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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Need a Tripod recommendation
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 02/08/2004 01:05:47 PM · #1
Currently I've got this super cheap $10 tripod which I can hardly adjust since the plastic panning head jerks and squeeks whenever I twist it. I get huge jolts when I try to change the angle. Also, it's super light, not great if I've got a top heavy camera.

Anyways, I was wondering if anyone has any particular recommendations in terms of a specific brand and model of a good tripod. I would like one with a ball not one that pans so I can have more angle adjustments. I'm looking to spend around $100 dollars for something very usable and durable.

So, if anyone has had a great experience with a tripod, lemme know, i'll look into it.

Kenny
 02/08/2004 01:11:38 PM · #2
Bogen/Manfrotto

You can buy the legs and head separately so you can get the combo you want. In my opinion, these are the best tripods period.
 02/08/2004 01:12:24 PM · #3
You can't go wrong with a bogen/manfrotto. No squeeks, made for life.
bogen site
I use a 3001 B PRO myself with a 484RC ballhead and carry it everywhere, despite its weight.


02/08/2004 01:12:43 PM · #4
manfrotto is the way to go-- they have a wide selection of models but I think are known to be one of if not the best in tripods, I would recomend trying to get a used one if thats all the money you have to spend, tripod is most important accessory you will have, I can't believe I used to take shots without one! Try and get one light enough to carry around, but sturdy too. I find that an old camera strap is a great way to thro over shoulder : )
good luck.
 02/08/2004 01:33:37 PM · #5
Another vote here for Bogen/Manfrotto.

As to which particular one, well... I read this from a book but forgot which - the basic advice is to get the "heaviest tripod that you are willing to carry". A good and steady tripod will allow the camera to reach your eye level with only the legs extended - and if you don't need one with a centre post then you can skip that "feature" as well.

:)atwl
 02/08/2004 01:51:02 PM · #6
I would suggest looking at Bogen/Manfrotto stuff but I think you may have heard that already... I have two of their tripods and one monopod and I can't recommend them highly enough. You won't find one for $10. You will likely spend closer to $200, but you will be happy with your purchase.
 02/08/2004 01:53:54 PM · #7
Hey Adrian, I just check out your site, and I noticed that your first shot of the Chess Piece was from the 28-300mm Tamron lense. I just recently got my 10D and got a 28-300 Sigma, I think they are basically the same thing. Just thought that's pretty interesting how we both started on similar footing. BTW, your pictures are great.

And it looks like I can do some pretty cool stuff with this lense, I was a bit worried about the more extreme focal ranges and the limited Macro capabilities.

Just another question for everyone, how much did you all spend on your tripods? And which one are you using? I just want to get a pretty good idea of the goods and bads of your tripod so I can shell out my hard earned money to get a decent one that won't split in half when I use it.

Thanks everyone!!!

Kenny
 02/08/2004 02:08:27 PM · #8
Bogen 3221/3047 Combo

I picked up this combo used on Ebay for $175. It's a very solid rig... reliable... drawback - HEAVY.

Bogen 714SHB Compact Tripod

I got this one to take on the road with me when I ride my motorcycle. It fits in my saddlebags nicely. It's very light weight and compact... easy to carry. Drawbacks - doesn't support the weight as well.. takes a little more patience to compose your photo with the ball head since the weight can cause some sag.

Manfrotto 3249 Monopod with 484RC2 Head.

Can't really give you any 'cons' on this one. Everything works great. This head could also be used on a set of Bogen legs as your tripod head without much trouble if u don't mind switching them back and forth...

Message edited by author 2004-02-08 14:09:04.
 02/08/2004 02:18:42 PM · #9
Manfrotto. I use a 719B with a quick release. It's light-weight, tall enough for me, very sturdy and comes in a carrying bag.
 02/08/2004 02:27:40 PM · #10
Slik.
Excellent quality and a little cheaper than Bogen.

Catherine
 02/08/2004 02:58:50 PM · #11
Another vote for Bogen/manfrotto

The 3021 Pro tri-pod is exceptional....likely around 130.00US. The leg locks open to nearly flat. The center column reverses AND goes horizontal. Snap locks on leg sections are very secure. Built in buble level. Slap some pipe insulation around the legs for padding, add a 484RC2 ball head, and for under 200 US you'd be set like a pro.

(Consider a midi ball head if you have more than 10 pounds to support)

Flash

Message edited by author 2004-02-08 15:01:47.
 02/08/2004 05:25:12 PM · #12
Manfrotto/Bogen again. When I bought my first good tripod back in 1970, the guy behind the counter (Chuck Allen) said, "Always buy the most expensive tripod you can afford, and the biggest one your wife can carry."

It WAS pretty appropriate advice until recently (although politically incorrect,) but now carbon fiber tripods have shanged it all. If you're going to be in the field, consider mortgaging your soul/house/next of kin and buying a carbon fiber pod and head. It'll complement your 10D and lenses.

