Tripods and tripodheads - DPChallenge Forums

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

06/18/2007 12:31:39 PM · #1

So I'm in the market for a tripod and two tripodheads.

Heads? Yes, multiple.
At least that's my conclusion now. I've got a D200 with a 10.5mm fisheye and I'd like to shoot panorama's with that combination. But I want to shoot both normal horizontal panorama's as well as full 360degree panorama's like the ones they use for virtual tours and such. And as far as I know, a panoramic head isn't fit to use for other purposes. But if I'm mistaken, please correct me.
Anyway, I've seen some "cheap" panoramic heads like the kingpano and nodal ninja but I'm not so sure about the maximum weight they can handle. Especially if I'd like to use my Tokina 12-24 for a pano, I'd come really close to their maximum specified weight. I don't feel really comfortable with that, but maybe I'm wrong and they're well usable up to their maximum weight.
I'd also love to make multirow panorama's, but that's more a wish than a demand if I were to buy a new head.
The other had has little demands. Also because I don't know much about tripodheads. It should be easy/fast to use, a air bubble to level easily and other than that... nothing special really. It doesn't have to carry heavy telelenses or anything.
The tripod itself will probably be a manfrotto 055pro. Because it's strong and stable, and because I want to use it in a homestudioenvironment. The multifunctional sounds like a real treat. I have been looking for lighter tripods because I dÃ³ like to combine my photography with walking and biking but I haven't been able to find one with the same ease of use and functions as the 055pro.

That's my story so far, what can you advise me?

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

06/18/2007 02:31:26 PM · #2

To start with, you are going to run into some problems using a fisheye lens for panoramas. First of all, you are going to have a very difficult time keeping the tripod legs out of the photos. Secondly, putting them together is a nightmare. For shooting panoramas on a tripod, you really need two items. First, you need a tripod that has a bubble level on it. Most of the better tripods have this. I use the Manfrotto 3021BPRO and I'm very happy with it. THIS little jewel slips right into the hot shoe mount on your camera so you can level the camera on any type of head, ball or pan/tilt.

As far as worrying about nodal points, I think it's overkill. HERE are a few panoramas I have shot with the setup I just described. I'm using the 3021BPRO tripod with the Manfrotto 468MGRC2 ball head...

justamistere

Nikon D3s

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/18/2007 03:00:16 PM · #3

I use the "Bogen / Manfrotto 405 Pro Digital Geared Head (Quick Release) - Supports 16.50 lb (7.48 kg)", and it seems to work well.

I like the quick release feature and that it can handle the weight.
It has a level on all 3 axis of rotation. It also has degree markings on all 3 axis. I like it better then my Manfrotto ball head, which sagged with my zoom lens. I use it for everything.

You can buy or make bags of sand to steady your tripod, by hanging them om the bottom-center. That can keep them from tipping.

That mfg. also makes a smaller version, "Manfrotto 410 Junior, Quick Release". And they also make special Panorama heads. I've never tried any panaorama heads the degree slots on them seem to me to be just for convenience. If you need the "Double micro positioning sliding plates", you can buy them separately. The sliding plates are great for focusing macro shots.

I've carried this up hills, gives your arms a workout at the same time.

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 (E-mount)

06/18/2007 04:39:56 PM · #4

//jmsetzler
I'm afraid it's not overkill. I need to shot indoor panorama's so nodal points will be quite important. Thanks for the other advice tho

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6400

06/18/2007 05:10:26 PM · #5

Originally posted by k4rp:

//jmsetzler
I'm afraid it's not overkill. I need to shot indoor panorama's so nodal points will be quite important. Thanks for the other advice tho

Then it would be :) I didn't see that tidbit in your original post...

