Need help choosing a tripod & monopod

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

09/05/2008 12:52:55 AM · #1

I am a total novice to tripods. I have two of those crappy ones that you can buy a walmart or goodwill, one of them won't even let me take vertical photos lol and the other ones quick release, releases itself with only the weight of my D50 and 50mm 1.8D on it.. not good. These have been the extent of my experience with tripods. I know nothing about heads, except I think I would like a ball head over a pan head based on what I think it can do. I have never played with them in stores, frankly I don't have the time... and if I do go look at them in the store, I'll buy a bad one and probably pay way more than its worth, murphys law. I like to research things online, buy online, etc..

So, what do I want a tripod/monopod for? Just bought a new D300 and the heaviest lens will be my new Sigma 70-200mm lens, total about 5 pounds I guess. I want a tripod for what everyone else wants, stability. I like the ones that go low to the ground for flower photography, which I love. I also do a lot of macro work. I don't really do pano's or anything but would be interested in trying that out one day.. also wanna try HDR. I need a monopod because I photograph my kids wrestling and some of the tournaments last from 5am - midnight or later. I sit on the bottom bleacher and would use the monopod to either hold the lens up or the camera, dunno till I get the set up going, but a monopod with a ballhead unlocked I could move around to catch action I think, but not with a panhead? I need it to take some of the weight off me and for the stability. I would want quick release on the head, but something that is very very sturdy. I would also want one of those rubber like pads that go under the monopod leg to keep it in place.

I do not care about a name. I'm thinking around $200 for budget. I've looked at completes on ebay, this one is nice and i love all the funky positions it can be put in, even though I know NOTHING about how to make it do this or if I would need more accessories to make it do all these things, and I would still need to buy a monopod, so its above budget. (EBAY LINK) I also looked at amnova and found a tripod/monopod combination, I would only need to buy a ball head to accompany it, I like the red (I'm a girl.) and I like that I can take the monopod out, but can it do the stuff like the previous model I mentioned, the funky positions? (EBAY LINK) I am totally open to suggestions, but I won't buy something because of a name, tell me why its better than the cheaper one. I'll consider going over budget if I get lots of bells and whistles.

Thanks so much for taking the time to help me! :)

slickchik

OM System OM-1

09/05/2008 12:59:02 AM · #2

Check this out:

Thread on my tripod.

And

Thread on my monopod

Look at my second post in the above monopod thread.

These totally rock...best money I have spent and amazing quality. I totally recommend them.

Message edited by author 2008-09-05 00:59:45.

jettyimages

Nikon D700

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

09/05/2008 01:32:46 AM · #3

I bought a Sherpa 450R, and its been brilliant. I'm also using the D300 and it handles everything perfectly. Its light enough to not drag you down on longish walks, but heavy enough to have complete stability, even in sand or on rocks. The head is good, you get really adept at using the screw handle for all sorts of angles. My budget was the same - although $200 Australian and I bought it in a local camera shop, so its probably way cheaper in the USA, or wherever you are. It has quick release, but I never have problems. Hope that helps. Oh, and apparently you can unscrew the bottom end of the shaft and put the camera down low, but I haven't had the need for that - but it would definitely do your flower shots.

jettyimages

Nikon D700

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

09/05/2008 01:33:26 AM · #4

.....sorry, thats a Velbon Sherpa 450R.

09/05/2008 08:45:09 AM · #5

thanks for the replies guys....

Message edited by author 2008-09-05 09:13:32.

09/05/2008 09:13:12 AM · #6

I've been doing a little research, and what I want to make sure I have is a tripod that comes with a short center column for ground macro work, like this ebay link
however this is lightweight, i need something that holds more weight. ideas?

Message edited by author 2008-09-05 09:18:14.