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What tripod do you recommend 1DMKII ?

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sparkie

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Can you please recommend what you have or consider to be the best make/model to carry the heft of a 1D body. Ideally like it to be as light and compact as possible, but strong and sturdy. What are my options?

I had looked at some Gitzo pods a long time ago, maybe something new or better has come out.

With high ISO performance being so good on these cameras one can shoot handheld and get a shot, but not for shots where you want subject movement blur, for example an indoor shot of a model walking by blurred. You would need a slow shutter speed of 1/15 or 1/30 of a sec.

Also if shooting on a tripod, what release options do I have with the 1DMKII – is it just the cable release, or is there a wireless remote option?

What would you recommend. Thoughts, options? Thanks in advance for your adice
 
Hi,

Had to sell my cameras last year, when i was made redundant, But i did keep my tripod and monopod.
Fortunately have been offered a position, and have preordered the 1D MkIII,

I did own the 1D MkII and 1Ds,

Manfrotto Carbon1(441), (322RC2),
Manfrotto Monopod(685b), (234RC),

Was fine for either.

Kind Regards.
 
There is a wireless remote the LC-5, also 2 wired remotes, 1 without timer the other with, RS 80N3 and TC 80N3, respectively. They should all be in BH photo's site.

Tripods are a different matter, there are only 3 choices for Canon releases, but there are a gazillion tripods, many with unique features.

You might give some idea of features you are looking for, cost range, height and weight ranges, extended and collapsed. Geared column or tension lock. Able to operate at extremely low positions, or not. Able to have both spiked feet, or just rubber. CF or aluminum. Flip leg locks or twist locks. Built-in level or not (same can apply to the head.) It can go on from there...

You can spend a lot of money on tripods, ballheads and L brackets, if you need certain functions regularly, i.e., shooting panoramas, lots of macro, etc.

A bit of guidance might go a long way.

--
Joe Sesto
 
Jere Keskiaho said:
I am very pleased with my Velbon sherpa pro 645 + 71Q ballhead.
http://www.velbon-tripod.com/sherpa_pro01.htm

It takes the weight of 1D2+70-200 very well. It didn't cost as much
as carbon version of other tripods, but is still built very well
and it's very compact and light.
Click to expand...
Hi Jere,

Do you know how heavy and how long the 645 is without the head?

There is conflicting information on the Velbon website.

Thanks
Jere Keskiaho said:
--
Jere Keskiaho
Photoblog: http://www.jkphoto.fi/pblog
Click to expand...
--
GMT
 
Joe Sesto said:
There is a wireless remote the LC-5, also 2 wired remotes, 1
without timer the other with, RS 80N3 and TC 80N3, respectively.
They should all be in BH photo's site.
Click to expand...
great. what are the rpos and cons of each? at present the wireless remote sounds very handy, in that you can be mobile and create more distance than the wired versions
Joe Sesto said:
Tripods are a different matter, there are only 3 choices for Canon
releases, but there are a gazillion tripods, many with unique
features.
Click to expand...
"there are only 3 choices for Canon releases" – can you clarify what you mean by this
Joe Sesto said:
You might give some idea of features you are looking for, cost
range, height and weight ranges, extended and collapsed. Geared
column or tension lock. Able to operate at extremely low
positions, or not. Able to have both spiked feet, or just rubber.
CF or aluminum. Flip leg locks or twist locks. Built-in level or
not (same can apply to the head.) It can go on from there...

You can spend a lot of money on tripods, ballheads and L brackets,
if you need certain functions regularly, i.e., shooting panoramas,
lots of macro, etc.

A bit of guidance might go a long way.
Click to expand...
you are right! – theres so many options its making my head swirl, now you mention all the various options. cost is not too much of a problem. I want the best tripod in terms of durability, fit and finish. strongest tripod using the lightest materials. Its really got to take a 1D series body weight and 16-35 or my 70-200/2.8 IS. Ideally I want all the options and flexibility. As I dont want to buy 2 or 3 tripods. ok, ok, its not realistic. I want a tripod which is not gigantic for like studio rigging or a tiny light tripod that cant take the strain. Something in-between, flexible, light, sturdy, good design. Features I like: twist locks, rubber (but spiked option would be great for outdoor work), level (but on head-makes more sense).

as for heads, thats another headache. any suggestions?! Thanks !
Joe Sesto said:
--
Joe Sesto
Click to expand...
 
sbmproductions said:
Hi,

Had to sell my cameras last year, when i was made redundant, But i
did keep my tripod and monopod.
Fortunately have been offered a position, and have preordered the
1D MkIII,

I did own the 1D MkII and 1Ds,

Manfrotto Carbon1(441), (322RC2),
Manfrotto Monopod(685b), (234RC),

Was fine for either.

