need feedback on a tripod - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

08/18/2005 11:33:12 AM · #1

Hi all

I'm new to PRO tripods and I think I've narrowed my choice down to the This one from Amvona.

I wanted a ball grip system... now, my question is this... can I do horizontal panning with a ball grip? I'll need that cuz I have a couple of shoot coming up needing pano shots.

thx!

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

08/18/2005 11:36:07 AM · #2

The answer is a qualified 'yes'. Qualified since once you squeeze the grip you can basically move in any direction, not just in the horizontal pan direction. It will just take practice to get the horizontal pan just right.

For perfect panning you're better off with a panning head with the three adjustment handles.

Message edited by author 2005-08-18 11:36:43.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/18/2005 11:38:01 AM · #3

Unless there is a separate mechanism that allows the head to rotate in just the horizontal plane, the answer is no. This tripod, from the pictures on the page you linked to, does not seem to have that feature. I believe that it is typically found only in the really high end ballheads.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

08/18/2005 11:44:03 AM · #4

I did a quick google search to find a ball head that has a locking mechanism for panning. Here's a few I found.

//www.kirkphoto.com/ballheads.html
//www.adorama.com/AWMB138.html
Manfrotto

The ball head that may serve both of your purposes is one with a pistol grip rather than a joystick grip.

//www.slik.com/bhe.html

Message edited by author 2005-08-18 11:47:01.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

08/18/2005 11:47:50 AM · #5

For horizontal panning, you do really want a 3-way panning head. I assume the included grip head is removable, and that you could simply install a 3-way head for those situations that demand accurate panning. A decent 3-way head, like the Bogen 3030, is only about $60.

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

08/18/2005 12:26:22 PM · #6

great! Thx for the advice all!

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

08/18/2005 02:17:19 PM · #7

better than a 3-way head is to get a L bracket for your camera 7 the use a ball head. The center of gravity will remain over the center of the tripod so there is no stability loss when fliping the camera one its side.

I'm at work so I don't have a great photo of the bracket, but i had one in my portfolio that you can get the idea from.

Pixelstate

Apple iPhone

08/18/2005 02:32:04 PM · #8

I have the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head for my Manfrotto 190PRO.
This head is not that expensive, and has a seperate mechanism for panning.... hope this helps

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

08/18/2005 02:32:53 PM · #9

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

Manfrotto has an 'elbow bracket' which is precisely for that purpose. Setting up shots with the elbow bracket is nice since you generally don't have to adjust the height of the tripod when flipping between horizontal and vertical.

elbow bracket

They make them for the varying quick release plates. I have the one with the rectangular plate.

Message edited by author 2005-08-18 14:35:42.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

08/18/2005 03:00:49 PM · #10

LOL, I actually just ordered the elbow bracket myself. Good to see someone recommending it.

08/18/2005 03:06:32 PM · #11

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

Hi all

I'm new to PRO tripods and I think I've narrowed my choice down to the This one from Amvona.

Don't do it. Get a good tripod and if you are going to use quick release plate stick with the universal Arca Swiss type. For the money you are paying for that tripod you can get a good Bogan or probaly even a Gitzo.

08/18/2005 03:12:18 PM · #12

I think I found what I'm looking for HERE.

I don't want to spend more than $US 200 cuz with shipping and customs it'll come up to $250 or so.

If you can recomment something within my price range that would be better than this model please feel free! :-)

08/18/2005 03:27:22 PM · #13

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

I think I found what I'm looking for HERE.

The release system on this head is not going to be sturdy at all. After a short time it will wear and get wobbly.

null

This set of Gitzo legs goes for about $125, is lighter then the Dyna Tran and will last you years of hard use.

Then all you need to do is find a good head that suits your needs. This should still keep you under $200.

08/18/2005 03:38:25 PM · #14

Originally posted by nsbca7:

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:
I think I found what I'm looking for HERE.

The release system on this head is not going to be sturdy at all. After a short time it will wear and get wobbly.

null
This set of Gitzo legs goes for about $125, is lighter then the Dyna Tran and will last you years of hard use.

Then all you need to do is find a good head that suits your needs. This should still keep you under $200.

thx! And which head would you suggest that would be $75 or less?

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

08/18/2005 03:48:22 PM · #15

Originally posted by kosmikkreeper:

thx! And which head would you suggest that would be $75 or less?

Sorry, the pic of the tripod that came up was a Bogen, not a Gitzo. You can find both Gitzos and Bogens in that price range.

As far as the heads go. I don't know what you need. You were choosind a ball head, but said you wanted to do pans. A pan head would seem to be in order.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

08/18/2005 04:01:15 PM · #16

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

From looking at this bracket, I would think that the slot would be to adjust the pivot axis so that it is in alignment with the optical center of the lens rather than for balancing.

08/18/2005 04:40:07 PM · #17

Originally posted by Pixelstate:

I have the Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head for my Manfrotto 190PRO.
This head is not that expensive, and has a seperate mechanism for panning.... hope this helps

I also use this head.......on manfrotto 3021 pro legs. The QR (quick release) plate system is easy and secure.

Message edited by author 2005-08-18 16:42:25.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

08/18/2005 04:44:42 PM · #18

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

From looking at this bracket, I would think that the slot would be to adjust the pivot axis so that it is in alignment with the optical center of the lens rather than for balancing.

I was it work when I first posted & that was the only photo I had with me. The slotted part that your talking about it is a different bracket that is connected to the L bracket. The slotted bracket is for panos & macro. Here is a shot of just the L bracket mounted on a tripod./

08/18/2005 04:50:22 PM · #19

Originally posted by hyperfocal:

The photo seems to show a ball head with 2 adjustment knobs. I presume one is for the ball and the other is for a pan option as indicated by the gradient markings at the base of the head. I am missing the advantage of the "L" bracket in "pan" mode.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

08/18/2005 05:05:42 PM · #20

Originally posted by Flash:

There is actually three adjustment knobs. One is for the pannning base. One locks the head (not the panning part) in position. The third adjusts the fricton of the ball in the socket to adjust for heavier loads.

The advantage of the L bracket is that the camera is CENTERED over the axis of rotation. This has two major advantages over a 3 Way pan head. The first is balance. The load is directly over the tripod instead of 2-3 inches off center that a flipped camera on a 3 way pan head. Also & perhaps more imortantly is that the arch rotates over a single point. I'm not great at geometry but its obvious that a single point is quicker & more accurate than say a 6-9 inch arch by a 3 way pan head.

08/18/2005 05:17:42 PM · #21

OK. The advantage is in being centered over the legs rather than off the side. Not needed to use the pan function of the ball head, just a preference on your part to help establish a more centered support.

Thanks for the reply.

Brent_Ward

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L USM

08/18/2005 05:21:22 PM · #22

I wouldn't use anything but a gitzo. They last forever!! I've had mine for over 6 years and it never fails. Once dropped it 3 stories and all it did was make a little nick.

08/18/2005 05:25:17 PM · #23

Originally posted by MeThoS:

I wouldn't use anything but a gitzo. They last forever!! I've had mine for over 6 years and it never fails. Once dropped it 3 stories and all it did was make a little nick.

And this advice is from a guy who actually makes a living at this business, has well known commercial accounts, and is one heck of a photographer.