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08/23/2004 10:20:44 AM · #1 |
Ok, I need decent tripod for my system. It has to be light and inexpensive (I know, sort of mutually exclusive features). But the tripod isn't my main concern, the head is. I have no idea what to get. Ballhead or panhead? Arca-Swiss or some other quick-release system?
I like something compact and light. I expect to hike with it + camera + lenses, so I would choose weight over height.
I expect to use it mostly for nature shots, although I might shoot a occasional bird.
I have a fairly light system. (Olympus E-1 + 50-200mm)
Here are my thoughts so far:
Aluminium tripod, light and not too expensive.
Ballhead: Plus: Light, fast, compact. Minus: Expensive, accidental tilting?
Panhead: Plus: Cheap, steady, easy pan. Minus: Bulky, heavy.
Any tips?
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08/23/2004 10:24:20 AM · #2 |
I like quick release, but then I have never used any other type.
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08/23/2004 10:28:46 AM · #3 |
See this thread for my thoughts and info on what I use.
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08/23/2004 11:10:10 AM · #4 |
IM personnally about to change my tripod and i'm looking for the ULTRA-LUXI-F near the bottom of that page. I think it goes for around 120$ or 130$(US) but I'm not sure. I personnally do not like ball-head.
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08/23/2004 03:22:27 PM · #5 |
| Just a newbie, but I just got a mini tripod, to help my habit of camera-shake. It's a cheap little $14 thing with a quick release and a ball head. What I noticed, reading your question is: If I lock the ball, then hold the camera and loosen the quickrelease, I can pan quite easily without tilt, because the ball never moves, the quickrelease does. I wouldn't suggest trying it without keeping 1 hand on the camera at all times, but it's a handy piece of info, nonetheless. |
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08/23/2004 03:34:32 PM · #6 |
I got an Acratech Ball Head and a Giottos MT8180 Carbon Fiber tripod. Since I was concerned about weight too, I went with carbon fiber and the Acratech. The combo is fantastic, light but extremely sturdy and rigid. The tripod has spiked feet inside rubber feet that you can switch, it has a hook to allow weighing it down with a bag for more stability, it comes with a nice shoulder strap and bag. I recommend it. Good value for your money.
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08/23/2004 03:57:30 PM · #7 |
If you're doing nature shots then light weight is key. If you hate carryin the tripod you'll never use it. I have a Bogen 3001BWN tripod and a Bogen 486rc2 ballhead. I *couldn't* be happier with this combo. Make sure you get a quick release plate - it's worth the slight extra $$.
I find that I don't have problems with accidental tilting enough to mention. You've got level / align any tripod rig. I use to have a pan-head and I find the ball head is easier for me because I can level the camera instaed of the tripod.
Another thing to think about is how easy it is to open the legs up. Sometime you need to set up quickly to catch a shot. I had a screw-down locak on my last tripod's legs, and quick-release flippers on my current one. I wouldn't trade the flippers for anything!
Best advise is to buy a quality unit. Unless you're certain you'll never move up to a dSLR I'd get a mid range setup that you can carry over when / if you upgrade later. Buy once, enjoy forever.
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08/23/2004 04:35:21 PM · #8 |
I've been eyeing that CF tripod for a while... but was trying to figure out why it was much less expensive than other CF tripods. Is the whole tripod CF? Or is it a combo of CF/aluminum or something? It defintitely seems like great "bang for the buck". I haven't been able to find it locally or read any reviews on-line, so it is nce to know that somebody actually bought one and seems satisfied with it...
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08/23/2004 04:39:48 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
I've been eyeing that CF tripod for a while... but was trying to figure out why it was much less expensive than other CF tripods. Is the whole tripod CF? Or is it a combo of CF/aluminum or something? It defintitely seems like great "bang for the buck". I haven't been able to find it locally or read any reviews on-line, so it is nce to know that somebody actually bought one and seems satisfied with it... |
Eddy it's all Carbon fiber legs. The platform is not CF, but heavy duty aluminum, the same in all CF tripods. I got a good deal, having a friend working at the Canadian wholesale distributor of Giottos, US$240 shipping and taxes included for the MT-8180
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08/23/2004 04:46:14 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by EddyG:
I've been eyeing that CF tripod for a while... but was trying to figure out why it was much less expensive than other CF tripods. Is the whole tripod CF? Or is it a combo of CF/aluminum or something? It defintitely seems like great "bang for the buck". I haven't been able to find it locally or read any reviews on-line, so it is nce to know that somebody actually bought one and seems satisfied with it... |
OOh I see what you mean... For only $ 326.00 I could buy a whole bunch of them!
Hmmm... I guess if you are on a tight budget, then photography can be a hungry hobby!!
How high does that go. Better said What height is recommended. I have a small Cullman tripod that goes up to about 75 cm which is light, stable, small, (Err cheap) & I take everywhere with me, but 75 cm is only usefull for nature, macro or low level shots. |
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