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10/11/2004 05:55:25 PM · #1 |
Any suggstions from you knowledgeable people out there as to a good tripod to buy? It's to support a Minolta A1 which is not that heavy!
Any ideas appreciated.
Cheers |
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10/11/2004 05:57:58 PM · #2 |
| With a username like that, what can I possibly suggest? |
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10/11/2004 06:15:38 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by xion:
With a username like that, what can I possibly suggest? |
lol @ xion. How about a nice Bogan Manfrotto 714B? I have this tripod and its light, easy to use, sturdy and will support my 300D with a 70-200 f/4l all day long, best of all its not overly expensive :)
Message edited by author 2004-10-11 18:16:17.
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10/11/2004 07:42:35 PM · #4 |
I have the older 719B (I believe the 714B replaced it) which has served me well. I still use it for my Sony717. I do have to mention that I had to replace the snap-on clips (locks) after about a year of use.
I would not, however, consider the ball head adequately large and strong enough for a DSLR with an EF 70-200L mounted on it. after having tried precisely this. The ball slipped, ever so minutely, from the torque of the heavy lens, so I had to readjust and re-lock it every time - a pain in the donkey.
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10/11/2004 08:42:50 PM · #5 |
I have the Slik 9000, but the center column plastic crank broke after only 2 years or so. Now it's a push/pull center column.
I am considering something like this one, which has an innovative tilting center column design:
//ww1.onecall.com/PID_12679.htm |
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10/11/2004 09:02:28 PM · #6 |
Just don't go cheap. My PlatinumPlus by Sunpak (40 bucks) holds the camera fine, but I've never got the head to go level (resting position) without force. You can adjust the legs to make it level but come on...
Andy |
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10/11/2004 10:10:14 PM · #7 |
Best advice I ever read was pay the money for a good quality tripod. If not, you'll end up paying more in the long run. Manfrotto is good quality and have tripods from less than $100 on up. Weight and size are your biggest concerns. I'm sure that a quick google on tripod reviews will be able to answer your question in great detail.
-danny |
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10/12/2004 02:48:30 AM · #8 |
| I have to recommend Bogen/Manfrotto. I have a 2001Pro and a ballgrip head. I love it, the whole combo was about $175, but you CAN get a really solid Manfrotto tripod for less. |
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10/12/2004 03:26:04 AM · #9 |
Yeah, I too recommend a quality tripod if you're somewhat serious about photography. Remember, the other obvious application for the tripod is using it with flash.
I have Manfrotto 055PROB and it was worth it altough it was a bit expensive one. And it's maybe a bit too large in size and weight for reqular photography but then again gives you the possibility to mount all kinds of stuff in your tripod, like reflectors and large filters without crashing down. And I like the remount of camera column in this model. You can position your camera in a number of ways which is requirement in macro photography.
//db.manfrotto.com/product/templates/templates.php3?sectionid=86&itemid=812
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10/12/2004 07:38:12 AM · #10 |
Originally posted by lode:
Yeah, I too recommend a quality tripod if you're somewhat serious about photography. |
Ditto that. I have the Manfrotto #058B which is very sturdy, has incredible range and is real easy to use. Major drawback is that it is really heavy (and expensive).
But strong enough to support scud missiles.
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10/12/2004 07:56:20 AM · #11 |
Something that I've never read anywhere concerning tripods and digital cameras, is that a prosumer camera does not have a mirror that flips out of the way. This gives the camera quite a kick, and is why non-SLR cameras are easier to hold without shake at lower shutter speeds. I have a strong suspicion that good money spent on a very sturdy tripod is completely wasted on a non-SLR camera. Especially the Minolta A1, which has Image Stablising. Just make sure you set the IS to only activate when you press the shutter, otherwise it has a feedback effect when left on all the time on a tripod.
Good tripods, as far as I can gather, are designed to overcome a tripod's natural tendency to vibrate when the mirror is flipped up on an SLR. |
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10/12/2004 11:25:28 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
Something that I've never read anywhere concerning tripods and digital cameras, is that a prosumer camera does not have a mirror that flips out of the way. This gives the camera quite a kick, and is why non-SLR cameras are easier to hold without shake at lower shutter speeds. I have a strong suspicion that good money spent on a very sturdy tripod is completely wasted on a non-SLR camera. Especially the Minolta A1, which has Image Stablising. Just make sure you set the IS to only activate when you press the shutter, otherwise it has a feedback effect when left on all the time on a tripod.
Good tripods, as far as I can gather, are designed to overcome a tripod's natural tendency to vibrate when the mirror is flipped up on an SLR. |
While I agree with your premise and thought, in practice, I wouldn't want to have to take slow exposures without a 'good' tripod, even for a non-SLR. Low light or inconsistent distribution of light, landscapes, studio work - all these situations, IMO, would benefit from the use of a tripod, a remote or self-timer.
The best, although 'down and dirty' tripod, is probably a two dollar bean bag or a bag of rice molded with duct tape. ;-)
Message edited by author 2004-10-12 11:28:52.
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10/12/2004 01:45:22 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by BobsterLobster:
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The best, although 'down and dirty' tripod, is probably a two dollar bean bag or a bag of rice molded with duct tape. ;-) |
A thickly folded ancient army blanket draped out the car window works too under certain circumstances. |
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10/12/2004 01:54:41 PM · #14 |
What sort of work will you be doing?
I see a lot of photographers using tripods in situations that REALLY don't require one, and if anything it may inhibit you.
If you're doing wildlife stuff or along that range where you'll be sitting around for loooong periods of time then yea.
I just bought a cheapy monopod to get me through low-light conditions. That's about it.
(for ex. I saw a girl at a wedding on sunday using a tripod to take photos with her film rebel..the tripod looked like it cost more than the camera and it was THE perfect sunny day..made no sense..probably made her feel important)
Message edited by author 2004-10-12 13:56:34. |
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10/12/2004 01:56:40 PM · #15 |
Giztmo, the best available anywhere...a bit on the expensive side.
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10/12/2004 02:01:22 PM · #16 |
| I've been using a yellow sponge. The orange one also works well but the blue one has some dirt on it...so I only use it to support the yellow and orange sponges when increasing the height of my spongopod. |
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10/12/2004 02:22:04 PM · #17 |
Take a minute and read this article, it's good stuff and will point you in the right direction.
//www.bythom.com/support.htm |
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