Message edited by author 2004-02-08 17:27:14.
 02/08/2004 11:54:06 PM · #13
Hmm... at least now I know the brand I want. Does anyone know whether the removable head is a MUST HAVE? I'm not talking about the quick release (which is nice too), but rather the Ballhead. Is it vital that I change the head? I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to buy a leg and then a head mount.
 02/08/2004 11:57:04 PM · #14
Originally posted by khkai:
Hey Adrian, I just check out your site, and I noticed that your first shot of the Chess Piece was from the 28-300mm Tamron lense. I just recently got my 10D and got a 28-300 Sigma, I think they are basically the same thing. Just thought that's pretty interesting how we both started on similar footing. BTW, your pictures are great.


Thanks!

Originally posted by khkai:
And it looks like I can do some pretty cool stuff with this lense, I was a bit worried about the more extreme focal ranges and the limited Macro capabilities.


Yes, the extremes are not very stellar in performance and it does need to be stopped down quite a bit in order to get good results (f/8-f/11 is the sweet spot).

Well the truth is, the only reason why I got this lens was because I could only afford one lens during the time that I acquired my 10D, and I needed the range that would cover all the stuff that I usually do with my Olympus C-750UZ... and the 28-300 fit that bill. I will be getting rid of it once I've completed my lens line-up, but that will take quite some time (2 more lenses to go... a few months in between to save $$$).

Originally posted by khkai:
Just another question for everyone, how much did you all spend on your tripods? And which one are you using? I just want to get a pretty good idea of the goods and bads of your tripod so I can shell out my hard earned money to get a decent one that won't split in half when I use it.


Well, actually I didn't spend that much on my tripod but spend a bundle on a Manfrotto monopod and ball head instead. I figured I'll probably be using the monopod more than the tripod, so I went with a cheap Sakure tripod instead (around RM350, which is ~USD100). I do intend to get a heavier Manfrotto and pan head once I acquire a heavy lens (70-200 f/2.8).

:)atwl

Message edited by author 2004-02-08 23:57:57.
 02/09/2004 08:52:37 AM · #15
Originally posted by khkai:
Hmm... at least now I know the brand I want. Does anyone know whether the removable head is a MUST HAVE? I'm not talking about the quick release (which is nice too), but rather the Ballhead. Is it vital that I change the head? I'm trying to decide whether or not I want to buy a leg and then a head mount.


Many (most) of the Manfrotto tri's come without a head. It is possible to directly thread your camera to the mounting stud on the base plate of the tri-pod, however you are limited to only landscape position frames. Any adjust to the horizon must be done with individual leg adjustment, which is time consuming. A "head" allows for adjustment of the camera to get the frame [landscape/portrait, vertical/horizontal tweeking]as you want it. A ball head, just allows you to make these adjustments with a single lever and is very quick to frame. Pan and tilt heads typically have 3 tension adjustment knobs/levers/handles, that have to be adjusted in conjunct to get the "frame" that you want. The ball head is just faster and easier.

Zeusen's recommendation is quite good as a combo, and under a 100US.

Message edited by author 2004-02-09 09:00:12.
 02/09/2004 06:51:41 PM · #16
Okay everyone, I just ordered my Tripod. I am going to get it this weekend and shoot some night photos at city hall, I'm in Philadelphia btw.
I got the

Bogen / Manfrotto
484RC2 Mini Ballhead with Rapid Connect 2 (Quick Release)

and the 3001BD tripod leg. I'm so completely broke at this moment that it isn't even a joke. But if all your advice holds true, then I shouldn't change my tripod for a very very long time. Let's hope this baby kicks ass.

I'll update my impressions with it as soon as I get my hands on it, maybe I'll even post a few pictures.

Thanks everyone!
02/09/2004 06:58:05 PM · #17
I think you have a decent setup there... that tripod should serve you well :)
 02/09/2004 07:22:52 PM · #18
Good choice. I'm one of the stupid ones that lug around a Bogen 3051 with a 3047 head. Around 25 - 30 lbs give or take a few pounds. Great stability but mucho weight.
 02/09/2004 07:44:41 PM · #19
Originally posted by khkai:
I got the
Bogen / Manfrotto
484RC2 Mini Ballhead with Rapid Connect 2 (Quick Release)
and the 3001BD tripod leg.
Thanks everyone!


Quite a nice choice. The 3001BD weighing a mere 3.9 pounds will be sufficiently stable. The 3 leg sections will be fast to set up and you will find the lever locks good and strong. The 484RC2 ball head will handle 8 pounds of support and you will find it quick to use. Plus a good mate to the 3001BD. The quick release plate is a bonus. You can always buy more plates as you get more money, that way you can have supporting gear (big lenses) already plated, ready for use. As you progress to multiple bodies, this one tripod will serve you for years to come.

Grab some pipe insulation at the local hardware store and you'll have leg pads for your shoulder.

No other single item will improve photo quality more that a stable platform. You picked a good one. Enjoy.

Flash
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