Looking for a tripod - DPChallenge Forums

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

01/04/2005 03:23:07 AM · #2

It seems that particular tripod is owned by about 70% of the people who have tripods on this site if my glancing through the forums is any indication. I myself have that model but with a 488RC2 ball head. I received both for Christmas and so far I'm pleased. The way they have implemented the "lateral arm" is annoying though and because of it I don't think I will be using much of that feature.

If you want the tripod to go flat to the ground this may or may not be the tripod for you. The legs do spread out flat but the center column extends below where the legs connect so you either have to raise it, making the camera less stable, or dig a pit for the column. The other option is to flip the center column so the camera is below but this gets back to the annoying lateral arm issue.

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

01/04/2005 03:27:15 AM · #3

Hi .. I just got me a MANFROTTO tripod 3001 model and the joystick ball head both together cost me $280 from a shop in Hawaii I have been playing with them for a few days and have to say that it is the BEST tripod I have ever owned, It goes flat, it folds away very small, its light, its strong, and the joystick head is awsome. Well built, used by Pros around the world, grab your self one you will not regret it i assure you.

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

01/04/2005 07:31:37 AM · #4

Originally posted by alionic:

Hi .. I just got me a MANFROTTO tripod 3001 model and the joystick ball head both together cost me $280 from ...

Hi alionic

Just curious about the Joystick ball head ... is that 22,Bogen code: 3265 -
GRIP ACTION BALL HEAD W/QUICK RELEASE PLATE

Sorry for jumping in here TomFoolery, I'm in the process of buying myself and I just wanted to confirm. I was looking at the 3021PRO - 055PRO it's a couple bucks more but I don't intend on buying another one anytime soon so what's a couple of extra bucks but still looking.

Good Luck
Thanks

Mattel Barbie Photo Designer Digital Camera

01/04/2005 07:45:21 AM · #5

I have both the 3001Pro and 3021Pro tripods. Both are great tripods. The 3001 is what I take with me when I know I'll be carrying it a lot, it's lighter and smaller. The 3021 is bigger and heavier, but it is sturdier and taller. The best one for you will depend on your individual needs.

BTW, I have the 322RC2 grip ball head for both of them, I like it a lot. You can always spend more and get something like an Acratech ballhead, they're pretty expensive, but most seem to swear by them (rather than at them).

nsbca7

01/06/2005 07:10:18 AM · #6

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

I would like it if I could make the legs go flat so I can get closer to the ground.

If you want to go to the ground this tripod will get you there. They also make a carbon fiber model almost identical for a few hundred more. I didn't see the gain.

I have one of these and it is the best tripod I have ever used. I use it under extreme conditions and it has never let me down.

It is rated to support more wieght then the one you were looking at and it might save you a few dollars, depending on the head you decide to get.

It came out a year or two ago to compete with the Benbo. It is much more stable and versatile than the Benbo though.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/06/2005 08:15:59 AM · #7

I just recently got the tripod and head (3021bpro and 322rc2) that you linked, Tom...

I absolutely love this setup!

After researching a fair bit and asking around, it really feels like this is the best bang for your buck. I've already used the horizontal column, the quick releases on the legs are beautiful and I can't stop raving about that quick-grip head...

I can pull my car over, and within 20 seconds of getting out of the car with my tripod and camera I'm set and ready to shoot with tripod opened up and camera positioned! 20 seconds later, the legs can be flat out with the column horizontally mounted, taking macro shots of my footprint! It's speedy and versatile...

I definitely recommend it...I'm no expert, but I'm sure there's a reason so many photographers own that combo!

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

01/06/2005 08:41:06 AM · #8

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

I just recently got the tripod and head (3021bpro and 322rc2) that you linked, Tom...

I absolutely love this setup! ...

Hey Mike, were did you purchase this from (online), I'm just curious. I have a couple of local shops but always trying to get the best price. I'm in the Burlington area.

