| Author | Thread |
|
|
01/25/2006 08:28:26 PM · #1 |
Decision time. My 30th is round the corner, and my wife is going to be generous. What to get though? A tripod (my first proper one), or a new lens?
So, these are the options:
1) A Gitzo 1158 tripod & Arca-Swiss ball head
2) A Canon EF 25-105mm f/4 L IS USM lens
I'm into travel and hiking which is why I want this tripod set-up as opposed to any other. I'd like the lens because I'd love just one piece of great glass.
So the question is: which will improve my shooting more?
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 08:34:00 PM · #2 |
| Id get the lense but thats just me, if your hiking remember some of the L lenses are real heavy (not sure about that one), so it might be an idea to get that tripod and get the EF-S 17- 85 IS |
|
|
|
01/25/2006 08:35:27 PM · #3 |
get the tripod.. you get better images with the kit lens and a good tripod than you'll get with the L lens handheld :)
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 08:37:26 PM · #4 |
| Get a decent lens...both the 18-55 and the 75-300 are not really very good. I wouldn't necessarily say you need the 24-105 since it's had its problems but definitely something better than what you've got before spending the money on a tripod. I would personally recommend the Tamron 28-75 2.8 just because it's freaking awesome... |
|
|
|
01/25/2006 08:38:12 PM · #5 |
I'd go with the lense, but it's just me.
Dont use tripods very often. |
|
|
|
01/25/2006 08:47:42 PM · #6 |
If you like landscape, then get a tripod and a wide angle lens like the 10-22 or something.
If you want to be able to take your camera hiking with just one lens, then get the 24-105 and a cheaper monopod to carry with you. If you can brace the camera next to a rock or tree, then this will do pretty well. For great landscape (usually means early/late light) at max f/ for best longest DOF, then you'll want to get a real tripod at some point.
Living in singapore, I do not know what exactly you'll be hiking and taking pics of really. Just consider what you really need for what you love to do best. If you're going into a cramped market area, a tripod is not really going to serve you well.
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 09:20:24 PM · #7 |
A good tripod and watch your photography instantly improve - if you use it.
That is a nice tripod you have picked out.
Check out this one: G2227
It should cost about the same, but is much more versatile. I own a G2220 (aluminum version of the same tripod) and it is one of the best investments I have ever made. Gitzo also makes a G2228, which is the 4 leg section model for about $10 more.
The advantage is that you can adjust your legs to any position and the rapid column will adjust over into the horizontal position allowing you to shoot stable on virtually any grade and to adjust you camera to shoot at ground level almost. And all very easily.
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 09:24:50 PM · #8 |
I'm gonna revise my recommendation a little. Assuming you're willing to spend $1250 on a lens (as priced at BH), I'd recommend this:
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 XR Di LD ($350)
Tamron 17-35 ($350)
Get a decent tripod (you can always sell it to upgrade later) from amvona.com on ebay...nice solidly built tripods with pistol grip ball head can be had for $75+shipping easily.
If you absolutely have to have an L, you can still afford it...EF 70-200 f/4L ($525)
Total: $1300...much more functionality than the 24-105. Check reviews around, but the 28-75 and 17-35 are VERY well reviewed...I would actually recommend something like the Tokina 80-200 f/2.8 instead of the Canon (I had so-so experiences with the Canon...not very sharp wide open) for about $300. I've got the Tamron 19-35 and am really happy with it...most of my favorite shots have come with that lens.
Edit: I just read that you want one piece of glass...that stinks...Tamron 24-135 is pretty well reviewed too at ~$350...
Message edited by author 2006-01-25 21:26:12. |
|
|
|
01/25/2006 09:55:32 PM · #9 |
Thanks for the input everyone.
Seems to me that there are two sides to this. I'll look up the alternatives to the tripod and lens. I have done a fair bit of research here. I tend to like to buy the best first time round to save in the long-run, hence the choices.
I usually prefer landscape and portrait shots. I guess it comes down to how much will a tripod improve my shooting. I don't have a proper one so am not experienced here.
For those wondering about my hiking. I currently live in Singapore. I'm on a 6 month contract here. Next stop is two months travellign around New Zealand. In the last year I have worked in South Africa, England and Singapore. In between work I find mountains to walk up and around.
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 10:07:15 PM · #10 |
Paul,
you mentioned you have a tripod, but not a proper one. Well, does the improper tripod does the job of giving you stable photo-taking? If it does, it has functioned well. Then, the remaining question is, will a more expensive tripod gives you much further advantage?
The most important question to yourself is,
- will the tripod benefit you more, or will the new lense? |
|
|
|
01/25/2006 10:38:24 PM · #11 |
Hi Crayon,
My existing 'tripod' is a four-inch affair with bendy legs. Nothing serious and not worht counting.
You hit it on the head. Unfortunately I don't know the answer - that's what I'm asking for help with.
At present I'm swaying towards going for a good tripod set-up. I reckon if I can get that right first time round I'll never want for another (I have no intention of ever getting a huge lens). Whatever lens I get I'll always be after another for different situations.
|
|
|
|
01/25/2006 10:51:14 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by PaulE:
Hi Crayon,
My existing 'tripod' is a four-inch affair with bendy legs. Nothing serious and not worht counting.
You hit it on the head. Unfortunately I don't know the answer - that's what I'm asking for help with.
At present I'm swaying towards going for a good tripod set-up. I reckon if I can get that right first time round I'll never want for another (I have no intention of ever getting a huge lens). Whatever lens I get I'll always be after another for different situations. |
Oh, those mini-tripods that are 4 inches tall?
Well, in that case, I'd say, lean towards a good tripod. It really helps a lot in most situations. most average tripods are good enough - as long as it can support your camera+lense steadily, it should be considered a good tripod.
Message edited by author 2006-01-25 22:52:23. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/22/2025 05:16:18 PM EDT.
