| Author | Thread |
|
|
08/09/2010 07:50:41 PM · #1 |
ok I am trying to save up for a tripod...The deal is I don't want to buy another one for a very long time. I am quite a ways off from buying one since it will be a nice one. I don't want a $20.00 walmart special. I want to know what ya'll think about my selection and if you think I could do better let me know....Because of the fact I am saving up for this money is not really an object as long as I'm satisfied. Ok here they are
Head
legs
Now rememer at this point it is on my dream list. I am looking for a tripod that is an all around tripod....fairly light...easy to use.....and can help me out on the whole stable camera thing.....lol
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 07:56:20 PM · #2 |
For as little as I know about tripods, I'm surprised to see a 3-way head... Aren't those really more appropriate for video cams?
If it were me, I'd be looking at something like this ball head. |
|
|
|
08/09/2010 07:58:47 PM · #3 |
I am really a tripod virgin. I am looking for a tripod that is easy to use but gives me the best result
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 08:04:51 PM · #4 |
I like the manfrotto stuff. My small tripod that I have been using until now is a hacked Manfrotto 785B. You don't want one of these for your SLR, at least not stock. It has a crappy head that cannot support an SLR properly. I swapped out the center column and put on a better ballhead. I bought it just before I got my first DSLR. Hacked as I have it now, it is nice and small, not too much to tote around all day, but still pretty stable. This is the tripod I was using when we got together in February.
I just bought a Benro A-198EX. $134 is what everyone sells it for, legs, no head. (I got an additional discount of $25 for an online survey I had filled out for the local camera shop) Not pro level gear like a high end Manfrotto or Gitzo, but still seems decently built and solid enough to last a few years. It has a tilting center column similar in function to the Manfrotto you linked to. The mechanism seems very functional though not as elegantly engineered. About the only thing that struck me offhand as a potential weak area is the knobs used to tighten the center column and tilt mechanism. They are plastic and might eventually break. Ought to be easily replaced, if that happens however.
I'm more partial to ballheads. Three way panheads frustrate me, though they do have advantages for those that like to do multi frame panoramas. (My Benro, BTW, has a rotating center column collar to allow me to do this without disturbing the other adjustments.)
I do know someone in my local Flickr group that has that Manfrotto you linked to and he loves it.
Message edited by author 2010-08-09 20:09:07. |
|
|
|
08/09/2010 08:17:35 PM · #5 |
The head & legs you're considering are the same as what I purchased recently. I'm very happy with thier performance. I must admit I don't know much about ball heads having never used one but I do like the ability to lock in certain planes of axis while adjusting others, which I'm getting quicker at doing. The ability of the tripod shaft to extend out then drop 90deg is very useful for getting low to the ground.
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 08:34:13 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Abra:
The head & legs you're considering are the same as what I purchased recently. I'm very happy with thier performance. I must admit I don't know much about ball heads having never used one but I do like the ability to lock in certain planes of axis while adjusting others, which I'm getting quicker at doing. The ability of the tripod shaft to extend out then drop 90deg is very useful for getting low to the ground. |
That is exactly why I was looking at this setup......If there is a better setup anyone can think about I am very open to suggestions. Like I said I am looking for an all around, proffessional type of tripod that will support my camera
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 08:35:12 PM · #7 |
That setup is fine. It's what we use, actually. Except I also have a geared head now as well; we have two of the 808 heads and one of these geared heads. I have mixed feelings about the geared head, it's slow, but it's VERY precise, and I used a much larger one with my view camera back in the day and got used to it...
As far as I'm concerned, ball heads are not a good idea for dSLR work, but that's just a personal opinion.
R.
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 08:59:11 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
That setup is fine. It's what we use, actually. Except I also have a geared head now as well; we have two of the 808 heads and one of these geared heads. I have mixed feelings about the geared head, it's slow, but it's VERY precise, and I used a much larger one with my view camera back in the day and got used to it...
As far as I'm concerned, ball heads are not a good idea for dSLR work, but that's just a personal opinion.
R. |
What is the advantage of having a geared head?
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 09:08:06 PM · #9 |
FWIW, I have a Manfrotto tripod - legs and head - and frickin LOVE them. I have the legs you have the linky too, love the removable centre post (first thing I did was take it out :-) The head I am using though is the 496RC2 compact ballhead.
My previous tripod was a Giotto, one step up from the $20 Walmart special. It had a 3-way pan head but it was so limited, and as it components were plastic, levers and small stuff broke easily. |
|
|
|
08/09/2010 09:21:13 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
That setup is fine. It's what we use, actually. Except I also have a geared head now as well; we have two of the 808 heads and one of these geared heads. I have mixed feelings about the geared head, it's slow, but it's VERY precise, and I used a much larger one with my view camera back in the day and got used to it...
