Tripods - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2005 08:52:52 PM · #1

Ok I'm basically a tripod virgin. Virtually everything I take is handheld. I have a really crappy tripod that I have used from time to time with my little Nikon, but the thing is very un-fun to use.

Ok so bear with my very basic questions...

1. What are the main uses of tripods?

2. Is there a good "general purpose" tripod or do most people have one for studio work and a lighter one for carrying longer distances?

3. What are good brands? What would you recommend?

The main thing that has me thinking about tripods is wanting to try some longer exposures. I'm going to get a cable release for my 20D shortly.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

10/26/2005 08:59:47 PM · #2

A good steady tripod is the best way to get consistently sharp pictures under most conditions. If you did not have to travel or hike or walk about just get the heaviest tripod you can afford and be done with it. But in the real world you will be walking around and hiking...so there is a compromise to be made, light tripods are in general less stable, but you can stabilize them by attaching your camera bag to it. Tripods for SLR's can range from $100 to more than $1000...so it all depends on your budget. The Mercedes of Tripods are the Gitzo Carbon fiber units with big heavy ball heads...Some ball heads can be worth more than the tripod...

kenskid

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/26/2005 09:10:55 PM · #3

"Ball Heads"?!?!?! Man I'm in over my head!

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2005 09:15:56 PM · #4

What's the Honda Accord version?

babybluetx23

Canon EOS-5D

10/26/2005 09:18:02 PM · #5

A tripod is used when you need a steady hand, I use mine MAINLY for long exposure type shots (At night without a flash)

#2: I personally use a tripod that Is light and I can carry for long distances. I have one now that I DO NOT like at all. it broke. But it is still usable. I am saving up for a Bogen tripod.

#3: the lighter the tripod does not ALWAYS mean it is the better tripod. Bogen is a GOOD solid Tripod that is made of aluminum and it is light enough to carry around.

A Co Worker of mine and I used his Bogan at the state fair. I would recommend that if you purchase one you get one of those folding lawn chairs and use the bag from that to put your tripod in. The bogen is light, but you may want something you can sling across your shoulder to carry it in. The bags for Tripods can get PRETTY expensive!

You can always look on ebay, Deal with someone who accepts paypal and has a lot of positive Feedback: //search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&fstype=1&from=R10&satitle=Bogen+tripod&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=

Good luck to ya!

Message edited by author 2005-10-26 21:24:56.

Nikolai1024

Nikon D300

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 24-85mm f2.8-4.0D

10/26/2005 09:18:22 PM · #6

Originally posted by ttreit:

What's the Honda Accord version?

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

10/28/2005 05:17:49 AM · #7

Ok so after doing some research and looking at a few options I'm leaning towards this combo:

Bogen / Manfrotto 458B NeoTec Pro Photo Tripod with 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead (RC2 Quick Release) - Supports 11 lb (5 kg)

Anyone using either tripod or head? Any thoughts/comments?

I'm looking for a good all purpose tripod for now. Something I can take outdoors, shoot macros, close to the ground, take to the zoo, etc.

The pros I see in this combo are quick setup (which is very attractive to me) and flexibility while shooting. I can't think of any real cons for this as an initial setup, except maybe the tripod is too lightweight?

Eventually I can add one of those geared heads that offer precision fine tuning. I don't think that's my first need though.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

10/28/2005 06:37:13 AM · #8

Check out the Manfrotto 3021 Pro also. Works for a lot of us.

R.

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

Canon EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM Lens

10/28/2005 08:00:03 AM · #9

Originally posted by Nikolai1024:

Originally posted by ttreit:
What's the Honda Accord version?

That's the Yugo.

jadin

Nikon D800

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

10/28/2005 08:09:08 AM · #10

I use Manfrotto 3021 Pro with 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead.

The tripod is on the heavy side, but it's rock solid stable. The ballhead works great, no matter what legs you decide on.

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

10/28/2005 08:38:03 AM · #11

Originally posted by jadin:

I use Manfrotto 3021 Pro with 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead.

The tripod is on the heavy side, but it's rock solid stable. The ballhead works great, no matter what legs you decide on.

I agree the ballhead is great I have had mine for over a year on a small set of manfrotto legs (i also have a heavy set that seldom leave the house now). Great head get one today...

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

10/28/2005 09:11:53 AM · #12

There should be several threads on tripods in history should you choose to search them.

As BearMusic posted, several here use a Bogen/Manfrotto 3021pro. Several also use ball heads of many varieties. I use a Manfrotto 488RC2 on my tripod and a 3229 on my 680 monopod. When deciding on heads, some believe there is an advantage to a quick disconnect "plate". The quick release plate is designated RC or rapid change on Manfrotto models.

The 3021pro will run around 150 dollars US, with heads ranging from 30-500. The 488RC2 runs approx. $90. Some pipe insulation (the foam kind you put around your hotwater pipes in the basement) makes great tripod leg pads and is only a couple of bucks at the hardware store. Allows for the tripod to rest on your shoulder as you walk about.

henry_buckle

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

10/28/2005 09:20:13 AM · #13

I left my tripod back in Australia so havent used on in a while which sux because I use my tripod for most of my shots if possible. IMO Macro and Long exposure shots with a tripod is a must, but in general shooting it allows you to effectively use MLU which makes a resonable amount of difference.

The rated weight of the tripod will depend on how heavy your camera and lense are, i.e if your shooting with a 70-200L IS and the battery grip all the time you probably need to shell out a lot of money particularly if you have to carry it around and want it to be light weight.
I guess what im saying is think about your needs, expect to fall in love with the tripod and assume you take it on all of your trips and then decide how much you should spend.

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

10/28/2005 09:20:17 AM · #14

Originally posted by jadin:

I use Manfrotto 3021 Pro with 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead.

I have the same tripod, but with the 3265 Grip Action Ballhead:

For my personal tastes, I liked the overall feel of this one better and the easy "joystick" maneuverability to it over the 322RC. Either way, it's a great combination.

Mick

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF-M 22mm f/2.0 STM Lens

10/28/2005 09:34:51 AM · #15

I have a 3021BPro tripod with a 322RC2 Grip Action Ballhead. I like it.

Spork99

Canon EOS M6 Mk II

10/28/2005 09:57:47 AM · #16

I have a 3021 Pro with the 322RC2 head.

I also have a 3001 Pro that I am getting ready to sell on ebay. It's basically a smaller version of the 3021 Pro. I do not have a head for it, but it's basically just like new. PM me if you're interested.