tripod help - DPChallenge Forums

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

01/10/2012 12:46:02 PM · #1

i've been looking for a good tripod. im sick of my cheap video tripod i've been using. its getting old and creaky and its just not sturdy.

what do i look for, i dont want to spend a fortune but i want it to be solid and be able to sit pretty close to the ground. What brands are good? also what is the deal with all the head options, what kind of head do i want on it.

edit: extra portability is a plus!

Message edited by author 2012-01-10 12:46:42.

Tiny

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

01/10/2012 12:55:44 PM · #2

Guess it depends on how much really.I have a Manfrotto 190XPROB with 804RC2 head.
Had it about a year and is great with my 7D does everything one could want from a tripod.
Hope this is of a lttle help.

spiritualspatula

01/10/2012 01:04:37 PM · #3

First- decide on your budget, and probably then add a bit more. Tripods worth your time cost more than you think, and you'll just burn through cheap ones so you might as well pony up. This article does a good job of explaining what I mean, though his prices are higher than most realistically need to spend (sigh of relief).
What sort of use will it get? Will you be porting it far? How tall are you? Make sure you can get it tall enough for you standing (and I don't mean by extending the center column, which makes it WAY less stable). Obviously consider the weight of the load you'll be putting on it, and pad that number some so you can attach weights to stabilize if need be.
Here is the basic rundown of tripods.
Pick any two from this mix: Cheap, light, sturdy
You can't have all three. Trust me.
Carbon fiber is better for lots of reasons: doesn't freeze your hands, weighs less, dampens vibrations way way better, won't dent. It's also way more expensive. Aluminum is okay, but be aware of its limitations.
Think about if you're okay with twistlock or flick lock. I would say flicklock is faster and probably easier, but Gitzo's Glock is pretty damn awesome and super fast/nice to use.
There are several manfrotto options that are readily available and very good. Check out the 190XPROB as a good starting point.
I would recommend a ballhead. They're more user friendly really, and they're faster to use. Not perhaps as solid as some tilt/pans, but you gain ease of use. Be ready to get a bubble level as well if you get a ballhead. Also pad your ballhead ratings... I think most companies are a bit...generous with their stated ratings.
Some folks like those pistol grips, but they felt pretty crappy when I saw them in person and seem sorta gimmicky to me. Depending upon how soon you're looking to buy, I'll most likely be testing out a cheap but really solid head pretty quick here- Smith Victor BH5 that I'm thinking I'll put on my upcoming monopod.
One other thing to think about is the quick release mechanism. You don't have super heavy lenses, so this is of less concern, but some are designed WAY better for holding. Many of the Manfrotto plates, for instance, rely purely on how tightly you tighten the screw into your camera instead of relying on a lip on the plate. This is lazy design if you ask me, and much less efficient. The other thing is they're all proprietary. I use Arca Swiss style plates and they can work with many different manufacturer's products, so that's certainly nice.

ETA: another tripod thread another thread

ETA2: I swear I'm not stalking you.

Message edited by author 2012-01-10 13:11:04.

01/10/2012 01:24:25 PM · #4

are tripods something you would buy used or should i look new.

Basta

Nikon D4

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100

01/10/2012 01:37:40 PM · #5

Originally posted by mike_311:

are tripods something you would buy used or should i look new.

how used?

From someone who just looked at it and used it as conversation peace..buy it if its a good deal...

Spiritualspatula is dead on about tripods...only thing I dont agree is his view of ballheads. the way I see it , they are same as tripods...you get what you pay for...I had cheap ones, and they are not "solid"... spend a lot and you will have no complaints.
Now I use/have Arca Swiss B1... and that is one solid head. I dare anyone to get any movement in it once its locked. Its got crazy load capacity..something around 130 lbs.

ETE: problem with the used tripods is finding what you want, once you decide what you need amount of time you will spend hunting a tripod you have in mind is not worth it. Good used sell a little under what new would cost you

Message edited by author 2012-01-10 13:49:32.

spiritualspatula

01/10/2012 01:45:14 PM · #6

Originally posted by mike_311:

are tripods something you would buy used or should i look new.

Depends upon the tripod make and model. A CF Gitzo? Wouldn't have much hesitation. Gotta be careful of aluminum ones ,which can have all sorts of dings and crap in the legs.
But really, I'd just say new is fine, you're using it for a long time. The way I look at it is it's silly to try and skimp on holding my multi-thousand dollar rig. Why would I do that? If it sucks, I'm replacing my rig and my tripod due to a drop.
And I do agree with Dean there about getting a quality ballhead. I noted the one I am looking to get because I'll get a firsthand breakdown for you. I'm only using it as a monopod head for a reason though, and I know that a cheaper ballhead may sacrifice some niceties like fluid movement in favor of better locking. My tripod head is an Acratech GV2 which I really like. It can struggle in weird angles with really heavy lens combinations w/body and grip, which it should be fine with weight wise, so I really think part of it is the relative distribution of weight. I also keep my static resistance really low so everything is a bit looser.

ETA clarification

Message edited by author 2012-01-10 13:46:23.

01/10/2012 02:13:11 PM · #7

you guys are just full of knowledge today.

i know i shouldn't cheap out and i dont use my tripod all that much, well i use it indoors more than outdoors. but i need to get a better one, especially for outdoors. i bought a nice new wide angle lens.

so realistically what am i looking to spend on a decent tripod, realistically it only NEEDS to be sturdy and handle a breeze, plus hold my camera and lens.. i can live with ease of use and weight to a point to save some cash.

amazon has some highly rated tripods for under $100 that got commented pretty sturdy or am i wasting my money?

Basta

Nikon D4

01/10/2012 02:59:33 PM · #8

Originally posted by mike_311:

How long are you planing to stick with the photography? more than couple years? if so, you will end up getting better tripod later, and than better after that one isnt good anymore... its your call

Edit.. BTW , what is the good tripod for $100. I have some in great shape I would let you have for a half that,(I payed $150 for it)...I wish you live close , I would let you play with my toy...and than you would see

Message edited by author 2012-01-10 15:02:59.