As far as I'm concerned, ball heads are not a good idea for dSLR work, but that's just a personal opinion.
R. |
Ok, now you've intrigued me... Why do you feel that ball heads are inappropriate for DSLR work? Notice that the one I linked to is quite a nice piece of engineering, and might be somewhat different than an average ball head. |
|
|
|
08/09/2010 09:51:03 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
What is the advantage of having a geared head? |
When you use a friction-clamp head, you have to overset by a small percentage to allow for the compression return when you lock down. The amount varies from head-to-head, with more-expensive heads needing less of this fudging. Regardless, a geared head allows continuous, very precise adjustment on all 3 axes, really good for studio and architectural work. Plus it's a little more compact than having all those levers sticking out.
R.
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 09:56:01 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
What is the advantage of having a geared head? |
When you use a friction-clamp head, you have to overset by a small percentage to allow for the compression return when you lock down. The amount varies from head-to-head, with more-expensive heads needing less of this fudging. Regardless, a geared head allows continuous, very precise adjustment on all 3 axes, really good for studio and architectural work. Plus it's a little more compact than having all those levers sticking out.
R. |
I might look into getting a ball head and then eventually a geared head.
So many options my head is spinning
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 10:03:25 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Ok, now you've intrigued me... Why do you feel that ball heads are inappropriate for DSLR work? Notice that the one I linked to is quite a nice piece of engineering, and might be somewhat different than an average ball head. |
With ball heads, in landscape or architectural work, you are trying to square up 3 axes with a single adjustment, and it is a pain in the keister. To square the camera up precisely can be very frustrating. Then, with most ballheads, any time you want to pan you run the risk of losing all that hard-won alignment, because you pan off the ball.
Now, the better ballheads do have a panning base, so once you are squared up you can rotate around the vertical axis without releasing friction on the ball, and this is good. I acknowledge that if I had access to a Really Right Stuff or Arca-Swiss ballhead, I might be singing a different tune.
But for me the main advantage of a ballhead is that the release of a single clamp allows you to move the camera freely in any direction, and this is great for, say, bird photography, wildlife, sports, stuff like that. But I don't do much of these things, and I hand-hold when I do, so I want a solid, stable, dimensionally articulate platform when I use the tripod.
For me, the problem is you steer the freaking camera with a ball head; I'm used to steering the head with the camera along for the ride.
R.
|
|
|
|
08/09/2010 10:05:04 PM · #14 |
I love the geared head as well. Manfrotto 55XPROB Tripod with 410 Geared Head. The combination is heavy and expensive (>$400US), but I love it. Gives me all the conrol I could desire. |
|
|
|
08/09/2010 10:29:35 PM · #15 |
I got a Sunpak 6464 for $5 on craigslist. I'm pretty happy with it since it's more than sturdy enough to hold my Sony and 18-200mm
|
|
|
|
08/10/2010 05:24:58 AM · #16 |
Ha, I was about to call BS on Robert's comment on panning a ballhead. Luckily, I finished reading his whole post ;)
That 055XPROB is a solid tripod, and was at the top of my list as far as function and affordability go. I went with another option, because it was stronger (though heavier) and I wanted to make sure it was steady enough for using my Bigma w/ d300+grip, which is a lot of weight.
Since I originally bought my tripod, I've begun considering saving up for a nice Gitzo carbon rig, largely because I get totally sick of schlepping my 8 pound tripod into the backcountry. FWIW, I use an Acratech GV2, and love it.
My take on the functionality of geared vs ball- it will depend on your style of shooting. Ballheads will always be faster to adjust. While there are times when I'll set up my tripod and sit and wait, many times I set things up quickly, take a shot, and move on. If I'm concerned with things being perfectly level, I use a bubble level that attaches to my hotshoe. If I want to pan perfectly, I loosen my ballhead, hold the whole setup by the camera, and let weight make it perfectly level (like a pendulum), then tighten it and use the bubble on my tripod to make sure the tripod is level, then pan to my heart's content.
With wildlife, shooting with my Bigma, I couldn't imagine using a geared head; it's just way too slow for my needs. But Robert's points on just landscapes (if you're hanging around) and architecture are dead on- the fine adjustment of a geared head cannot be had without some difficulty in a ballhead. |
|
|
|
08/10/2010 07:42:45 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
...I acknowledge that if I had access to a Really Right Stuff or Arca-Swiss ballhead, I might be singing a different tune.
But for me the main advantage of a ballhead is that the release of a single clamp allows you to move the camera freely in any direction, and this is great for, say, bird photography, wildlife, sports, stuff like that. But I don't do much of these things, and I hand-hold when I do, so I want a solid, stable, dimensionally articulate platform when I use the tripod...
