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02/02/2007 10:26:10 AM · #1 |
Thinking about getting a couple of things from B&H, but I had a couple of questions. Thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to give.
1) SB-800 to use at my niece's christening. Do I have to purchase any particular brand of batteries??? Would I need anything else for this?
2) Monopod vs. Tripod? I've read to past forums on this but still can't come to conclusion. Are the ballheads interchangeable if I were to eventually own one of each? I currently own a Nikon D200 and my heaviest lens is the Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED but eventually would like to purchase a teleconverter. Which one do you own and do you like it?
Again, thanks for any advice you can give me.
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02/02/2007 10:36:12 AM · #2 |
| My monopod is the one piece of gear I now feel like was a waste of money. Depends on what you are shooting I guess, but I'm not camped out in the endzone of football games and when I need camera support the tripod is the only way to go. YMMV. |
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02/02/2007 10:42:55 AM · #3 |
2 sets of rechargeable NiMH AA batts and a charger. I've bought them from several sources, walmart has a decent selection - a set of 4 and a charge is $20 and a second set of batts is $7 (last time i bought them)
Tripods and monopods each have their uses. I don't have a monopod, have borrowed one now and then and like the idea of it, but don't plan to spend my money on it.
My tripod is one i got off ebay, AT-828 (from amvona). 1/4 the price or less than a very similar Bogen unit. It came with a pistol grip 'ball' head and I love that - easy to use, fast to use, and supports my 30D with 70-200 2.8 and flash at any angle.
Things to think about when tripod shopping - the purpose is to give you stability so weight is a good thing (unless you're into hiking or something). It should put the camera at your eye height with the center column all the way down/closed - for the same stability reason as above. ONes that do all sorts of fancy things (booms or upside down or turn into monopods, etc) are neat features, but unless you know you're gonna use the feature don't pay extra for it.
Once you get to the type of tripod that takes heads they are interchangeable. I like (love, won't live without) a quick release system. I was at the photo store and one company has a QR system this is purely magnetic - really cool if you can trust it.
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02/02/2007 11:03:49 AM · #4 |
You could just help pay off my hot tub. It doesn't look like our refund is gonna cover it.
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02/02/2007 02:38:36 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by ericwoo:
You could just help pay off my hot tub. It doesn't look like our refund is gonna cover it. |
Gee, thanks Eric. That's a really kind offer, but I just may have to pass on that one! LOL! :)
Thanks for the input, guys. Muchly appreciated!!! |
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02/02/2007 03:03:35 PM · #6 |
So the IRS is finally going to repay that interest-free loan you gave them last year? Cool.
Blow it on something good.
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02/02/2007 04:03:07 PM · #7 |
I've used my SB-800 at a number of family weddings and only use Costco alkaline batteries, 40 pack for $10, without problems. I can normally shoot the entire wedding on one set. So a box lasts me a looooong time.
As for /tripod / ballheads I use the same setup as you, A Nikon D200 w/ a 70-200 2.8 VR (sometimes with 1.7x TC). My monopod (which I use quite a bit as the VR / monopod combo works well for wildlife photog) is a Bogen / Manfrotto 679B 3 Section w/ a 3229 Swivel/Tilt Head.
The Tripod combo is a Bogen / Manfrotto 190MF3 Magfiber Carbon Fiber 3-Section Tripod w/ a Bogen / Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head w/ Rapid Connect System 2 (Quick Release). I love the tripod as it is light and stable and excellent for hiking. The ball head is a bit light for the weight of the camera / lens combo I use. It does work but you have to be very careful to assure it is tightened down.
Hope that helps a little.
edit: I should mention that what I think is the biggest problem with both the monopod and tripod combo's is the quick connect system. Using only one screw to connect to the foot of the lens is problematic, it always comes loose when carrying it around. I would much rather have a QR that uses both holes in the foot to connect by way of two screws. That way the weight of the lens will not turn it. Just food for thought. Good luck!
Message edited by author 2007-02-02 16:15:39.
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02/02/2007 04:26:52 PM · #8 |
what kind of tub did you buy?
Originally posted by ericwoo:
You could just help pay off my hot tub. It doesn't look like our refund is gonna cover it. |
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02/02/2007 04:47:11 PM · #9 |
Amvona.com has a tripod in which the center column pulls out and extends to a monopod. Best of both worlds. AT6703S
I'm probably getting a D200, if other things in life don't interfere ;) |
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02/04/2007 02:20:50 AM · #10 |
The teleconverter - nikkor 1.4 is sharpest with one stop loss. 2x is softest with 2 stop loss. It's all about compromises.
Monopod, I use mine a lot. Essential as far as I'm concerned as it will give that extra one or two stops in critical situations where light may not be optimum. A lot easier to carry around than a tripod.
Tripod, your D200 and 70-200 are heavy. Use the best tripod you can afford. Rigidity is everything and in tripods, you get what you pay for. You will find that out when you have to use it in less than ideal conditions.
edited for spelling
Message edited by author 2007-02-04 02:21:52. |
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