADASS black and therefore upgrades you almost to 20D
I have this monster and it can support ICBM ....


What!!? Am I missing something? In my book of abbreviations that's Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile ... man, that better had be a quick-release :-(

E

Message edited by author 2004-12-16 20:06:15.
 12/16/2004 08:58:56 PM · #36
Originally posted by jimmythefish:
I have the 3001 and the 486RC2 head. It's not a super heavy combo. It's at the bare minuimum for a serious tripod. If you're serious about your photography it's not going to be a huge sacrifice to bring it along. I put it in my daypack all the time and it's not a big deal. If you're just bringing it along for a lark on a two week expedition, it might not be the best option.


Cool, so you're saying it would be okay for 1-2 hour outings and such?

BTW do you feel like the 486RC2 works pretty well with your 10D? Thanks mate.
 12/16/2004 09:07:50 PM · #37
For day trips? Oh for sure. I do it all the time.

I really like that setup with the 10D. It's more than enough to support the 10D, battery grip and F4L lenses like the 17-40 and the 70-200. I've never tried it with a heavier lens. I took this with the 70-200 and that tripod:



The ball head is very versatile. I am considering getting a spirit level (they make them to fit in the flash hotshoe) for landscape shots, though, as it's hard to tell when it's absolutely level.
 12/16/2004 09:17:39 PM · #38
Originally posted by jimmythefish:
For day trips? Oh for sure. I do it all the time.

I really like that setup with the 10D. It's more than enough to support the 10D, battery grip and F4L lenses like the 17-40 and the 70-200. I've never tried it with a heavier lens. I took this with the 70-200 and that tripod:



The ball head is very versatile. I am considering getting a spirit level (they make them to fit in the flash hotshoe) for landscape shots, though, as it's hard to tell when it's absolutely level.


Awesome shot!

Cool about the tripod. I think I'm gonna get the 3021 and either the 488RC2 or RC4. Apparently the 488 adds a way to lock the ball and pan, which is good for panoramas I guess.

RC4 adds a spirit level, too. But I've heard it may be bigger/heavier than the RC2 system... so I can't tell whether it's worth it. Any insight on that?
 12/16/2004 10:44:56 PM · #39
I have been watching this thread because I've also been shopping and researching tripods/heads.
Would any of you please comment, compare, argue for/against the following 2 legs and 2 heads:

Bogen 3021Pro (black) vs Amvona AT 858B
Bogen 3265 (grip ball w/QR plate) vs Amvona ATH-918

For more Bogen info: //www.bogenimaging.us/
For more Amvone info: //www.amvona.com/v7/shop/

I appreciate the info, and I apologize to the thread author for stepping on toes; just hope that the answers help more people than me.
 12/17/2004 12:04:40 AM · #40
Arcy:
A level is essential for panned panarama shots. you can get a glue on one from adorama for $18 or so. I have a quick relese on my cheapo tripod and won't live without it, i have no level, and would like one.

From what I can tell, RC0/2/4 are 3 variations on quick release. I am not sure what the difference is beyond price and what it looks like in a picture.

Sailingduck
The 3021 is most like the at858B, and cheaper (but without a head). The PRO designatio nmeans the center column can be removed and attached in a horizontal manner to suspend the camera vertically (over a table for example to photograph a book or use like a copy stand) You can get a 3021 for $119 or so. Adding the PRO dsignation adds $20, and making it black adds $7 more.
I beleive the Bogen weighs less too. Depends on the head weight I suppose.
 12/17/2004 12:47:32 AM · #41
Prof_Fate,

Thanks for the info. I guess I will need a level then, one way or the other. That's a point in the favor of the RC4 system; but I'm still not sure whether the RC4 is otherwise better or worse than the RC2. If the RC2 is better (other than the level), I'd rather get it instead and add a separate level or whatever. Nobody seems to really know the difference other than the level though, hehe.

Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Arcy:
A level is essential for panned panarama shots. you can get a glue on one from adorama for $18 or so. I have a quick relese on my cheapo tripod and won't live without it, i have no level, and would like one.

From what I can tell, RC0/2/4 are 3 variations on quick release. I am not sure what the difference is beyond price and what it looks like in a picture.
12/17/2004 01:27:05 AM · #42
i was looking at the JTL 6224 or 6225 at adorama.com - $46
//www.adorama.com/JTTH24.html
I still need a level, but it include the quick release.

My other choce is hte 488RC0 - //www.adorama.com/BG488RC0.html
for $80 and includes level and can pan sepertely from the ball.

Still saving...lousy night at work last night, good tonite. I lose Dec 25th...i hate the holidays!

I hope to see and touch a 3021 this weekend.
 12/17/2004 01:42:57 AM · #43
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
i was looking at the JTL 6224 or 6225 at adorama.com - $46
//www.adorama.com/JTTH24.html
I still need a level, but it include the quick release.

My other choce is hte 488RC0 - //www.adorama.com/BG488RC0.html
for $80 and includes level and can pan sepertely from the ball.

Still saving...lousy night at work last night, good tonite. I lose Dec 25th...i hate the holidays!

I hope to see and touch a 3021 this weekend.


Prof,

Just FYI, I know a couple of people who returned the RC0 in favor of the RC2 or RC4 because they said it's hexagonal and did not have a lip to prevent it from rotating etc.

The RC4 has levels btw. 488 is available with all three afaik.
 12/17/2004 01:50:25 AM · #44
Hmm, looks like it has alip in the pic.

The RC2 is $10 more and the 4 $5 more than that, at $95. I may stick with the $46 JTL...I can always upgrade later, but since i am coming formthe world of plastic, most anything has to be an upgrade.

I saw the newer/better version of my tripod an Big Lots - for $10. Yes, $10. Thought about getting it to hold a light or flash or something...it had a head (pan and tilt), level, hook under the mainpost to hold weight to add stability, 3 section quick release legs, 67" or something with the center up, crank center post, and a quick releas with 2, count 'em, 2 plates. Oh, and a carry bag and handle on the tripod itself.
All for $9.95! Very lightweight too.

Perhaps sell them on ebay for $40....
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