Tripod Recommendation

Dane · Jun 24, 2000

I am looking to buy a tripod for the 990. Any direction, and some points to consider, would be greatly appreciated. I am sure it is a very broad subject but even the name of a manufacturer that makes quality throught their line would be helpful

Thanks in advance!

Dane

Jerry Schmidt · Jun 24, 2000

Gitzo

There is no better.....I have had one since 1975 and it still works perfectly.

Bogan imports them from France

Ward Larson · Jun 24, 2000

Gitzo makes a gret tripod. If you are going to couple your 990 with an EagleEye or a Kenko, I would also suggest that you go with one of the Bogen heads. If you plan on doing panoramas, or panning sports action shots, choose the more expensive fluid heads from Bogen. They are awesome. I have one coupled with an older Slik U212 and it makes a very good combination when I hook up my EagleEye. My thoughts for what they are worth.

Ward Larson

Mitch Bobo · Jun 24, 2000

Try http://www.bogenphoto.com
Lots of good stuff there.
Mitch

Kurt20127 · Jun 25, 2000

After owning a few tripods, I've come to some conclusions useful to me:

I realized I need a tripod that can position the camera at my eye level, otherwise it's hard to capture what I'm seeing. Since I do a lot of macro photography, I also need a tripod that spread out very low to the ground. And, I like tripod heads that use removeable plates, allowing me to shoot free if need to, or inspect the camera while retaining the position of the tripod.

In the above situations, any tripod prone to jitters basically negates its value, so I went for a sturdy and flexible setup. I have a Gitzo Studex w/ an Arca-Swiss B1 head. It's a great combo that's rugged, flexible, and very easy to make incremental adjustments--worth every penny.

Michael11945 · Jun 25, 2000

Its hard for me to objective since in an ideal world I would have tried many different makes, however. I started of about a year or two ago with a cheap and nasty tripod that nonetheless did its job I later 'by accident' was persuaded by a salesman to buy a manfrotto/bogden carbon fibre model. This carbon fibre tripod is excellent it is very light very compact and gives for most people a more than adequate working height. I don't know of gitzo, however I once saw a Slik tripod which although loaded with features appeared to been have cheaply made and didn't impress as far as quality was concerned. I also havea bogden/manfrotto professional monopod that comes with fold out legs it isn't as stable as a tripod but can be used more 'discretely' than a tripod which requires a minute or two to be set up and attracts all sorts of, not necessarily welcome attention during the process.

regards Michael http://www.360sphere.com

Peter Sills · Jun 25, 2000

By far the best buy I have seen anywhere for a good tripod is the Slik 9000. Not a professional unit, but all of the features you are likely to need with the 990. It is also available at an INCREDIBLE price at CameraWorld:

http://www.cameraworld.com/adtemplate.asp?invky=82721

Peter

Eric · Jun 25, 2000

Dane -

As you will have already seen, you can get a different recommend off nearly everybody you ask on this. It depends on what extent of use you need and simply how much you're prepared to pay. Many years ago I saw a pro using a Manfrotto and was so impressed I bought one of the type. They do a variety of course and model numbers may change from one country to another but mine is rock solid, legs about an inch or more diameter, stabilizer struts yet can be spread virtually to floor level and with a friction ball & socket head. I find it great but that's just MY choice. Gitzo are very exellent too - and the price to match.
Certainly I'd say two of the makes definitely to consider.

Eric

jeffkane · Jun 25, 2000

The difficulty in choosing a tripod is knowing what features are important for your intended use. For example, I have a very good Bogen, with a fluid head, originally purchased for video. But it's quite heavy, and so I don't use it as much as I otherwise would.

I just got a Slik U9000, which in many ways doen't compare with the bigger and much more expensive Bogen. But it's lightweight, and I expect to use it a lot more.

Also, you may find that one tripod doesn't address all intended uses. Another example: I'm planning on getting a monopod, since it's smaller and lighter than a tripod, and so it's easier to carry around. I'm hoping it will provide the stability I need when using the telephoto lenses.

Another type of tripod is one useful for table-top work or macro shooting.

One of the features mentioned in another posting is the quick release connection: a plate that connects to your camera's tripod mount, which then snaps in/out of the tripod, so you can quickly engage/disengage the camer from the tripod.

If you're intending to use the tripod for portait work at home or in a studio situation, then weight is not a concern, and you'd do best with a heavy but very sturdy tripod. But that tripod may not be suitable for hiking throught the woods, etc.

You might want to get an inexpensive tripod to get some experience with it, and later--when you have a better idea of your needs--invest in something more substantial.

Jeff

Eric Lund · Jun 26, 2000

Dane,

Geez, some people think everyone is made of money. Some of the tripods mentioned are great, but ask yourself, how much will you use it, what will you use it for, and what conditions will challenge it's capabilities. If you don't need high tech, I would actually recommend two tripods for different uses.

I got a cheap, but light Velbon ($49 at Wolf Camera) that has all the stability I need and reasonable height. I also have a small, tabletop Velbon I got years ago. Newer models are better, and lighter. It's great for macro work and hiking. Neither cost an arm and a leg.

If I'm out and about, and I need more stability, a mesh back and some rocks add weight to the tripod. Rocks are cheap. Around town, a bag of sand works as well.

Now, if you're going to use the tripod a lot, perhaps you want to spend more, but if you're like me, it's just an occasional utility tool, so get what meets the requirement.

Eric · Jun 26, 2000

Dane -

You see, nearly everybody has different thoughts on this. I go along with the trend that if you only need it occasionally no point in spending big money but bear this in mind -

I have a really super little SLIK mini-tripod, only about 9 inches or so retracted yet with solid extendable legs, Can be table-top or longer as you wish. Ideal for general use and can be carried easily.

Now here's the snag, the digi is only a small camera but maybe mostly because of that it is EASIER to jiggle a little whilst button-pushing. The small tripods usually do not have much size platform so there's less stability. There's no half-way mark with a tripod - either you really need one or you can do without and use makeshift support. If you DO need one then a good (and unfortunately an expensive one) is I think inevitable.

Eric

gene · Jun 26, 2000

I have an old Velbon tripod. It's construction is decent, the legs can be moved out til the head is about 3" off the ground.

Just to have one (always wanted one). I bought a Bogen this year. It is the 3401B legs and the 3030 head.

http://www.precision-camera.com/newstuff/tripod/bogen/3401.htm

I bought this when I got my 950. With the convertible tripod and swivel lense, you can get pretty much any angle.

I also have a Bogen 3016 mnopod. The leg is the same thickness of the tripod legs, can be had for around $35, and doubles as a walking stick while hiking.

http://www.cameraworld.com/adtemplate.asp?invky=34954

I have an older one that doesn't have as big a handle.

This might be overkill. The old Velbon does everything the Bogen does, except the horizontal thing with the column.

There is 2 ways to look at it. Since you already spent so much on the 990, might as well spend some more to keep all the equipment at the same level of quality. Or you spent all your money on the 990, you have nothing left for accessories.

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Tripod Recommendation

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