DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest You are not logged in. (log in or register
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Tripod Question
Pages:  
Showing posts 1 - 15 of 15, (reverse)
AuthorThread
05/15/2006 11:33:34 AM · #1
Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying a new tripod. I currently have a cheapo. I've read a lot of great reviews on the Slik Pro 700DX. Pretty affordable, and everyone was saying it is solid as a rock. Does anyone have any experience with one of these or have any recommendations? I'm probably in the $100-$200 budget range.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen
05/15/2006 11:36:59 AM · #2
I heard that Bogan Manfrotto is good one
05/15/2006 11:56:39 AM · #3
I would go to you local camera shop and try out all the tripods that are in your price range. It's really the only way that you can see how easy or hard it is to set up. I have a Manfrotto 3001 with a ball head. I spent less that $200 on it.
05/15/2006 12:03:35 PM · #4
I saw a Manfrotto 055MF3 being used by a professional and was impressed by its low wieght and sturdy nature. It also had the ability to take the center pole and put it in sideways which could have a number of uses.

05/15/2006 12:15:56 PM · #5
Originally posted by gbautista87:

I would go to you local camera shop and try out all the tripods that are in your price range.


Bring along your biggest and heaviest lens, and try portrait orientation, too.
05/15/2006 03:07:42 PM · #6
I appreciate the comments. I'll check into the suggestions made.

Thanks a lot,
Stephen
05/15/2006 04:19:13 PM · #7
I bought this tripod and love it

Be sure to get the quick release assembly
05/15/2006 04:22:39 PM · #8
Originally posted by goldenhawkofky:

I bought this tripod and love it

Be sure to get the quick release assembly


That QR would scare the crap out of me with 4k dollars of equipment on it.
05/15/2006 04:29:10 PM · #9
Originally posted by Little King:

Originally posted by goldenhawkofky:

I bought this tripod and love it

Be sure to get the quick release assembly


That QR would scare the crap out of me with 4k dollars of equipment on it.


I use it all the time and trust it
05/15/2006 04:33:36 PM · #10
The Slik Pro is a decent tripod for the money. If you're heading towards $200, go the extra yard and get a Manfrotto.

Quick Release plates are a must-have. Manfrotto's QR heads have a safety catch so you can't release them accidentally. I also always loop the camera strap in such a way that, IF the camera releases, it cannot fall. No biggie.

R.
05/15/2006 04:53:28 PM · #11
for the $100-200 range you can get one of these DynaTran AT 877BL Professional Tripod just as good or well built as a Manfrotto to me. I love it really well built and no complaints at all. I actually got mine from fredmiranda.com's buy/sell forum for 75 bucks.

I really love the tripod no complaints at all. I have used a Manfrotto at work even brought mine in to compare and they feel the same to me
05/15/2006 04:55:33 PM · #12
What the use gonna be? How tall are you? How heavy is the camera/lens/flash you're putting on top?

The purpose of a tripod is to hold the camera STEADY. Dead still. Weight does that - the heavier the tripod the steadier it will be. If you have to extend the center post to use it, you have reduced the stability - so if you are tall get a tall tripod.

Tripods and more so heads are rated bywhat they can hold - as in holdup off the grond but more importantly is hold steady - you don't need the camera position drooping or the whole assembly falling over in a breeze.

For hiking or other very much gonna carry it type of use look into carbon fiber - lighter and still sturdy.

What leg locks do you like? Rotate, flip or the new pull it out one?

heads...pistol grip's are the best IMO, but other like ball heads. If panoramas are important look for one with a degreed wheel and rotating part - easier than re-leveling for every shot.

get a quick release system. you'll really like it.

Amvona.com has a very wide selection at good prices (dynatran brand)and the quality is pretty good. I have an AT828, bought off one of their ebay auctions for $68 incl shipping and the pistol grip head.

Message edited by author 2006-05-15 16:55:59.
05/15/2006 04:59:48 PM · #13
love my 700DX, infact i used it in a shoot just this afternoon :D
05/16/2006 03:56:09 PM · #14
I really appreciate all of the feedback. It's wonderful to have so many sharp minds to pick.

Thanks a bunch,
Stephen
05/16/2006 04:33:24 PM · #15
Originally posted by swallace:

I really appreciate all of the feedback. It's wonderful to have so many sharp minds to pick.

Thanks a bunch,
Stephen


The Slik you are looking at does look like a decent tripod for the price. You will need a head to go along with it, which will add to the cost. The only feature that tripod is lacking that I use farily regularly is being able to mount the center column horizontally. I have the Manfrotto 3021BPRO tripod which allows me to do this. I think this tripod sells for about $150 plus the cost of a head.
Pages:  
Current Server Time: 04/25/2024 09:12:17 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.


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: 04/25/2024 09:12:17 AM EDT.