Tripod help - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

08/28/2005 03:44:54 PM · #1

I'm new to photography and I think I need a tripod for some of my pictures. I use a 20D w/battery grip attached and am interested in using the tripod for landscapes, self portraits, and other pics where depth of field is important to me. Probably won't be taking it hiking and would like something fairly easy to use with some flexibility & speed. Right now I'm relying on image stabilization and staying away from caffeine so I won't shake but find myself getting a little frustrated from time to time (get headaches w/out caffeine). Anyway, as for price how about anything up to $150 - $175.....

Thanks and sorry for long post.

trnqlty

Nikon D90

08/28/2005 04:08:20 PM · #2

If you're already thinking that much, I would highly recommend getting a bogen pistol grip tripod head and any bogen or manfrotto tripod. The head alone is almost a hundred bucks but it is so easy to use. You squeeze the grip and can move it any different direction and as soon as you let go of the grip it locks up TIGHT. Its nice not to have to worry about adjusting three or four different controls. I spent a little over two hundred and it was worth every penny.

jab119

08/28/2005 04:13:45 PM · #3

Originally posted by trnqlty:

on another forum I listed some equipment I wanted to get and the bogen pistol grip ball head was one of them. A few people discouraged against it. Also reading up on it, it has a 5 lb capacity. I really like the pistol grip ball head, but am confused as I hear many people like em and some say its a waste of time.

James

trnqlty

Nikon D90

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8

08/28/2005 04:41:36 PM · #4

I don't have any seriously heavy equipment so I have yet to run into any issues with weight concerns. I can see how this might be a bigger deal with some big canon L glass or something like that. I guess I can only speak from my own personal experience, I didn't read reviews of anyone before I bought it because we had one at the camera store I worked at.

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM

08/28/2005 04:51:47 PM · #5

Check out the Slik range, great value for money! I use the 400 Pro DX, a really sturdy tripod for little money. It has a pan head, but can't have everything.

Steve

TLL061

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/28/2005 05:05:23 PM · #6

Ask scalvert , he had one in washington dc that worked great ,I just don't remember the brand .

Message edited by author 2005-08-28 17:12:28.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/28/2005 05:24:12 PM · #7

thanks for all of the tips.......I looked on B&H and the slik pro stuff looks pretty good. anyone have any personal experience?

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

08/28/2005 05:38:00 PM · #8

i have a manfrotto 3021Pro with a 488rc2 midi ball head and it flat out rocks! the ball head has a panning lock. the whole rig will support 15-17 lbs. very, very sturdy. it runs about $250+, but pound-for-pound, it's worth it in the long run.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

08/28/2005 05:46:19 PM · #9

skiprow, this may be a dumb ? but is there a way to use the tripod you have without the ball head?

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

08/28/2005 06:14:09 PM · #10

Originally posted by 2hoo:

skiprow, this may be a dumb ? but is there a way to use the tripod you have without the ball head?

not dumb. i haven't taken my head off since attaching it, but i'm sure you could screw your camera right down onto it, if that's what you're asking. or, you could get another type of mount for the legs. just make sure it's rated high enough to hold whatever it is you want it to hold.

Tamron AF 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di II for Canon

08/28/2005 06:23:41 PM · #11

Thanks!

fixedintime

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

08/28/2005 06:56:48 PM · #12

2hoo

There are other heads you can get for the 3021pro besides the ball head. The 3047 is the more traditional three lever control if that is what you want - But it is a lot bigger than the 488rc2.

BADDBOYY21

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

08/28/2005 07:00:42 PM · #13

I have a Manfrotto 3221WN with a 488RC0 ball head and a Manfrotto 3011BN with a 486rc2 ball head. I love both of them. The first one I mentioned handles a lot more weight. I use it with my D-70 and my 80-400VR lens with no problems.