| Author | Thread |
|
|
05/17/2005 03:23:18 AM · #1 |
I own a panasonic Lumix DMC FZ20, a camera that has more letters and numbers in its name than on my VIN. I have come to that point in every photographer's life (around a week after having a nice camera) where I have come to the conclusion that I need a tripod. Where should I look for a really cheap tripod, seeing as I spent my wallet dry on my camera?
What kind of prices should I expect, where should I look, and is there much difference between an expensive tripod and an affordable one? |
|
|
|
05/17/2005 03:45:55 AM · #2 |
Don’t buy just cheap tripod. I did it once and then I had to buy another one in 3 months. I have had a Manfrotto tripod for last 12 years (it has been in use very often) and it is still like a new! Last month I bought a monopod, it is also by Manfrotto.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 03:55:50 AM · #3 |
I think with tripods you pretty much get what you pay for. You can go to Circuit City and get a tripod for $20 but you won't be happy with it for very long. I would save up some money and get the right tripod for you rather than getting a less expensive one early on and then buying better ones later on.
Originally posted by Pedxer:
What kind of prices should I expect, where should I look, and is there much difference between an expensive tripod and an affordable one? |
Look at all the major online photo stores. If you don't intend to get a heavy SLR system then you can get tripods that are designed to support less. They also tend to be less expensive. Still looking at ~$100 on up for a good tripod/head combo.
The differences between the inexpensive and expensive tripods fall into several main categories. 1) Weight - You'll pay a lot more for the lightest carbon fiber tripods than you will for the medium weight tripods. This may however be the key selling point for you if you do a lot of hiking. For use around your house the weight it pretty much irrelevant. Given a particular material the heavier one is usually sturdier. 2) Height - The taller the unextended center column tripod the more money it costs. If you're tall like I am you should really treat yourself to one of the more expensive taller tripods, your back will thank you. 3) Neat features - Things like reversible center columns, lateral arms, levels, padded arms, etc all differentiate the more expensive tripods from their less expensive counterparts.
Possibly more important than the tripod itself is the head that goes on top. Inexpensive tripods usually don't have an option on the head. You get what is on it and it can't be removed. Usually it's a fairly poorly manufactured pan and tilt. Quality heads often cost more than the tripod itself and people have strong preferences. I would head down to your local pro camera store and check out what they have. Give each one a good playing with and see what types of things you find interesting.
Remember though, the most expensive tripod is the one you never use. Shop smart and ask a lot of questions.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 04:29:38 AM · #4 |
The FZ20 is a relatively light weight camera so you won't need a tripod rated for a real high load capacity. A general rule is to get one that is rated to carry twice the weight you intend to put on it. But a light camera on a light tripod may not be the steadiest of situations. I would reccommend you look for a tripod that has a hook on the bottom of the center column where you can hang your camera bag. I think the best way is to use bungi cord and tie it so there is some tension on the hook but the bag is touching the ground instead of swinging in the wind.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 04:44:37 AM · #5 |
| Don't forget to turn off IS if using a tripod, although you'll be okay if you use the mode where it only engages as you press the shutter. IS is always far more effective in that mode anyway. |
|
|
|
05/17/2005 04:45:42 AM · #6 |
I will provide the counter point to the Manfrotto argument.
I think that you need to focus a little on what you will use it for. I would like to get a quality tripod at some point in the future: it would be great to have some sturdiness and ease of use. It would be great not having to bend down all the time.
I agree with TechnoShroom that the most expensive tripod is the one you never use. Also, any tripod is better than no tripod in low light conditions.
Because it is often helpful, I like to carry my tripod with me everywhere. I need something that packs up very small, as well as being light. I bought a Miranda TP25 Tripod. It is cheap (£20/$35), extended height is 125cm (50") meaning you have to bend down, but not much, and its closed height is just 29cm (less than 12") weighing just 0.714kg (about 1.5lb). That means that it is smaller than the standard sized ruler, but extends to 2/3 human height. I carry it everywhere strapped to the bottom of my travel camera bag. I have had it for three years and used it semi-regularly, and it is a little scratched from being on the bottom of my camera bag, but otherwise fine. My (only) blue ribbon was an 83 second exposure taken using it: it is not perfect, but I would not have had a larger tripod with me on the off chance, and could not have taken that shot without a tripod.
So: it is not perfect, but it works, is cheap, and always with me when I take my camera out to play.