Thanks

insteps

Ricoh GR III

Fujifilm XF 16mm f/1.4 R WR

01/06/2005 09:32:38 AM · #9

I have a Gitzo and am very happy. My only advice is buy the best you can afford. A good tripod should last you a lifetime unlike your digital camera. --Henry

lelani

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/06/2005 09:57:43 AM · #10

I have this one silk sprint pro

, I like it because it's small, very light, and it gets very close to the floor.

good luck,

If you don't mind - what is the main equipment needed for weddings?

lelani.net

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/06/2005 10:20:31 AM · #11

Originally posted by lelani:

If you don't mind - what is the main equipment needed for weddings?

Ummmm let's see: A bride, a groom, a witness or two, a marriage license and someone to officiate. I think that's pretty much enough to get the job done.

Some people add extras like rings, Daddy with his shotgun, a wedding party, guests, a nice location, a more glamorous officiant (I think in Vegas, you can get married by Elvis), dinner and cake after the ceremony are nice too. There really is no end to what you can do, some wedding celebrations last for days. Hopefully for the bride and groom, the celebration is lifelong.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

01/06/2005 10:26:13 AM · #12

Originally posted by Moose101:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I just recently got the tripod and head (3021bpro and 322rc2) that you linked, Tom...

I absolutely love this setup! ...

Hey Mike, were did you purchase this from (online), I'm just curious. I have a couple of local shops but always trying to get the best price. I'm in the Burlington area.

Thanks

Every Henry's in Ontario is out of stock on the 3021bpro and their warehouse is backordered from Bogen. I couldn't find them anywhere until I tried DVshop.ca on 2967 Dundas Street in Toronto. I think they still have a few in stock...good luck!

The 322rc2 head should be readily available at any Henry's...

BobsterLobster

Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

01/06/2005 10:39:38 AM · #13

Can you believe there was no photographer at our wedding? This was before I got into photography. Anyway and to be honest (this may be heresy to some) I prefer to remember events using my memory. I can't stand watching videos or photos of events special to me, as unless somebody extremely talented is recording it, the atmosphere and magic is usually gone. I don't want a photojournalist capturing and destroying my special moments. If I take photos of somebody else's event, it will always be MY interpretation of it. I think the interpretation will usually be interesting and valid, but the people at the centre of what I photograph should have their own memories and impressions, without being influenced by mine. I really can't understand the stress and lack of creativity most people put themselves through with their weddings... the amount of money people spend is outrageous, and the stress of all the things that might go wrong must be awful. We had a blast at our wedding!

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

01/06/2005 11:29:58 AM · #14

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

We had a photographer at our wedding, but it was the guy I had worked for, so we knew what we were getting and our album is way to relive a treasured moment.

I agree that some events belong recorded only in the mind, but that's up to the participants.

photomayhem

Canon EOS-10D

01/06/2005 11:41:24 AM · #15

I have the Bogen Manfrotto Tripod 3021BPRO and the Bogen Manfrotto 3047 Head . I love both the tripod and the head. The head has 3 axis points and will twist and turn just about any way you want it to.

Message edited by author 2005-01-06 11:43:44.

Moose101

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

01/06/2005 12:05:22 PM · #16

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Originally posted by Moose101:

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I just recently got the tripod and head (3021bpro and 322rc2) that you linked, Tom... I absolutely love this setup! ...

Hey Mike, were did you purchase ...
Thanks

Every Henry's in Ontario is out of stock ....
The 322rc2 head should be readily available at any Henry's...

I'll have to check them out on the weekend. Thanks for the info.

lelani

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

01/06/2005 03:46:55 PM · #17

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by lelani:

If you don't mind - what is the main equipment needed for weddings?

Ummmm let's see: A bride, a groom, a witness or two, a marriage license and someone to officiate. I think that's pretty much enough to get the job done.

Some people add extras like rings, Daddy with his shotgun, a wedding party, guests, a nice location, a more glamorous officiant (I think in Vegas, you can get married by Elvis), dinner and cake after the ceremony are nice too. There really is no end to what you can do, some wedding celebrations last for days. Hopefully for the bride and groom, the celebration is lifelong.