Kind Regards.
Click to expand...
great thanks. i'll check it out
 
sparkie said:
Joe Sesto said:
There is a wireless remote the LC-5, also 2 wired remotes, 1
without timer the other with, RS 80N3 and TC 80N3, respectively.
They should all be in BH photo's site.
Click to expand...
great. what are the rpos and cons of each?
Click to expand...
You really need to look them up, but their name is the description and the difference. One is wireless, one is a wired release that acts just like the shutter release, but it does not have a timer as does the other that is useful if you want time exposure control without need to touch the camera. The 80 stands for cm length, There is also a 10 m extension available.
sparkie said:
sparkie said:
Tripods are a different matter, there are only 3 choices for Canon
releases, but there are a gazillion tripods, many with unique
features.
Click to expand...
"there are only 3 choices for Canon releases" – can you clarify
what you mean by this
Click to expand...
I may not have worded that clearly, but I mean Canon only makes the 3 mentioned above...after market might have several, but I'm unaware of them.
sparkie said:
sparkie said:
You might give some idea of features you are looking for, cost
range, height and weight ranges, extended and collapsed. Geared
column or tension lock. Able to operate at extremely low
positions, or not. Able to have both spiked feet, or just rubber.
CF or aluminum. Flip leg locks or twist locks. Built-in level or
not (same can apply to the head.) It can go on from there...

You can spend a lot of money on tripods, ballheads and L brackets,
if you need certain functions regularly, i.e., shooting panoramas,
lots of macro, etc.

A bit of guidance might go a long way.
Click to expand...
you are right! – theres so many options its making my head swirl,
now you mention all the various options. cost is not too much of a
problem. I want the best tripod in terms of durability, fit and
finish. strongest tripod using the lightest materials. Its really
got to take a 1D series body weight and 16-35 or my 70-200/2.8 IS.
Ideally I want all the options and flexibility. As I dont want to
buy 2 or 3 tripods. ok, ok, its not realistic. I want a tripod
which is not gigantic for like studio rigging or a tiny light
tripod that cant take the strain. Something in-between, flexible,
light, sturdy, good design. Features I like: twist locks, rubber
(but spiked option would be great for outdoor work), level (but on
head-makes more sense).
Click to expand...
The combo that I've used is the older Velbon 640A, which can handle up to 11 K, or 25 lbs., much more than the current series of a similar number...they are also called El Carmagne. I pair that and a Manfrotto CF monopod with the 488RC2 ballhead...it fits both perfectly. I don't recall the exact cost, but the tripod was around $300 US, the head a little over $100 US and the monpod about the same. For what little pano I intend to do I have a Manfrotto leveling plate (#438) maybe another $100 and just in case a Nodal Ninja ($160) that seems to do the trick for vertical pano at minimal expense...but I haven't given it more than a cursory test to date. Everything else worked as expected, if not better. The head/bracket combo is in no way the equal of RRS, but a RRS head and L bracket cost as much as the whole tripod setup with head, plate, NN, etc. I don't use it often enough that way to justify the greater expense.

I think the 640a EL Carmagnes are still available. Incidentally, each top leg section is foam padded for carry comfort. No twist locks on any of my new pods...hate them. Just flip locks.

--
Joe Sesto
 
You are very welcome, The Carbon One and latest release of the same, are very strong, very light, and very durable.

Kind Regards.
 
sparkie said:
Can you please recommend what you have or consider to be the best
make/model to carry the heft of a 1D body. Ideally like it to be as
light and compact as possible, but strong and sturdy. What are my
options?

I had looked at some Gitzo pods a long time ago, maybe something
new or better has come out.
Click to expand...
I just got my new Gitzo today. You've mentioned strong/sturdy and light/compact. You haven't mentioned how tall you are and what shooting height you anticipate needing.

In the old days, a Gitzo 1325 was the default choice. Reasonably high for a 6 footer with no centre column. The 1327 had a removable centre column and you could replace with an aftermarket platform to give improved stiffness.

The new range of 6X Gitzos (announced last September at Photokina) are just beginning to filter through. The closest equivalent to the 1325 is the 3530LSV. This has new lighter tubes and better locking mechanisms on the legs. For a more compact 4 section option, there is a 3540.

I picked up my 3530LSV from the shop (UK) about an hour ago and I'm very impressed. It will obviously be a fair bit of bulk and weight by the time I've got the ballhead mounted, but the rigidity/strudiness is already evident and the legs come in at less than 4 lbs.
 
Tripod needs are not determined by camera body but by lens and type of shooting.

If you're not going to be walking far you can go for a heavier and more stable tripod, if you travel often you'll need a smaller tripod even if it's not as steady and perhaps not as tall.

If you're going to shoot nature with a 500 mm + TC then you not only need a very steady tripod but should budget for a proper gimball head.

I own Manfrotto's, but I believe Gitzo's are still the best available, choose a model based on your specific lenses and shooting needs.

