Best Tripod for Weddings and On-The-Go Situations

03/01/2008 11:34:17 PM · #1

Hi friends,

After reading a lot about tripods, I'm more confused than ever!

Here's what I want:
1. Quick release
2. Super fast change from horizontal to vertical position
3. Quick release and snap legs (no twisting, please)
4. Not TOO heavy, because I am a 5'3" small framed woman who already has a HUGE Lowepro backpack on
5. Levels (horizontal and vertical)
6. Very strong pivots (as I have a Canon 20D with a 70-200 2.8L that's quite heavy). My last tripod was unable to hold my lens... the head would fall forward. A good, fast, easy grip to tighten (not a knob) is preferred - handles like the Slik 700dx are perfect)

Here's what I can spend:
Under $200 ideally

When do I need it by:
In my hands by March 13th, so I want to order tomorrow or Monday latest.

===================

I was recommended the Slik 700DX, and it's almost perfect! 1 problem... it's slightly heavier than I can manage for long periods of time.. it's a rather large tripod.

Notes:
* I don't mind getting a head separately, but what head? What legs?

* I love to shoot quickly and then move (change locations fast)... not Hollywood Reporter/Photog style, but pretty quickly. At Weddings, I want to shoot horizontal to vertical (during group shots) really fast. You know how weddings are!

* I also want to shoot macro for fun.

* I love going to public places and shooting, but I don't like to stay in one place for more than 1 minute. People start to get suspicious... so, I want a tripod that's easy to fold the legs in and walk with.

Do any of you have suggestions for me, with my many preferences? Again, the Slik 700dx is virtually perfect, just too heavy. :(

dwterry

03/01/2008 11:40:14 PM · #2

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

6. Very strong pivots (as I have a Canon 20D with a 70-200 2.8L that's quite heavy). My last tripod was unable to hold my lens... the head would fall forward.

Quick comment:
Your 70-200 lens has a tripod collar on it which will balance the lens+body weight so that very little strain is placed on the tripod head. If you mount the body to the tripod, you'll for sure have troubles. But if you mount the lens to the tripod, it really balances quite nicely and shouldn't be a problem.

dwterry

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

03/01/2008 11:43:59 PM · #3

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

At Weddings, I want to shoot horizontal to vertical (during group shots) really fast.

I use a flash bracket for weddings. Primarily this is to keep the flash above the lens axis whether shooting horizontal or vertical. But when I shoot the formals, I use my studio lights - which means I'm not using my flash. But I *still* use my flash bracket - mounted to my tripod in this case - for exactly the reason that you specified. I like to be able to quickly rotate the camera without changing the overall position (the flash bracket rotates the camera on the lens axis so everything stays right where it belongs).

amathiasphoto

Nikon D300

03/01/2008 11:56:00 PM · #4

just make sure you get a ball head on whatever it is that you buy, for quick switch from vert to horizontal.

robs

Canon EOS R6 Mk II

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

03/01/2008 11:57:34 PM · #5

RRS L-Bracket & leaver quick release.... but hold you nose when you hand over the credit-card :-/

Edit: Just noticed your $200 budget inc pod... Forget about RRS. I don't know of anything in that price range.

Message edited by author 2008-03-02 00:12:22.

03/02/2008 12:13:31 AM · #6

Thanks for the comments. I'm still not sure what to buy. I don't have a tripod right now, gave my old crappy one to my sister. It was a $60 tripod from CVS pharmacy in 2000.

Anyhow, I really want to stay close to $200 or less.

I don't have a flash bracket. I have a 580ex flash, and I love it; but, I don't have a lot of equipment and can't afford a lot of equipment right now. I've never used one of these, nor do I know how to. Does this replace a horizontal/vertical head for a tripod?

I do NEED a tripod though... it's a MUST right now, before anything else.

Can you all help me pick one out? I can buy an expensive one in a few years, when I am more financially stable; but, for now, close to $200 is all I can do.

Thanks,
Arielle

Message edited by author 2008-03-02 00:18:40.

03/02/2008 12:54:30 AM · #7

What do you all think of these items:

Head
Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)
Giottos MH-5001 3-way Pan Head with Double Locking Quick Release, 2 Levels, Supports 18 lbs.

