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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> tripod help for a newbie (esp. for hiking/walking)
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04/11/2004 11:07:42 AM · #1
i searched through a few months of archives, because i know tripod discussion comes up a lot. still, i could use some more specific pointers, so i'm starting a new thread. hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

i've enjoyed photography for a while but i'm finally letting myself get some real equipment and learn and experiment, rather than just taking snapshots on automatic. several months ago, i picked up a nikon coolpix 5700. i still have a lot to learn before i'm fully utilizing the camera, but one thing hit me pretty quickly: i need to get a tripod.

i'm looking for a tripod that will be of sufficient quality and sturdy enough that i can hang onto it for a while, but also light enough that i can carry it around on hikes through the woods without too much strain (since physical fitness really isn't my strong point). i'm willing to pay a bit if i need to, and i'm willing to get more than one tripod if that's the best way to go. my main concern, though, is to get one that will work for me for lots of touring/walking/travel. i haven't really started doing anything that would count as studio work.

my camera weighs just over a pound and the heaviest lens nikon lists as an accessory for it would only double the weight. obviously, i'd like something that gives me a good range of motion, good stability, is easy and quick to set up/take down etc. i'm only 5'1", so the added height isn't much of a concern, as i see it. i would like to be able to use it fairly close to the ground at times, though.

so i sort of know what i want, but since i've never used a tripod before, all of the different terminologies and brands and search criteria are seeming pretty overwhelming. i really don't know how to evaluate good from bad. i've read through a couple of "so you want to buy a tripod?" type tutorials, and they've helped a bit but not enough.

any recommendations on specific models or must-have features or where to look? i'm pretty lost, and i'd really appreciate any help you can offer.
04/11/2004 11:15:26 AM · #2
for the travel, and hiking aspect you might try looking into a monopod (manfroto - i don't know the model).

i am looking at one that collapses to about 16", and expands to about 5'
screws directly into the tripod mount on the camera - or you can add a ball head i suppose. about $40 US for the monopod only. another $40-50 for the ball head.

i use a light weight Slik tripod ( 800G-FL - older - dont now if they make the same thing now ), came with a carry case, that will also fit the monopod. weighs about 16oz - my 300d with 75-300mm is about as much weight as it can take.

04/11/2004 11:40:25 AM · #3
I use a Velbon Max i 343E for my cameras. It is has a ball head and four leg sections making it small enough to fit in a backpack yet it extends high enough for me to use comfortably (I'm 5'10"). I would call it a mid-grade tripod. It is much sturdier and built better than the stuff you will find at Walmart, but it doesn't have the mass and solidness of pro-tripods. On the plus side, it only weighs 2lbs and is relatively inexpensive at $70-80. For me, this was the right compromise in size, weight, price and features for a travel/hiking tripod.

-Ryan
04/11/2004 11:42:53 AM · #4
I wrote this brief REVEIW on my Bogen/Manfrotto 714SHB a while back. I think this is a great tripod for the purposes you mention, and it's the reason I got one. It's lightweight and very compact. There is a model just like it for a few dollars more that has a quick-release head which may be beneficial.

04/11/2004 01:23:53 PM · #5
If you can afford them....Carbon Fiber tri-pods are just the ticket for what you describe. Bogen Manfroto makes a couple of models (444 is one model I believe) as well as other manufacturers. Expect to pay around $400 US. Very light weight and extremely sturdy. But pricey. If your shoulders are strong and legs not too weak.......then a couple more pounds from an aluminum will save you about $250.

If backpacking was going to be my main use and you are one of those that even cuts your toothbrush in half to save an ounce or two, then carbon fiber is the best route.

Good luck

edited for spelling

Message edited by author 2004-04-11 13:28:05.
04/11/2004 01:35:44 PM · #6
I used the Manfrotto Wilderness tripod model WN3221 that you can see here //www.bogenimaging.us/ just click on the tabs for Manfrotto and camping/hiking tripods. It's all aluminum and titanium - very rugged. This unit is fully adjustable on all axes including the legs doing the 'split' to positon off vertical rocks. The main legs are insulated so your hands don't stick to it in the winter. The rubber feet are retractable to reveal ice spikes to hold the tripod in winter. Best of all - you can perform all these functions without removing any parts - there are no accessories to loose or drop. There are cheaper tripods out there, but, there are none better.

I keep this Wilderness model and a mono-pod in my truck. Every time I have used the mono-pod I have wished for the Wilderness tripod. I've never been sorry to have this tripod on my back.