Ecce_Signum

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/18/2007 05:30:03 PM · #6

you can always shoot panos hand held ;)

hankk

Canon EOS-5D

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

06/18/2007 06:14:50 PM · #7

The Manfrotto 303sph is nice, but does tend to bend a little so the shots all have a given pitch. And you can't take a nodal shot with it. However, the new Manfrotto tripods have an option to move the center column to horizontal easily. This may allow you to take a nodal shot without removing the camera.

Really Right Stuff has some panoheads that look nice, but I've never used them.

The RRS rotator does not have click-stops, you may want to use the Manfrotto 300N for the "yaw" (horizontal) rotator.

If your camera has a tripod mount that is exactly centered under the center of the lens, you don't need a "left to right" adjustment under the camera body.

Also, don't forget a 555 leveling column or 3416 leveling base

Message edited by author 2007-06-18 18:30:09.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

06/19/2007 09:13:17 AM · #8

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

Originally posted by k4rp:
//jmsetzler
I'm afraid it's not overkill. I need to shot indoor panorama's so nodal points will be quite important. Thanks for the other advice tho

Then it would be :) I didn't see that tidbit in your original post...

I knew I'd miss something :p

ct_lane

Canon EOS-40D

06/20/2007 11:35:14 PM · #9

I use the Manfrotto 3011BN with a Manfrotto 322RC2 grip head.
No problems so far. It holds up my Rebel XT with a 70-200mm 2.8.
For me the grip works better than having 2-3 separate axis adjustments.

Tripod $117 at Amazon
Tripod

Head - around $129 - has air bubble leveler
Head

shop for best prices

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/23/2007 06:32:46 PM · #10

Originally posted by ct_lane:

Thanks!

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

06/25/2007 12:07:31 PM · #11

Hi. There are a couple of threads kicking about on this topic.

Please consult this one.

for information specific to pano tripod heads. If you have done work with panos before, you will realize that having a bubble on the tripod is not really that important. Further, having a bubble on the head plate is not even that important. Having a bubble in the top of the camera is where it really counts.

being able to rotate 180 or 360 degrees without seeing that bubble move is really going to be the most important thing for you when shooting 90% of all panos.

that thread addresses those issues.

There may be other choices than the Giottos. If you are going to be using a lens setup with a nodal point well back, make sure that head is STRONG. I have not found the Giottos I use to cause me troubles yet, but I haven't really pushed it with my 80-200 on a windy day (that would end up with the weight being probably more than a foot back of the ball head... abotu 4KG worth... Remember that the weight rating of a tripod head is assuming that the camera will be mounted directly. This means a distance of around 2-2.25 inches in most cases.

You extend that to 12 inches and you had better have six times the weight handling capacity.

I think I will be OK with my Tamron 17-50 on that head, but I will definitely have to torque it down in a pretty serious way.

ETA: Those new Manfrotto tripods look juicy! Sure would be sweet to be able to use that horizontal arm as a nodal point adjustor! However, I don't see that it has the ability to rotate at the center point...

Message edited by author 2007-06-25 12:22:39.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/26/2007 03:50:09 PM · #12

Thanks eschelar, that's a good read. Best help I've head so far (while asking in several spots).

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

06/27/2007 01:23:00 AM · #13

yeah, you don't wanna know how hard it was to make that first head... people just looked at me like I was crazy and I had to explain myself over and over again. The Gitzo rep didn't really think it was so cool what I was doing (Gitzo sells a tripod that does what he feels is somewhat similar for around 600 bucks US and he would rather I bought one), but was very helpful nonetheless, even letting me have a few bits and peices for nothing. To be honest, I think he was just trying to get me out of his store at that point so nobody could overhear what I was saying... heheheh. Kinda strange seeing as he doesn't actually sell anything directly.

That bolt was a bit tricky to find, but it is doable. Once you get that, it should be something of a snap. Shop for a tripod head without a mounting plate and with a female thread (so you don't have to drill your tripod). Lots of affordable ones out there.

make sure you check the tolerances on the rotational axis. Some are quite poorly made. Additionally, try to find one that has a separate tightener for the rotation axis.