Legs
Bogen Manfrotto 190XPROB 3 Section Aluminum Pro Tripod
Bogen Manfrotto 055XB Classic Tripod Legs (Black)

I can't afford more than $200 right now, but maybe I can get one of those, and the other part can be just a cheapy for the time being til I can afford the good one. Perhaps?

Or do you all know anything similar to the Slik 700dx that's slightly lighter?

What do you think of this combo?

03/02/2008 01:06:07 AM · #8

valkner

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

03/02/2008 01:12:04 AM · #9

Those are good heads, but consider a ballhead if you really want to be able to change framing on the fly. It lets you tilt, pan, and even go from horizontal to vertical in one flip of a lever or twist of a knob. I was set on the Bogen 486 RC2 after a lot of reviews, but when I went to Adorama the salesman suggested I try out the Flashpoint ballheads. I ended up buying one! It's smaller, much lighter, has a better safety lock to keep the camera in should the quick release come loose, and a tension knob that is incredible - it barely takes any pressure to fully lock the camera in. It also has a separate rotation lock so you can do panoramas, which is pretty sweet.

The legs are both excellent choices. I recently bought a new tripod/head and had to decide between those. The 190 is a pound lighter, but feels considerably less stable than the 055. The other benefit of the 190 is that it is shorter when compacted, so it's easier to travel with. I decided on the 055xprob for the greater stability and greater height (which may not be a concern for you!). The horizontal capability of the center column is also pretty nifty, I've used it several times already. If you can, go to a photo store and feel them both, you'll see what I mean.

In all, the 055xprob and Flashpoint F-2 ballhead were $230, slightly more than you were hoping to spend, but an incredible set up!

Hope it helps!

martinkulik

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM II

03/02/2008 01:14:36 AM · #10

Hi,
well in that price range and what you really want is pretty expensive, but if you willing to sacrifice on a few features then you
can make different choices. You will have to thing what is the most important thing for you #1, 2, 3 etc and then I'll give you more options what to buy and where.
Martin

lentil

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

03/02/2008 01:50:31 AM · #11

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

What do you think of this combo?

I have that combo and find it great but mind you I dont use it with the weddings I do 99% of the time..

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

03/02/2008 02:49:50 AM · #12

If you are working on level flooring, think about getting a caster wheel dolly for your tripod. It would make moving around a lot easier and faster.
A good monopod will do a lot for your "on the move in public places" shots, and is very easy to carry, and it supports the weight of the camera and your hannds when you stop. I use one, and it eases strain on my back and shoulders a lot. Using self timer or remote, it also lets me put the camera above a crowd for shots that I could not get without a ladder.

Message edited by author 2008-03-02 02:55:08.

03/02/2008 03:30:07 AM · #13

Thanks everyone! To answer some questions:

I have a monopod, but it's not's stable enough for HDR photography (which I am really getting into). It's also not good for longer exposure shots (1 to 2 seconds) which I love to do to capture movement across a still environment/scene.

I think my biggest priority is QUICKNESS! I need something I can open and close quickly, as well as change orientation (landscape to portrait) quickly! Seems like snap leg extenders and a flip or ball head meet that need. I absolutely love the screwdriver thingies (I don't know what they're called) that are on the Slik 700dx! They are slightly flattened, which makes them easy to turn and tighten the head.

My 2nd priority would be weight, as I sometimes end up wandering around for 4 to 6 hours in the city; and, I won't be able to go back to my car to put my tripod down. Of course, I don't want the tripod to blow over, but it doesn't have to hold TOO much, as my heaviest lens is the 70-200 2.8L IS. I will probably have my 580ex flash on at times too.

Price is not something I can budge on. The $200 limit is really tight. $230 may possibly be something I can work with, but not comfortably.

PS. Lentil, what tripod do you use for weddings when taking group shots? I prefer to take a few shots due to blown out backgrounds, shadows, etc... I used to combine on my own, before Photomatix and HDR in PS, but I definitely like the ability to combine images to get the best skies and foreground subjects. Tripods are the only way I can do this. I have a steady hand, but when combining images, I like the images to have as little movement as possible from the subjects. For the rest of the wedding, I never use a tripod.

Thanks again, all :)

Message edited by author 2008-03-02 03:42:20.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

03/02/2008 03:38:55 AM · #14

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

If you are working on level flooring, think about getting a caster wheel dolly for your tripod. It would make moving around a lot easier and faster.