Doubtful you will stay with your 1 pound Coolpix forever. My 10D with the heavy L series zoom, optional battery pack and 2x extender hits close to 7 pounds. Be sure to plan for the future. I'd rather pay $230 for the best tripod on the market and keep it 20 years than have a $90 model fail every 2 years and be replaced.

Good luck in your search.
04/11/2004 01:43:22 PM · #7
I'm a model down from jmsetzler with the 714B, slightly bigger but a breeze to carry around with you. Not been out with it in a hurricane yet but whilst slim and lightweight it does seem pretty sturdy.
04/11/2004 06:29:38 PM · #8
I use the Slik Sprint Pro with my 5700. Works very well. Does the "splits" to get way low. Able to flip the center column upside down to get it over things also. Very lightweight (big plus when doing long backpacking trips. and sturdy (I added a hook on the center column).
Only problem I had was in -10 degree weather, on ice, I pulled down on the center rod to stabilize it a bit more and one of the "hinges" where the legs connect, snapped off. Was replaced in less than a week
04/11/2004 07:20:50 PM · #9
Somebody mentioned a monopod. If you are interested in going this route, you might consider a trekking pole. Basically its an aluminum walking stick for hikers, but they make some with camera mounts on top so they can double as a monopod. Leki makes a pair of camera-ready trekking poles that weights about 20 Oz for the pair and costs about 150 USD.
04/11/2004 07:34:49 PM · #10
I have the 4 section version found here.
Polecat monopods, shooting and camera rest
04/11/2004 07:56:40 PM · #11
I have the 719B (now replaced by the 724B) with bag and shoulder strap, which is a little taller than the the 714 (when extended). It's amazingly sturdy considering its light weight and ideal as an all-around tripod for any non-DSLR (I've bought it for a Sony F717).

For a DSLR -as I'm beginning to find out- it's a little too light. Since the head is fixed, it cannot simply be replaced with a larger one. A DSLR with, say, a 300 mm lens attached will 'sag', and the composition needs to be adjusted accordingly every time. For a lens-carrying DSLR you really need a big ball as part of the head. I just added a (cable) remote to my very basic set-up as well. I can't seem get any crisp pictures without one.


04/11/2004 10:15:06 PM · #12
For info on backpacking photography, I have found Charles Campbell's The Backpacker's Photography Handbook quite helpful. ISBN 0-8174-3609-X

Discusses gear as well as techniques.
04/11/2004 11:38:48 PM · #13
I use this guy: //www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=787&memberId=12500226
It's cheap, light, and works great. With the strap I can lash it to a tree, fence, or what ever I can find. I usually lash it to my treking pole and it becomes a mono pod. Or I can sitck my treking pole into the ground and it's a tripod equivalent.

If you can do with just a monpod. Check this out: //www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=9296&memberId=12500226

I do a lot of long/difficult hikes so weight and space is a big issue for me. When I can make an item multiple purpose (monopod treking pole) it means one less thing I have to carry with me.

Message edited by author 2004-04-11 23:40:13.
04/26/2004 05:36:13 PM · #14
belatedly, thanks so much for all the input. i finally sat down yesterday and did a bunch of research and i've definitely narrowed it down based on my needs and my budget. what i'm looking at now are the slik sprint pro, the velbon maxi 343e, and the bogen/manfrotto 714/718 b/shb. now i've got some more specific questions.

-heads. with the bogen/manfrotto: the big difference between the 714 and the 718 seems to be the head: ball head or quick release 3-way pan/tilt head. i know the quick release is preferable, but i have no idea if the hassle of having to adjust each axis independently (as i understand the 3-way heads to work) would outweigh the advantages of the QR. we also have a video camera; i'd imagine that needs the pan/tilt head so that it can be locked and pan smoothly.

-height. i'm 5'1, my husband is 5'7. would we be better with the more compact model which is easier to carry and has a max height of 4' or with one of the others which max at about 5'5"?

-uneven ground. generally, i also want to be sure that whatever i get is going to be functional in many situations, whether that's rocks or stairs or a hillside or my living room. i know the slik is good for that, but i'm not sure about the bogen/manfrotto. the velbon doesn't have independent leg spread, so it seems like that might be a problem as well.

-the slik and the velbon have removable heads and spikes on the feet, but the bogen/manfrotto doesn't. i'm not sure how important either of these are.

i know a lot of this is probably personal preference, but since i've never used any tripod other than the bendy-legged tabletop one that came with my camera, and since i haven't been able to find an easily accessible camera store around here, i'd really welcome everyone's opinions on the options i've narrowed it down to.

thanks again. :)

(as someone new to the site, if it matters whether i post this as a response here or as a new thread, please let me know. i wasn't sure which way to go, but posting it here seemed best.)
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