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05/12/2003 06:41:26 PM · #1 |
My current tripod, Quantaray QT II-750, is quite satisfactory but it doesn't get me below 24". Was looking for a second tripod that would cover this and perhaps also become my main outdoors tripod. My price limit is $ 100 and want to purchase it online.
The Manfrotto 055NAT2, code 3221, which has a min of 8 cm and a max of 181 cm would have been ideal until i just discovered that it cost about $ 260 or more (am confused between their and Bogen product codes). Then they have table tripods with a max of 8", which most of the time won't do me any good either. With Sliks i can't seem to find the details of the min., but their better models are well above my price limit as well.
Am now resigned of having to live with 2 tripods and so will focus on a tripod that gets from groundlevel, or fairly close to it, to at least 24".
Any suggestions, as to brand and model number, will be much appreciated. |
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05/12/2003 06:54:43 PM · #2 |
I have a Manfrotto 055 Pro and I am very, very happy with it. It's strong and very stable. The 'pod and the head (460Mg) together came to over £200 ($300+) and I don't regret a single penny of it.
The pro model adds the ability to remove the centre column and mount it sideways which allows me to get within a few inches of the ground (the head is very flexible) or to take shots from directly overhead the subject. You can also remove the centre column altogether and use a low-level adapter (included) to get even lower.
As somebody said to me, you only buy a tripod once (hopefully) so get a good one. It's nearly as important a purchase as the camera - so get the best you can afford.
Hope this helps.
Message edited by author 2003-05-12 18:55:05.
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05/12/2003 06:56:47 PM · #3 |
Many tripods have the option to invert the central column or at least to fix the ballhead to the bottom of the column rather than to its top.
If your present tripod has one of these options (just look underneath the central column and look for fixation possibilities) you may just stick happily with what you have without spending any more money. |
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05/12/2003 06:58:36 PM · #4 |
Manfrotto is the designated name outside the US. Bogen is Manfrotto's US distributor. The 4 digit codes are for US models. The other code is for outside the US.
I just picked up a Bogen 3001Bpro tripod + 3030 head, can go down to 8". B&H sells it for $122 (w/out head). The Slik 330dx can get down to 18", 14" with the optional short column. They have that for $95 (w/3way head+QR plate).
Message edited by author 2003-05-12 19:00:36. |
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05/12/2003 06:58:48 PM · #5 |
| I'm not sure about differences in part numbers between countries, but I use a Manfrotto 190D. You can also remove the centre column on that, and the legs can swing out to get you just about down to ground level. Combined with the 141RC head, it cost me about $250 AU, which I'd expect to be 130-150 US. Very sturdy and capable. |
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05/12/2003 07:07:34 PM · #6 |
My SLIK has a mounting screw on the bottom of the column, and one on one of the legs.
The Original  for my Landscape entry Golden Gate  was taken with the camera upside-down on the bottom of the column, with the legs splayed way out and the top of the camera within an inch or two of the ground. |
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05/12/2003 07:27:14 PM · #7 |
One option you may want to consider, although it takes a few extra minutes to setup, is a tripod with a reversible center tube. They can get down to inches above the ground just by reversing the center pole.
Like this one://www.bhphotovideo.com/product/150511/CUC/REG/391
I have been using a virtually identical looking model, the Cullmann 2101, since I went digital. (I suspect mine is just an earlier version of the same tripod.) It only weighs about a pound, and is quite stable for a small, lightweight tripod... it's all a little digital camera requires, imo. I'm certain it has the reversible feature (though the ad doesn't list it) making it incredibly versatile. |
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05/12/2003 08:20:32 PM · #8 |
My Bogen 3001 has a center column that can be flipped over. It's too bad that you already have a tripod because ideally I would think you'd want one that you could use high or low. My biggest complaint with my tripod is the weight (even though it's only 3.6lb and folds to 21"). I tried to balance the weight with sturdiness so that I wouldn't end up with something falling over in the wind, but it's still a pain to carry around all day. I certainly wouldn't want to be carrying two around.
Maybe you could sell the one you have and just get a new one to do everything. I got mine on ebay with a carrying strap and 3-way head for under $100. |
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