WOW - is that so - I did'nt think a bride was needed as the weddings I've attended never had one or a groom for that matter - ok kool - I'll be sure to put that on the top of my list - Thanks spazmo! :)

lelani.net

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

01/06/2005 03:53:37 PM · #18

Originally posted by lelani:

Originally posted by Spazmo99:

Originally posted by lelani:

If you don't mind - what is the main equipment needed for weddings?

Ummmm let's see: A bride, a groom, a witness or two, a marriage license and someone to officiate. I think that's pretty much enough to get the job done.

Some people add extras like rings, Daddy with his shotgun, a wedding party, guests, a nice location, a more glamorous officiant (I think in Vegas, you can get married by Elvis), dinner and cake after the ceremony are nice too. There really is no end to what you can do, some wedding celebrations last for days. Hopefully for the bride and groom, the celebration is lifelong.

WOW - is that so - I did'nt think a bride was needed as the weddings I've attended never had one or a groom for that matter - ok kool - I'll be sure to put that on the top of my list - Thanks spazmo! :)

lelani.net

Just making sure people understand what the essentials are.

Flash

Nikon D700

01/06/2005 05:02:22 PM · #19

Originally posted by TomFoolery:

Tom,

I think that this set up would likely work for you quite well. Several who have the grip ball head seem to like it alot. Just know that "heads" are really a personal choice item. I have carried the 3021pro (aluminum not black) alot. DC, Florida Keys, Dallas/Fort Worth, Alaska, Ireland, Carribean, Grand Canyon, and it will do just about anything you need. I also typically have a monopod as well, for those times when the 3021 is a bit much. With the center column horizontal you can get nearly at ground zero. Another option is to purchase a shorter center column or cut the one you have off.

Last I knew, the 3021's were around $120 US.

Add some pipe insulation to the legs (about 3 dollars at the hardware) and you have shoulder padding.

Good luck.

thatcloudthere

Canon EOS-1D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

01/06/2005 06:26:48 PM · #20

Originally posted by Flash:

Originally posted by TomFoolery:
I'm on a shopping spree. I'm just buying everything and will worry about the paying it off later. I'm about to start a shooting weddings so hopefully I'll get it all paid off in a year or so. Thought while I was doing this I should throw in a good tripod. I want a ball head and I would like it if I could make the legs go flat so I can get closer to the ground. Looking at this. Some one had suggested it in another thread but was curious if anyone knew of anything different that could catch my eye. Thanks.
Clint

Tom,

I think that this set up would likely work for you quite well. Several who have the grip ball head seem to like it alot. Just know that "heads" are really a personal choice item. I have carried the 3021pro (aluminum not black) alot. DC, Florida Keys, Dallas/Fort Worth, Alaska, Ireland, Carribean, Grand Canyon, and it will do just about anything you need. I also typically have a monopod as well, for those times when the 3021 is a bit much. With the center column horizontal you can get nearly at ground zero. Another option is to purchase a shorter center column or cut the one you have off.

Last I knew, the 3021's were around $120 US.

Add some pipe insulation to the legs (about 3 dollars at the hardware) and you have shoulder padding.

Good luck.

The 3021pro series has been improved! Two of the legs now come with padding and the centre column now has a quick unscrew feature so the tripod can be flattened without removing the whole column...the bottom of the column can be completely removed! Genius setup...

Sailingduck

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

Canon EF 600mm f/4.0L IS USM

01/06/2005 08:30:42 PM · #21

I received the 3021 pro black tripod and the 322RC2 ball head for Christmas. I had done extensive literature searches, touch & feel visits at photo stores and listened to DPC'ers discuss all tripod combinations and options. In the end, I asked Santa for this combo.

My opinion so far is that the tripod and head are just wicked cool. The tripod is improved from earlier models (like thatcloudthere mentioned), and the joystick feel of the head cuts down so much on the loosen/adjust/tighten/repeat steps of the older head styles. The setup with my 20D and battery pack is heavier than others (graphite), but so what? I'd prefer sturdy, steady, and made to last over an extra lb/kg or 2. The tripod has a couple of "D rings" for a carrying strap. I took several pictures of gopher tortoises yesterday from their perspective, i.e. I was flat on the ground with the tripod.

As you can probably already see, I love it. Hope that this helps.