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02/08/2007 12:49:49 PM · #26 |
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02/08/2007 01:39:38 PM · #27 |
Originally posted by santaspores:
Robert. Sounds like sage advice. Which is Bogen's "simple, 3-way head"? |
At the time I got mine, it was the 3030 3-way head. That was about 60 bucks. It's been replaced by the 804RC2, at approximately the same price:
There is also the more advanced 808RC4, which I have ordered one of, at about $115. It's a little more robust, and it has several built-in levels and spring indents at the neutral positions on the movements:
R.
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02/08/2007 02:04:15 PM · #28 |
| Again, thanks all for the useful conversation! |
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02/08/2007 02:57:39 PM · #29 |
Originally posted by slickchik:
I spent a small fortune on equipment and using a $40 tripod is scary...this combo holds everything very securely. |
I think Elvis nailed it - for heavy SLR gear, I think you're probably right. For my current lightweight camera, my $40 tripod is quite secure.
And it's very lightweight, so it'll go on hikes quite nicely.
As usual, what you need depends on what you want to do with it. :)
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02/08/2007 03:10:30 PM · #30 |
I've never much seen the value in a reversible column. I have tried using it for low level macro work, but always came up against a fundamental problem of geometry. A tripod has 3 legs. The camera has to point out between two of them, placing the third right where your head needs to go if you hang the camera underneath.
It is occasionally worth the trouble but mostly I find it easier to spread the legs almost to ground level and use a short center column.
A cantilever column is cool though.
Independently adjustable leg angles is also excellent and well worth seeking out (rather than say 3 legs that all change to the same angle at the same time.
I don't much like bogen/ manfrotto mount plates. Too wobbly and generally loose for my liking. I used them for several years before I was seduced by the joy that is ArcaSwiss plates.
These days my camera sits on:
Manfrotto 441 Carbon One legs
I replaced the column with the short center column (lets me get a lot lower without the above mentioned problem, but also lets me do a bit of cantilevering, rather than mounting the head straight to the legs.
AcraTech Ultimate Ball head
Really Right Stuff 1DII L Bracket
L brackets are fantastically worthwhile, if you ever use your camera in portrait orientation, on a tripod. So much more stable and usable than flopping the head to 90 degrees off the tripod support axis.
I hate to say how much that little lot costs, but it is far more flexible and productive than other versions I've tried. I hike with it a lot and use it all the time.
Other than that, I think Bear's list is pretty good. I might add weight to the list, assuming you ever want to move with it (the best tripod being the one that you actually use) and also corrosion resistance (I treat mine kinda roughly, sticking them in the ocean, burying them in mud flats and sand dunes). Also size can be a consideration, I bought 4 section legs because they'll fit in a standard size suitcase, so I can take them on vacation more easily. I very rarely, if ever, shoot from eye level so I didn't care much about the tripod getting to eye height.
Message edited by author 2007-02-08 15:20:32.
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02/08/2007 03:47:24 PM · #31 |
I hate most tripods, someday I'll invent one that's better, easier to adjust and lock instantly in any position at all, while supporting 15 lbs.
Sometimes, I shoot low using the Mexican style. I fill a bag with beens, oats, or even cheetos (if I'm hungry). On it I can "swivel in any direction. |
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02/08/2007 04:54:35 PM · #32 |
For shooting really low with almost zero weight, I use a Gorillapod.
It's what I took to the Alps last August.
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02/08/2007 04:57:04 PM · #33 |
Originally posted by levyj413:
For shooting really low with almost zero weight, I use a Gorillapod.
It's what I took to the Alps last August. |
I use one of these table top tripods for really low shots. I quite often use that for travel, or take an empty bean bag then buy beans when I get there. I've even just bought a bag of rice and used that in a pinch.
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02/08/2007 05:08:52 PM · #34 |
I use the Manfrotto 3001BN tripod with pistol grip ballhead and for macro work I typically use the Bendo Trekker which is a pain to work with but it does let me position the camera in or sorts of odd positions that the Manfrotto can't accomplish.
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02/09/2007 12:24:50 AM · #35 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
AcraTech Ultimate Ball head
Really Right Stuff 1DII L Bracket
L brackets are fantastically worthwhile, if you ever use your camera in portrait orientation, on a tripod. So much more stable and usable than flopping the head to 90 degrees off the tripod support axis.
I hate to say how much that little lot costs, but it is far more flexible and productive than other versions I've tried. I hike with it a lot and use it all the time.
Other than that, I think Bear's list is pretty good. I might add weight to the list, assuming you ever want to move with it (the best tripod being the one that you actually use) and also corrosion resistance (I treat mine kinda roughly, sticking them in the ocean, burying them in mud flats and sand dunes). Also size can be a consideration, I bought 4 section legs because they'll fit in a standard size suitcase, so I can take them on vacation more easily. I very rarely, if ever, shoot from eye level so I didn't care much about the tripod getting to eye height. |
Both those items are on my dream list. But too pricey for me. I'd add, on the weight issue, that all other things being equal heavier is better as far as stability goes. If you use a lightweight tripod, it's a good idea to carry a bag with a hook that you can fill with sand, stones, whatever and hang from the column in the field. Bogen/Manfrotto has a bracket just for this. Super-light tripods are great to hike with, but there's usually a price to pay in torsional rigidity, unless you buy the extremely expensive ones, which again are out of my budget.
In other words, cheap, light tripods aren't worth purchasing.
As far as length goes, I actually bought a suitcase to fit my 3021 with the center column/head removed and nestled alongside. Tripod first, suitcase after :-)
R.
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02/09/2007 12:40:03 AM · #36 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Super-light tripods are great to hike with, but there's usually a price to pay in torsional rigidity, unless you buy the extremely expensive ones, which again are out of my budget. |
Yup. Carbon fibre is good all round. Though it isn't really super light, but it is lighter than the few metal tripods that I have. Very stable, even though it is light.
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02/09/2007 10:02:37 AM · #37 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
L brackets are fantastically worthwhile, if you ever use your camera in portrait orientation, on a tripod. |
My $40 tripod came with an L bracket. :)
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
If you use a lightweight tripod, it's a good idea to carry a bag with a hook that you can fill with sand, stones, whatever and hang from the column in the field. |
Ah-HAH! THAT's what the hook is for. Thanks, Robert! I never could figure it out. So again, my $40 tripod has hook without needing another accessory.
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
In other words, cheap, light tripods aren't worth purchasing. |
Sorry, I have to disagree there. At least, I think that's too broad a statement. For people with lighter cameras, who like to hike, and who don't want to spend hundreds (thousands?), I think my tripod is great.
I certainly understand that for heavier gear and more versatility (like being able to move the camera off to the side), you're going to spend more.
Remember the person who said it depends on what you need it for?
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