Tripod Question - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/13/2005 02:07:10 PM · #1

I just wanted to get some feedback. I'm looking to purchase a new Tripod and was wondering if anyone has used or heard of the AT 828 Professional Tripod by DynaTran. It looks good from the specs, but I haven't heard of the name.

Here is a link to the store I found it on:
DynaTran Tripod - AT 828

I was also looking at this combo from Bogen:

Bogen Tripod legs

Bogen - Ball Head

Any assistance would greatly be appreciated!!

jimmythefish

Canon EOS-10D

01/13/2005 02:13:30 PM · #2

Don't know about the DynaTran but I have the Bogen/Manfrotto 3001 legs and the 486 head, with the quick release plate instead of the regular head. I really like my tripod. Sturdy, built like a rock and very simple in design and construction. You wouldn't be disappointed.

bdobe

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/13/2005 02:19:38 PM · #3

Here are some basic thumb rules:

* Get the lightest tripod you can afford
* Get head with a detachable plate -- it'll make your life a lot easier, believe me

garlic

Canon EOS-10D

Sigma 15-30mm f/3.5-4.5 EX Aspherical DG DF for Canon

01/13/2005 02:32:42 PM · #4

Originally posted by bdobe:

* Get the lightest tripod you can afford

Not sure everyone will agree on you with that. Of coure itÂ´s less load to bear but the lightness may also come down on the sturdiness.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/13/2005 02:38:06 PM · #5

Originally posted by garlic:

Originally posted by bdobe:

* Get the lightest tripod you can afford

Not sure everyone will agree on you with that. Of coure itÂ´s less load to bear but the lightness may also come down on the sturdiness.

Also nearly irrelevant if you only do studio shots.

01/13/2005 02:39:19 PM · #6

Originally posted by jimmythefish:

Which Quick Release did you get? If you could place a link for it, that would be great. :-)

01/13/2005 02:39:50 PM · #7

Get a head with a quick release plate...it's a must (the part #'s end in RC#...for example 322RC2 - which is the one I just got)...

Ask yourself:

- Will I be walking all over the countryside with this, or mostly studio shots or a combination of both?

This will help you weigh the weight vs. capacity factor...

- Do I need (or want) to be able to quickly assemble/disassemble everything and be ready to shoot in 10-20 seconds?

If so, get quick locks on the legs, a quickly removable column and perhaps a quick-grip on the head.

- Will I need to cover every angle at every height?

If so, get a PRO series from Manfrotto, where the column can be mounted horizontally, and perhaps a tripod that allows you to flatten the legs.

- Do I want to look badass?

If so, get a black tripod (100% tongue in cheek!)

I have a 3021bpro with a 322rc2 head. I can't imagine a better tripod for the price...roughly $350.

Message edited by author 2005-01-13 14:41:25.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/13/2005 02:42:51 PM · #8

One more important tip!

Measure the height to your eyeballs.

Make sure your tripod height + mounted ball head + a few inches for your camera height = eyeball height (or an inch or two less at most)...

You really don't want to be bending your back constantly and you also don't want to rely on the column to get your everyday use height...

Message edited by author 2005-01-13 14:43:40.

bdobe

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/13/2005 02:46:38 PM · #9

This is great advice!

As others pointed out, and as ThatCloudThere elaborated on, you need to ask what your needs are. For me weight was an issue, so I opted for the lightest tripod that fit within my budget; and, of course, the detachable/quick release plate is just a must -- at least for me it was.

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Message edited by author 2005-01-13 14:47:23.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

01/13/2005 02:50:06 PM · #10

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

You really don't want to be bending your back constantly and you also don't want to rely on the column to get your everyday use height...

Which begs the question.. why the hell do they make tripods so damn short?!?!? It was very annoying when I was searching for a tripod to see that the vast majority of reasonably priced tripods were too short. :(

01/13/2005 02:58:19 PM · #11

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Thanks for the info. Makes alot of sense, especially the quick release and the height of the tripod.

I saw this Ball head. It looks good:
Bogen 486RC2

01/13/2005 02:58:56 PM · #12

Thanks to all for the quick replies!!

01/13/2005 03:08:09 PM · #13

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
You really don't want to be bending your back constantly and you also don't want to rely on the column to get your everyday use height...

Which begs the question.. why the hell do they make tripods so damn short?!?!? It was very annoying when I was searching for a tripod to see that the vast majority of reasonably priced tripods were too short. :(

Completely agree...even the 3021bpro could use a few more inches and it's fairly tall compared to similar ones.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/13/2005 03:08:47 PM · #14

Originally posted by krazyivan:

I saw this Ball head. It looks good:
Bogen 486RC2

That's a great one for the price, good choice!

colda

Nikon D800

01/13/2005 03:19:39 PM · #15

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

I'm 6'7" C'est la vie

bdobe

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/13/2005 03:27:50 PM · #16

Originally posted by colda:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
You really don't want to be bending your back constantly and you also don't want to rely on the column to get your everyday use height...

Which begs the question.. why the hell do they make tripods so damn short?!?!? It was very annoying when I was searching for a tripod to see that the vast majority of reasonably priced tripods were too short. :(

I'm 6'7" C'est la vie

Sounds like you might be in the market for:

The max height is 105.2 in/267.31 cm!

colda

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/13/2005 04:29:33 PM · #17

Originally posted by bdobe:

Originally posted by colda:

Originally posted by TechnoShroom:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
You really don't want to be bending your back constantly and you also don't want to rely on the column to get your everyday use height...

Which begs the question.. why the hell do they make tripods so damn short?!?!? It was very annoying when I was searching for a tripod to see that the vast majority of reasonably priced tripods were too short. :(

I'm 6'7" C'est la vie

Sounds like you might be in the market for:

The max height is 105.2 in/267.31 cm!

Ohhhh, nice - I'm trying to imagine that on the side of my backpack ;)

jimmythefish

Canon EOS-10D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

01/13/2005 04:36:14 PM · #18

In response to the above question, this is the head I have.

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by krazyivan:

I saw this Ball head. It looks good:
Bogen 486RC2

That's a great one for the price, good choice!

RHoldenSr

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4.0L USM

01/13/2005 04:59:53 PM · #19

I'm 6" 4" tall and I have:

Bogen/Manfrotto 3021Pro Tripod Legs
Bogen/Manfrotto 3265 Pistol/Grip Head

The center column raises up so it easily adjusts to my height.

The lens mounted on the camera is:
Tokina 80-400mm (With 2x=160-800mm)
Kenko 2x Converter

This is fully extended:

There is one con to using this tripod at this height (though I have never had to):

There is some wobble and if you want to get sharp image you probably want to use a remote shutter release. I use the Canon TC-80N3 (wired) remote. I also got the extension cord for Christmas which is 33' long. I plan on using it in our Hummingbird/Butterfly garden this summer.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/13/2005 05:09:47 PM · #20

33' as in feet? Dang, now that's what I call an extension cord.

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/13/2005 05:49:42 PM · #21

Originally posted by krazyivan:

Bogen 486RC2

The 486RC2 is a "compact" while the 488RC2 is a "midi". I actually sold my 486RC2 and bought a 488RC2. More versatile IMO. Little bit bigger therefore a little higher weoght rating. Same design, same QR system.

Currently saving for the 468RC2......another upgrade. Same QR system.