--
Ignacio Féito
México
 
sparkie said:
Can you please recommend what you have or consider to be the best
make/model to carry the heft of a 1D body. Ideally like it to be as
light and compact as possible, but strong and sturdy. What are my
options?
Click to expand...
Since you want the "best" it sounds like your budget is "the sky's the limit". If that's not the case, set it and it begins to get easier.
sparkie said:
I had looked at some Gitzo pods a long time ago, maybe something
new or better has come out.
Click to expand...
The camera body is almost insignificant in this discussion. Since you want something light weight, (not ideal for long lens work) I'd limit your search to carbon fiber. I've done this search several times over the last couple of years and have settled on Gitzo. I'd only buy a Gitzo new/used if it has ALR and 6x tubing. Without ALR, I'd pass.

Your choices range from an ultra light "travel" tripod to more substantial yet still very light weight "full size" options. It's often the case that some of the more light weight tripods are a little shorter, so depending on your height this can be a factor. I have two unequivocal recommendations for you but selecting either or both is up to you and your budget.

The GT1540T (same as the 1158T it just replaced but with a new name) is a travel tripod, weights 2.2 lbs and supports 9.9 lbs. This is my choice for a "travel" tripod and has easily supported 5d and lenses such 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 100-400, etc. without trouble. This is your lightest option, and by far the best available.

Beyond that, with an eye towards greater overall size/weight, I'd suggest the GT2540 (replaced the 1258). More support, but still only 3.1 lbs. I don't think any other mfg. can match the support/weight features. You pay for it, but everything else is a compromise IMO.

I would absolutely pass on the "look alike" benro/feisol options that people love to say "it's as good as a Gitzo". There have been posts on other forums lately where these were disassembled and the similarities only go skin deep. The insides are horrible and cheap. I'm sure I'm going to get angry posts in response to that, but that's OK. I'll buy the Gitzo and not worry about the quality.

The worthless US peso makes Gitzo more expensive, but short of making Washington pay the bill for you, you're stuck paying.
 
If you don't plan on hiking (it's a bit on the heavy side), the Manfrotto 3021Pro is a strong performer, solid, substantial, and you can hang on to it if a tornado comes through. I used it with a Mk2N and 100-400 and 1.4x TC without any kind of shake whatsoever, it's a rock. And it's a good price, so you can put some of that extra $$ on an Arca Swiss ballhead.
--
Joel

Never stop upgrading.
 
You have a top of the line camera body...go for a top of the line tripod like the Gitzo Carbon Fiber 6X 3530S and pair it with a RRS BH-55 LR ballhead. Can't go wrong with this combo. You'll change bodies but this ballhead/tripod combo wil stay with you for a long time. Of course, you'll need to assess your needs first to determine if this combo will custom fit yours.
 
thanks for the suggestions. I'm about 5' 10"

the GT1540T, is this a 6X tubing tripod? sounds like the best travel tripod, but still good for indoor/studio use? It will need to hand the weight of a 1DMKII and 70-200 lens.
Jim F. said:
sparkie said:
Can you please recommend what you have or consider to be the best
make/model to carry the heft of a 1D body. Ideally like it to be as
light and compact as possible, but strong and sturdy. What are my
options?
Click to expand...
Since you want the "best" it sounds like your budget is "the sky's
the limit". If that's not the case, set it and it begins to get
easier.
Jim F. said:
I had looked at some Gitzo pods a long time ago, maybe something
new or better has come out.
Click to expand...
The camera body is almost insignificant in this discussion. Since
you want something light weight, (not ideal for long lens work) I'd
limit your search to carbon fiber. I've done this search several
times over the last couple of years and have settled on Gitzo. I'd
only buy a Gitzo new/used if it has ALR and 6x tubing. Without ALR,
I'd pass.

Your choices range from an ultra light "travel" tripod to more
substantial yet still very light weight "full size" options. It's
often the case that some of the more light weight tripods are a
little shorter, so depending on your height this can be a factor. I
have two unequivocal recommendations for you but selecting either
or both is up to you and your budget.

The GT1540T (same as the 1158T it just replaced but with a new
name) is a travel tripod, weights 2.2 lbs and supports 9.9 lbs.
This is my choice for a "travel" tripod and has easily supported 5d
and lenses such 70-200 f/2.8 IS, 100-400, etc. without trouble.
This is your lightest option, and by far the best available.

Beyond that, with an eye towards greater overall size/weight, I'd
suggest the GT2540 (replaced the 1258). More support, but still
only 3.1 lbs. I don't think any other mfg. can match the
support/weight features. You pay for it, but everything else is a
compromise IMO.

I would absolutely pass on the "look alike" benro/feisol options
that people love to say "it's as good as a Gitzo". There have been
posts on other forums lately where these were disassembled and the
similarities only go skin deep. The insides are horrible and cheap.
I'm sure I'm going to get angry posts in response to that, but
that's OK. I'll buy the Gitzo and not worry about the quality.

The worthless US peso makes Gitzo more expensive, but short of
making Washington pay the bill for you, you're stuck paying.
Click to expand...
 
NT
--
Joe Sesto
 
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