I am often working on rough terrain, as I go to a lot of parks and beaches. I am often on grass, sand and rock. I do spend quite a bit of time on pavement, but I need the tripod to be able to work on all terrain so I can really capture the scenes I dream of creating!

Mephisto

Nikon Coolpix A

03/02/2008 06:25:03 AM · #15

i have a Slik sprint pro including 3way head. it's really lightweight and small and i'm pretty happy with it, tough i don't know if the legs are stable enough to hold your tele lens, i'm mostly using it with my wide angle. got it for 60â�¬ here in germany.

rodneyg

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1 L IS USM

03/02/2008 06:45:31 AM · #16

I just purchased the Manfrotto 190XPROB and Manfrotto Ball head. I love the tripod and it goes from vertical to horizontal in a flash.

B&H Description: Bogen / Manfrotto 190XB Tripod Legs (Black) with 808RC4 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head with RC-4 Quick Release - Supports 8 lb (3.6 kg)

Approx. $250.

It is very sturdy but a tad on the heavy side. The only way to go lighter is carbon fiber but of course the price goes up

They do have a trigger style head mechanism though.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

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

03/02/2008 10:00:50 AM · #17

Ironically, I have the receipt for my tripod/head right in front of me since we were doing taxes this weekend. I bought a Manfrotto 190XDB tripod with a 322RC2 head for a total of $226.84 last fall. I got this at our local camera store, which tends to price things much higher than online places like B&H, so I would think you could find this combo cheaper online, more in line with your $200 budget.

This setup allows me to go from one position to another very quickly, and the tripod is nice and light, but still sturdy.

The only downside I've found is that if I'm shooting with it for a long period of time, my hand can get a little tired of squeezing the grip to move the camera around. But other than that, I've been really happy with this combo.

Quick edit before I head out the door:

The tripod at B&H is $96.95. The head is $119.95. So that may be a do-able number for you.

Message edited by author 2008-03-02 10:04:18.

goldenhawkofky

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro for Canon

03/02/2008 10:15:38 AM · #18

Tiltall

Tiltall

03/02/2008 03:14:06 PM · #19

Thank you all very much. I'm going to take all of your suggestions to Samy's and try them out! :)

Prof_Fate

03/02/2008 06:08:49 PM · #20

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

What do you all think of these items:

Head
Bogen-Manfrotto 322RC2 Horizontal Grip Action Ball Head with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate (3157N)

That head will work for you, and ONLY that head if you want a grip style. I've got it and it will support the weight you have to support.

As to tripod legs... for your budget try something from Amvona off ebay. I got a tripod off they years ago and it's been great, not too heavy (all alum) and was priced right - $68 including a head (nice grip head, but like all but the 322 only hold 5 or 6 pounds).

jtf6agent

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

03/02/2008 11:22:02 PM · #21

Manfrotto 458B
It's the fastest tripod in the world as far as breaking down and setting up. It's also quite sturdy ans can handle a 300 2.8 with ease.

dwterry

Canon EF 135mm f/2.0L USM

03/02/2008 11:35:46 PM · #22

Originally posted by jtf6agent:

Manfrotto 458B
It's the fastest tripod in the world as far as breaking down and setting up. It's also quite sturdy ans can handle a 300 2.8 with ease.

It's a little pricey (compared to what the OP is looking for). But that's the one I use. :-)

lentil

Canon EOS-5D

03/02/2008 11:39:54 PM · #23

Originally posted by mirdonamy:

Thanks everyone! To answer some questions:
PS. Lentil, what tripod do you use for weddings when taking group shots? I prefer to take a few shots due to blown out backgrounds, shadows, etc... I used to combine on my own, before Photomatix and HDR in PS, but I definitely like the ability to combine images to get the best skies and foreground subjects. Tripods are the only way I can do this. I have a steady hand, but when combining images, I like the images to have as little movement as possible from the subjects. For the rest of the wedding, I never use a tripod.

Thanks again, all :)

Thats about the only time I use the tripod to be honest. It gets in the way too much when I am moving around.

03/03/2008 01:23:30 PM · #24

Thank you all so much!! I went to Samy's and got this great set up for only $215 :)

//www.adorama.com/BG804RC2.html

and

//www.adorama.com/BG055XPROB.html

You have all been so helpful!!!

Sincerely,
Arie

Message edited by author 2008-03-03 13:24:15.