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06/02/2004 06:08:32 PM · #1 |
Any suggestions on a sturdy, compact mono/tripod for outdoor use? I don't what to lug anything too big around.
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06/02/2004 06:27:03 PM · #2 |
Slik Sprint Pro has worked for me great in the past. Very adjustable, sturdy (I added a hook on the bottom of the "center" post-it was lacking one), and the only problem I have had is one leg broke (the metal) at the hinge. They replace it within a week. Did I mention that it was 0 degrees out, set up on ice, for about an hour...and I think I pulled down on the hook a bit TOO steady. (C:
Oh yeah...that was with the 5700 on it. Haven't put the NEW d70 on it yet. (I am gonna beat that into the ground. LOL)
Message edited by author 2004-06-02 18:28:04.
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06/02/2004 06:47:58 PM · #3 |
I use this one with this head.
I also have a second tripod for backpacking and lighter lenses.
I am extremely happy with both, although the 719B is presently being repaired by Manfrotto. One of the leg clamps had cracked exposing a brass pin.
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06/02/2004 07:19:56 PM · #4 |
| I've got a Manfrotto 680B monopod...it's great, and it doubles as a walking stick :) |
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06/02/2004 08:09:48 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Lafaminit:
I've got a Manfrotto 680B monopod...it's great, and it doubles as a walking stick :) |
lol
Although I'm still undecided on what kind of tripod or monopod to get thanks for the input everyone.
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06/02/2004 08:28:06 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by Lafaminit:
I've got a Manfrotto 680B monopod...it's great, and it doubles as a walking stick :) |
I've got one too ... and I also use it as a walking stick (!). That is funny! |
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06/02/2004 09:16:56 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by Havok:
Although I'm still undecided on what kind of tripod or monopod to get thanks for the input everyone. |
It depends on what you can afford. The worst mistake, IMO, is to get one that's too flimsy. Carbon fibre is lighter but quite expensive. For your purpose, I'd consider legs you can spread independent of one another, so you can easily adapt to uneven ground, changing the total height quickly etc.
The head is equally as, if not more, important. When you put a super telephoto or a big L lens on the rebel, a cheap head will 'sag' under the weight after you locked the ball, although a ball is the way to go, if you want/need to be quick (birds, wildlife, people etc).
It is possible to spend a lot of money on a decent head. If you don't have the money, spend time investigating the various types.
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06/02/2004 10:34:15 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by Havok:
Although I'm still undecided on what kind of tripod or monopod to get thanks for the input everyone. |
It depends on what you can afford. The worst mistake, IMO, is to get one that's too flimsy. Carbon fibre is lighter but quite expensive. For your purpose, I'd consider legs you can spread independent of one another, so you can easily adapt to uneven ground, changing the total height quickly etc.
The head is equally as, if not more, important. When you put a super telephoto or a big L lens on the rebel, a cheap head will 'sag' under the weight after you locked the ball, although a ball is the way to go, if you want/need to be quick (birds, wildlife, people etc).
It is possible to spend a lot of money on a decent head. If you don't have the money, spend time investigating the various types. |
Cash is a little tight when it comes to equipment. Since I only have a 18-55mm and a 75-300mm lens I was thinking of just picking up a cheap $30 tripod from Wal-Mart and just upgrade when I have the extra cash. Bad idea?
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06/02/2004 10:46:20 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Havok:
Originally posted by zeuszen:
Originally posted by Havok:
Although I'm still undecided on what kind of tripod or monopod to get thanks for the input everyone. |
It depends on what you can afford. The worst mistake, IMO, is to get one that's too flimsy. Carbon fibre is lighter but quite expensive. For your purpose, I'd consider legs you can spread independent of one another, so you can easily adapt to uneven ground, changing the total height quickly etc.
The head is equally as, if not more, important. When you put a super telephoto or a big L lens on the rebel, a cheap head will 'sag' under the weight after you locked the ball, although a ball is the way to go, if you want/need to be quick (birds, wildlife, people etc).
It is possible to spend a lot of money on a decent head. If you don't have the money, spend time investigating the various types. |
Cash is a little tight when it comes to equipment. Since I only have a 18-55mm and a 75-300mm lens I was thinking of just picking up a cheap $30 tripod from Wal-Mart and just upgrade when I have the extra cash. Bad idea? |
I'd make myself a bean bag instead: cost $ 1.00 for a bag of rice (assuming you already own some duct tape).
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06/02/2004 11:43:44 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by zeuszen:
I'd make myself a bean bag instead: cost $ 1.00 for a bag of rice (assuming you already own some duct tape). |
So, it's really not worth it even if it's just a temporary thing?
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06/03/2004 12:10:02 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Havok:
Originally posted by zeuszen:
I'd make myself a bean bag instead: cost $ 1.00 for a bag of rice (assuming you already own some duct tape). |
So, it's really not worth it even if it's just a temporary thing? |
Well, thirty bucks is not much. You may find a thirty-buck tripod with half-way sturdy legs even. A thirty-buck head though... well, I don't believe will be satifactory to steady your 70-300 mm. I also speculate that you may have to make several more or less instinctive adjustments when attempting to frame a shot with any precision.
PS: Don't underestimate the usefulness of bean bags. They do work and weigh a pound.
Message edited by author 2004-06-03 00:12:46.
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06/03/2004 08:36:46 AM · #12 |
I've got a tripod that was something around $30... it was okay (and only ok) until i got a 70-300mm lens. The head won't hold it when the camera is tipped on it's side, as in, for a portrait orientation. The camera slips down.
It's also a bit dodgy in the wind.
It's been useful though, especially for indoor "studio" shots... it's worth getting if you can't afford anything better.
Message edited by author 2004-06-03 08:36:57.
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06/03/2004 11:29:10 AM · #13 |
The fact is that any tripod is going to be better than none. If you buy a massive studio tripod and find it too heavy to haul along, you have no tripod. If all you can afford right now is the cheapy get that and learn how to shoot using a plaform, then figure out what would work best for your needs. Using that knoledge you can decide whether to buy a solid monopod or tripod or get exotic and go for a rifle mounted gimble setup. If you retire the old cheep tripod it can always do duty as an off camera flash mount.
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