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11/29/2004 09:53:11 AM · #1 |
I am in the market for a 'good' tripod. This means different things to different folks, so let me try and quantify my needs a bit.
My current tripod is a cheapie, given free whan i bought a camcorder a few years back. It is light, folds to about 24" and extends to 60" or so. It has a tilt/pan head w/ a quick release mount for the camera.
I am looking for more stability, a ball head, and the ability to reverse the center post or similar for macro or low shots. Light weight is not all that important as i don't go dragging it everywhere4 i go, but who knows what i may do in the future.
I like the fact that my currnet one folds/ collapses small and has a quick release head.
Cost is major factor - I don't have $400 to blow on one. When i read hte magazines they seem to push the carbon fiber models..i need aluminum for cost reasons. There seems to be a gazillion on the market and I don't know one from the next.
Any suggestions?
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11/29/2004 09:57:32 AM · #2 |
Chris,
I don't know if you'd want to make the trip, but it might be at least worth giving a call to the folks at the Fotohut in Fox Chapel. That store is going out of business, and a couple months ago I got a nice, heavier duty tripod there at quite a discount (I think it was at least 30% off at that point, putting it under $100).
Of course, I don't know whether they might still have any or if they're even still open (they appeared to be open when I drove by there last week). I'd give 'em a call to see whether they might still have some left. If so, I'm sure you'd get a really decent deal on one since they were hoping to close up shop sometime soon. |
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11/29/2004 10:24:44 AM · #3 |
manfrotto, gizoto and bogen are good makes.
Get the heaviest you are willing to carry, the most expensive you can afford and the highest standing one you can get without the center column extended. Also good to get the one that will go as low as possible.
Heaviest: more weight means more stability.
Most expensive: Cheaper models tend to sag, have controls that creep and generally make for a really frustrating 'cost saving'
Highest: Ideally you want a tripod that is at your head height when fully extended, without using the center column. If you always have to bend over to work with it, you'll get a sore back. If you have to extend the center column all the time, you might as well not bother with a tripod.
Lowest: Reversing the center column is a really nasty solution to the problem of getting low. Better tripods will let you open and change the leg angles independantly from each other and let you get down low. Some will basically open flat to the ground or with an inch or so. Reversing the center column is a bad idea just due to geometry - the tripod has 3 legs, the camera has to point out between one of the gaps between two legs - this means the eye piece/ LCD etc are directly in line with the other leg - and your head has to go there - it is a really tough way to work - also the top LCD (if your camera has one) is facing down - so you can't read/adjust any settings.
Heads are an entire discussion in themselves too - especially you want one that doesn't sag when you lock it down - these are available but usually not cheap. A bad tripod is almost worse than no tripod at all - there are a lot of decent options available at reasonable prices if you avoid carbon fibre. A quick release plate is extremely useful too - I really like arca-swiss plates compared to the other less secure options available, but they aren't cheap either.
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 10:27:06.
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11/29/2004 11:13:36 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by alansfreed:
Chris,
I don't know if you'd want to make the trip, but it might be at least worth giving a call to the folks at the Fotohut in Fox Chapel. That store is going out of business, and a couple months ago I got a nice, heavier duty tripod there at quite a discount (I think it was at least 30% off at that point, putting it under $100).
Of course, I don't know whether they might still have any or if they're even still open (they appeared to be open when I drove by there last week). I'd give 'em a call to see whether they might still have some left. If so, I'm sure you'd get a really decent deal on one since they were hoping to close up shop sometime soon. |
The one i find is on freeport road...and their phone is disconnected. I don't have a Pgh pone book so i search online...i got a 391-1082 number. You have any more info?
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11/29/2004 11:23:45 AM · #5 |
This is an excellent solution. The center column on this unit will reverse, but it will also go horizontal, which is a better solution IMO. I have this combo and it works very nicely.
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11/29/2004 11:57:05 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by bestagents:
The one i find is on freeport road...and their phone is disconnected. I don't have a Pgh pone book so i search online...i got a 391-1082 number. You have any more info? |
Yep, that's the one... it's quite possible they have closed up shop for good. They've been having their going out of business special for a couple months, so I'm guessing they were out o' inventory. |
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11/29/2004 01:56:40 PM · #7 |
I can't really give you much advice about the tripod as I'm pretty much in the same boat: I'm using an old hand-me-down which works OK, but I lust after something newer. I can, however, give you my $.02 on ball heads: I added this one to my tripod, and I'm totally in love with it, and I think it represents a really good value. It will hold up my 10D plus a hefty Tokina 28-80 with no trouble, the machining is nice, it's a simple-looking device, and the action is very nice with just an eighth-turn of the locking knob freeing the head.