Message edited by author 2005-05-17 04:47:06.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 05:08:36 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by legalbeagle:
Also, any tripod is better than no tripod in low light conditions. |
I agree with the sentiment but in practice I don't know. My first tripod was really cheap. Worked ok with my Olympus C-3040z but for the most part it was really a pain. Moving to the 10D it was entirely inadequate and I actually got better photos handheld bracing myself against a lamp post. Before getting a better tripod though I did have a cheap solution for shooting around town, a big bean bag. Limiting, sure, but there almost always seemed to be a mailbox, trash can, or newsrack around. Simply plop the bag down and shape it to get the angle you want, place the camera on it and shoot. |
|
|
|
05/17/2005 05:34:29 AM · #8 |
All of you have been really helpful.. I guess I should start recycling some bottles and cans now to get a high quality tripod! I use a lot of macro photography, anything I should keep in mind when looking for a tripod which will be used largely for this purpose?
Message edited by author 2005-05-17 05:35:52. |
|
|
|
05/17/2005 05:38:08 AM · #9 |
I did replace an earlier very cheap tripod with the one that I referenced - the Miranda one is the best built micro tripod that I could find around town. It is moderately sturdy: I would not use the top extender with my 20D in an outside environment. But with the extender down, it is sturdy enough for me to happily run around the front for a self portrait, or stand for a couple of minutes with the shutter open for a long exposure that is clean and crisp. I use it fully extended indoors. When collapsed (ie legs retracted), it can be used anywhere as a very sturdy mini-tripod for the bracing positions/pillar balancing you refer to.
I am not trying to say that the tripod is better than a full size Manfrotto, but it is cheaper, lighter and smaller, and it offers a lot more flexibility than a bean bag. I almost always have it with my camera and I have taken many shots that would have otherwise been difficult. In almost all of those cases, a bigger tripod would have been great, but I would not have had it with me half the time.
I am now thinking of getting a larger tripod, though I presently anticipate that this will form part of a "big bag" collection of kit, that I will not be lugging around except when deliberately going out to take photos. My Miranda tripod will still be stuck on the bottom of my small cam bag for carrying around on the off chance/24 hour challenge!
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 07:45:16 AM · #10 |
Me too...my Manfroto has lasted a lot longer than my silly other cheap tripod that crunched in less than a year... and with all the traveling between Toronto and Michigan it hasnt dented... broke...and still looks like new. Besides you can buy new plates easily.
I also just bought a monopod by manfrotto.
Originally posted by artvet:
Don’t buy just cheap tripod. I did it once and then I had to buy another one in 3 months. I have had a Manfrotto tripod for last 12 years (it has been in use very often) and it is still like a new! Last month I bought a monopod, it is also by Manfrotto. |
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 09:59:34 AM · #11 |
Originally posted by Pedxer:
All of you have been really helpful.. I guess I should start recycling some bottles and cans now to get a high quality tripod! I use a lot of macro photography, anything I should keep in mind when looking for a tripod which will be used largely for this purpose? |
What is the height of the macro shots you're taking? If you're doing a lot of short flowers you want a tripod that the head reverses (get's you cloesr to the ground). The one I have does that(I don't recommend the seller I went through though). One thing to remember though, when you reverse the tripod your camera is now going to be upside-down.
Mine is an Assia APGL2 . I've purchased two items from this eBayer and both times there was problems with the item. I still have both items, but the bubble levels were broken (still are). The only problem I have is the weight is a little excessive for travelling, but for most things I just lug it around. The bubble level problem is minor.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 10:10:58 AM · #12 |
I just got a decent tripod at Bestbuy,for $30.00 It's not very heavy. I took it on a 5 mile hike with me. it is kind of shaky when you have it raised to full height. (around 5'6" ) Not too bad, there are 2 levels on it. For the money I like it a lot.
Doyle |
|
|
|
05/17/2005 11:43:48 AM · #13 |
When I had a Minolta Dimage Z1, I bought a cheap tripod from Walmart for about $20 for occassional use and it served me well. Your camera is relatively light and about the same weight as the Z1 and hence you don't need a $200 heavy tripod capable of supporting 10+lb's of camera.
If you intend to use the tripod quite a bit, I'd recommend a high quality tripod but if you are going to use it occassionally for nighttime and with a remote for group shots etc, a realtively inexpensive one that will support about 5lbs should suit you fine in my opinion.
More expensive tripods tend to have more metal/sturdier heads, more precise head control, and their legs are more sturdy. It's important if you have a heavy camera and/or plan to use the tripod a lot.
Message edited by author 2005-05-17 11:46:17.
|
|
|
|
05/17/2005 11:55:40 PM · #14 |
| Thanks again everyone, I went out to Best Buy and bought a mini tripod as well as a $90 full sized one. Hopefully they serve well, but time will tell. |
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Prints! -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2024 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/17/2024 11:21:11 PM EDT.