R. |
And that's really the crux of the matter. A *really* good ball head can eliminate many of the problems commonly seen with most ball heads, but it will *cost* you, and for true control over composition, in situations where you have the time, a geared head, or a good 3-way head like the 808 is the way to go.
I think you selection of legs will suit you just fine, and give many years of service. You may eventually want a good ball head for those situations where speed is more important than fine control, specifically the areas of photography Robert mentions.
Message edited by author 2010-08-10 07:43:38. |
|
|
|
08/10/2010 10:14:46 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Bear_Music:
Originally posted by coryboehne:
Ok, now you've intrigued me... Why do you feel that ball heads are inappropriate for DSLR work? Notice that the one I linked to is quite a nice piece of engineering, and might be somewhat different than an average ball head. |
With ball heads, in landscape or architectural work, you are trying to square up 3 axes with a single adjustment, and it is a pain in the keister. To square the camera up precisely can be very frustrating. Then, with most ballheads, any time you want to pan you run the risk of losing all that hard-won alignment, because you pan off the ball.
Now, the better ballheads do have a panning base, so once you are squared up you can rotate around the vertical axis without releasing friction on the ball, and this is good. I acknowledge that if I had access to a Really Right Stuff or Arca-Swiss ballhead, I might be singing a different tune.
But for me the main advantage of a ballhead is that the release of a single clamp allows you to move the camera freely in any direction, and this is great for, say, bird photography, wildlife, sports, stuff like that. But I don't do much of these things, and I hand-hold when I do, so I want a solid, stable, dimensionally articulate platform when I use the tripod.
For me, the problem is you steer the freaking camera with a ball head; I'm used to steering the head with the camera along for the ride.
R. |
Quite an excellent explanation.. It also confirms that a ballhead is probably the best choice for me, as lately I've been leaving the tripod at home and just cranking up the ISO.. :) |
|
|
|
08/10/2010 10:57:46 AM · #19 |
| If you are looking at the Manfrotto ball heads, look at the 488RC4. It has the RC4 quick-release plate (much nicer than the RC2) and it is relatively stable, though you will experience some droop with a long lens. It has a pretty nice panning base and bubble levels as well. |
|
|
|
08/10/2010 12:42:05 PM · #20 |
Personally, I have that same tripod. I love it!! It is very stable. Holds up to lots of use quite well, and is nice to use.
I do however use this head: //www.manfrotto.us/product/8374.31708.76901.0.0/322RC2/_/Horizontal_Grip_Action_Ball_Head_with_RC2_Rapid_Connect
I love this type of head. I do lots of different types of shooting, from ground level landscapes, to model shoots, to macro, to who knows what... Sometimes all at the same time! This head allows me to be very flexible, very quickly. Sometimes i even leave the tripod folded up and connected to the camera, while holding the grip and using the the weight as a sort of stabilization. |
|
|
|
08/11/2010 07:03:42 PM · #21 |
Hey thanks for all the help....Lets keep this thread rolling. Everyone....say what type of tripod / head that you own and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that tripod. I think the info in this thread could help out fellow dpc'ers in the future.
|
|
|
|
08/11/2010 08:44:21 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by cowboy221977:
Hey thanks for all the help....Lets keep this thread rolling. Everyone....say what type of tripod / head that you own and what are the advantages and disadvantages of that tripod. I think the info in this thread could help out fellow dpc'ers in the future. |
I use a Giottos MT9371 tripod with an Acratech GV2 ballhead.
Things I like about the setup- very stable. Legs on tripod are very adjustable. Tripod allows for shooting extremely close to the ground. I can also extend the center post and put it in any crazy direction I want, which is great. Build quality on tripod and head is very high. QR plates are designed for specific camera bodies and possess a lip to lock the plate onto the body/lens you are using for great engagement, which means you don't need to really torque down that screw. The gimbal feature of the GV2 is useful, action is very, very smooth in general. The company is also a dream to work with, from my experience.
Things I don't like- I would prefer flip lock on the legs. Twist is sorta annoying. They now offer it with flip lock, but this wasn't an option when I purchased. My tripod is also pretty heavy (7 or 8 lbs I think + head), and it can be a task carrying it while snowshoeing or backpacking deep into the wilderness. I wish the knob for tightening my GV2 were a lever, or at least bigger. I've got larger hands (L or XL in gloves typically) and tightening that little knob can be difficult for me at times to really lock it out like I'd like. I feel like a lever would much improve this for me.
Another thread on tripod selection
Write up for my tripod by Tez
Message edited by author 2010-08-11 20:45:18. |
|