//www.adorama.com/SBBHD.html |
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11/29/2004 02:02:19 PM · #8 |
While we are recommending tripod heads, the AcraTech ball head is fantastic. I really love using it. //acratech.net/
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11/29/2004 02:20:18 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
While we are recommending tripod heads, the AcraTech ball head is fantastic. I really love using it. //acratech.net/ |
I'll second that. I have the Acratech head on 3021BPRO legs and it is a terrific combination. I can't imagine changing either aspect of my tripod anytime soon. |
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11/29/2004 02:24:36 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
While we are recommending tripod heads, the AcraTech ball head is fantastic. I really love using it. //acratech.net/ |
For $280 I hope you are REALLY REALLY enjoying it. ;) |
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11/29/2004 02:29:17 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by nshapiro:
Originally posted by Gordon:
While we are recommending tripod heads, the AcraTech ball head is fantastic. I really love using it. //acratech.net/ |
For $280 I hope you are REALLY REALLY enjoying it. ;) |
It worked out as about one third of the whole tripod cost so it wasn't too bad. Given that I've used it standing in a foot of salt water, with my camera hanging off the end of it extended about 6 feet above my head, holding on to the tripod feet, I think it was a reasonably good investment ) (why I was doing that is a different issue entirely)
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11/29/2004 03:07:10 PM · #12 |
I'm not being a dink (just new at learning about all this tripod stuff - I'm in the market myself), but wouldn't a different head have been sufficient in that situation?
Edit: I'm looking at the 3021Pro (055Pro) with a 488RC or 322RC2 head...I just can't figure out the different features/benefits of those two heads. Anybody?
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 15:08:09. |
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11/29/2004 03:09:31 PM · #13 |
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I'm not being a dink (just new at learning about all this tripod stuff - I'm in the market myself), but wouldn't a different head have been sufficient in that situation?
Edit: I'm looking at the 3021Pro (055Pro) with a 488RC or 322RC2 head...I just can't figure out the different features/benefits of those two heads. Anybody? |
There are a lot of 'make do' solutions that are acceptable. When you are in the situation Gordon just described, a 'make do' solution is not usually the best one and it can end up costing you a lot of money if it fails.
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11/29/2004 03:22:39 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I'm not being a dink (just new at learning about all this tripod stuff - I'm in the market myself), but wouldn't a different head have been sufficient in that situation?
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Absolutely. and I've shot using $30 tripods in the past, that sag, dip and slip when you try to lock them down that are also perfectly adequate and a total pain to use. They are fine if you want to shoot with the camera always horizontal, directly above the center of balance of the tripod.
I'm certainly not suggesting anyone has to buy a carbon fibre tripod ($500), an arcatech head ($300) and a $200 mounting bracket for the camera - I'm just trying to point out that there is a distinct performance and useability advantage to doing so in some cases.
When I was shooting some scenes at Badwater, in Death Valley, I had my tripod standing in 3 inches of about the most saline solution going. The center column was extended to the side, the camera was suspended about 2 inches from the water surface - when I locked the knobs on the tripod, it stayed put. Pretty much if anything failed, slipped or slided I could kiss my camera goodbye. I'd rather be able to focus more on what I'm trying to compose than worrying about equipment sagging or moving or corroding.
I've also tried to use pan/tilt heads or the arm heads designed for tracking with video cameras and find them really unpleasant to use compared to a decent ball head. that arcatech head has some issues too - there are often a couple of adjustments required to get precise angles - but it is a whole lot cheaper and lighter than a kirk ball head.
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11/29/2004 03:30:47 PM · #15 |
Thanks Gordon...I'm really beginning to understand the differences between different tripods and why you would want to spend a little money to get something decent...I also understand why I want a ball-head instead of a pan/tilt...and I even understand what the quick grip is and why it's handy...
Other than that, what makes some heads better than others (for example, the 488RC and 322RC2)?
Thanks! |
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11/29/2004 03:38:25 PM · #16 |
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
Other than that, what makes some heads better than others (for example, the 488RC and 322RC2)? |
Had a quick look, there are a few things to think about with heads:
Weight vs. supported weight
(I carry my tripod a lot, so having a lightweight head that can still support my whole camera system is a plus) Same with lightweight legs - in some cases I was hiking 6 or 7 miles for a shot - carbon fibre legs and magnesium heads make life lighter, while still strong enough to adequately support my camera gear at any angle.
Quick release plate style
The RC0 RC2 RC4 options are different quick release plate types. There are quite a few other types available too. (E.g., look at //www.reallyrightstuff.com/ for lots of permuatations)
Pros/cons include plates that twist when on the camera or are securely fixed (with a lip to avoid turning), quick release mechanisms that are easy to lock down/ release or not. Are secure when locked down or that the plate wobbles.
head type: quick release 'trigger' grips, vs ball knobs and the like - probably some level of personal preference, 'handiness' can come in to play if you are weird and left handed like me.
Looking specifically at that 322 and 488 heads, one thing that strikes me as a difference at least, is that the ball head would allow 'panoramic' shooting, more easily, with the separate pan and ball adjustments. I.e., you can lock th ball in to place, but still rotate the entire head unit in place - which it doesn't look like you could do with the trigger unit.
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 15:42:09.
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11/29/2004 07:49:33 PM · #17 |
I use a Bogen Manfrotto 3021 pro with a 488RC2 head. Came upon this combination after a couple of years of trying others setups. I like this one. Decide on a detachable plate system, then plan around that. I have detachable plates on each of 3 bodies and on 2 lenses with tripod collars. My monopod and tripod accept the same QR plates, so planning is good.
Have seen Gordon's Acra Tech and it is 1st rate for sure. |
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11/29/2004 09:23:24 PM · #18 |
Well, I hit 2 Ritz stores and the only inde photo store around...and got to see most of the Quantarray tripods and maybe the 9500 would work but it seems a bit heavy (plus and minus there I suppose). THe onlya advantage the lesser models have over what i have now is they have a built in level and can have spiky feet. I am a bit disappointed.
No body had any kind of ball head in stock. I was thinking of the Bogen 484RC2 - QR and $48.
How does one change a head? Are they all a standard thread/mount? All the ones i saw came with a pan/tilt head..perhaps i should start with a head on my tripod and keep looking...or saving.
Edited to add: I did get a flash slave trigger...gotta come home with SOME new toy, right?
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 21:24:08.
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11/29/2004 09:38:45 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by thatcloudthere:
I'm not being a dink (just new at learning about all this tripod stuff - I'm in the market myself), but wouldn't a different head have been sufficient in that situation?
Edit: I'm looking at the 3021Pro (055Pro) with a 488RC or 322RC2 head...I just can't figure out the different features/benefits of those two heads. Anybody? |
The biggest thing I have noticed about the differences between a traditional ballhead (like the 488) and the GripBall(like the 322) is that it takes 2 hands to operate the ballhead, one to hold and position the camera and the other to lock the head when it's right. The gripball only requires one hand.
As Gordon's tale of shooting in Death Valley illustrates, you want to have a camera support that you can be assured will keep your camera in place.
I have a 3001PRO tripod with the 322RC2 head on it. The tripod is very portable and reasonably sturdy. The head is great.
I just got a 3021Pro tripod with a 701RC2 fluid panhead. Yes, I know, it's primarily a video head, but I primarily purchased the tripod for use with my telescope and there's no reason I can't put the 322RC2 head on that tripod for photography purposes.
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11/29/2004 09:47:26 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by bestagents:
I am in the market for a 'good' tripod. Any suggestions? |
A really good one is the Bogen/Manfrotto 058B/3251 since it's BADASS black and therefore upgrades you almost to 20D
I have this monster and it can support ICBM and the quick adjustment of legs with buttons more than makes up for the weight. No, not really, but it's cool anyhow.
I also have the 128RC/3130 head, but it's not strong enough to support my 10D attached to my Leica telescope.
I think for most purposes a ball head works better
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11/29/2004 10:22:03 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by Gauti:
Originally posted by bestagents:
I am in the market for a 'good' tripod. Any suggestions? |
A really good one is the Bogen/Manfrotto 058B/3251 since it's BADASS black and therefore upgrades you almost to 20D
I have this monster and it can support ICBM and the quick adjustment of legs with buttons more than makes up for the weight. No, not really, but it's cool anyhow.
I also have the 128RC/3130 head, but it's not strong enough to support my 10D attached to my Leica telescope.
I think for most purposes a ball head works better |
Bet that sucker weighs ya down strapped over your shoulder...
I used to have the Biggest Baddest Bogen, the 3258. You could use it as a jackstand for your truck if you needed to, but it was a PITA to lug around. Great for in the studio though.
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11/29/2004 10:26:07 PM · #22 |
Times when you want some confidence in your tripod:
 
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 22:26:17. |
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11/29/2004 11:29:26 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by Gauti:
Originally posted by bestagents:
I am in the market for a 'good' tripod. Any suggestions? |
A really good one is the Bogen/Manfrotto 058B/3251 since it's BADASS black and therefore upgrades you almost to 20D
I have this monster and it can support ICBM and the quick adjustment of legs with buttons more than makes up for the weight. No, not really, but it's cool anyhow.
I also have the 128RC/3130 head, but it's not strong enough to support my 10D attached to my Leica telescope.
I think for most purposes a ball head works better |
I have a 3251 and it's huge and heavy. It's a great studio tripod and works well if I am driving to a location and won't have to lug it around more than a mile. However, I wouldn't ever consider any kind of hiking with it. Here's me with it, it still doesn't really show how big and heavy it is. 
For hiking I normally carry a Bogen 3001 tripod and 3047 head. The head is a bit heavy but the tripod was cheap, sturdy, and a pretty good weight for me.
Message edited by author 2004-11-29 23:33:30.
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11/30/2004 06:00:04 AM · #24 |
| I'm assuming you aren't 3ft tall ? :) |
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11/30/2004 07:33:57 AM · #25 |
Originally posted by Gordon:
I'm assuming you aren't 3ft tall ? :) |
5'11"
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