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buying a tripod
- Thread starter paul2009
- Start date
Not enough info. What's your price range and what is the heaviest lens you will be or can conceive of in the future that you would be using with your D90?
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Lora
I've been on Dpreview since June 2006. Unfortunately, some posting history has been lost along the way...
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Lora
I've been on Dpreview since June 2006. Unfortunately, some posting history has been lost along the way...
Poppa
Well-known member
Take a look at Thom Hogan's tripod recommendations:
http://bythom.com/support.htm
http://bythom.com/support.htm
Cedarhill
Senior Member
It may be a "superb" article, but the final conclusion is that you have to spend $1000 to get a good tripod and any less money is just a waste. I think that is worse than nonsense - it is a serious disservice to beginning photographers who might read the article and just not use a tripod because they think they can't afford one. My current tripod cost a little over $300 and I am quite satisfied. The one I had before that cost less than $100 and it was a huge improvement over no tripod at all.
beshannon
Senior Member
I recently bought a Manfrotto carbon fiber tripod and head because of the Manfrotto rebate. I too have a D90 and the combo after the rebate will be about $300.
I bought the Manfrotto 190CXPRO3 and am looking forward to getting out and using it
toomanycanons
Forum Pro
Manfrotto 055XPROB with a 488RC2 ballhead. Just do it. That's what I got after doing all the research you're about to do.
I agree. Getting a decent $200 - $300 tripod/head will do wonders for your photography. It has for mine when I convince myself to carry/use it. Sure, better gear will probably work better in more situations, but being put off of buying any tripod because of sticker shock of the best is a dis-service.
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Been an amateur for many years now
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Been an amateur for many years now
joshlane4
Member
I've been doing this research too...I was almost ready to get the Manfrotto 055XPROB with the 804RC2 head (the B&H kit deal). What do you like about the 488RC2? the only king of head I've used before was a standard pan/tilt....btw, I'm using a D90 w/ the 18-105 kit lens or less (+ - SB-600)
Found this article http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2009/04/japanese-scient/
Wonder if carbon fibre isn't too light?
Wonder if carbon fibre isn't too light?
the 488 rc4 can be more confortable to use the camera on hand ;-)
this combo is very good for a just 250€
Aitor Escauriaza's Gallery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rotia/
this combo is very good for a just 250€
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Aitor Escauriaza's Gallery
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rotia/
I've got the Manfrotto 190Xprob tripod and 496RC2 copmpact ball head.
My criteria was portability with good stability and it's a really good performer.
I looked at the 055 but opted for the 190 simply on the weight difference. Carbon fibre was simply not an option because of the price.
Thoms guide is a very good read but how many of us can spend that much hard earned money on a tripod that for most of us is a hobby.
My criteria was portability with good stability and it's a really good performer.
I looked at the 055 but opted for the 190 simply on the weight difference. Carbon fibre was simply not an option because of the price.
Thoms guide is a very good read but how many of us can spend that much hard earned money on a tripod that for most of us is a hobby.
Looking at this video, the guy is zoomed in at 200mm. There's seems to be quite a bit of vibration on the 10x setting though. But I guess this is still one of the better performing ones.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF38sOYWqTE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF38sOYWqTE
R
RickBuddy
Guest
CH,
I wouldn't go as far as calling it a disservice, but there appears to be some weak logic.
That cheap tripod he writes about? Makes a good stand for a lock-down superlight camcorder for B-roll footage..
In a digital world where we replace computers and cameras so often that it seems like we are only leasing technology, the "buy the best now" argument seems confused.
Unlike an expensive computer, or a five-year old digital camera, A person can always sell a brand-name, mid-range pod & ball for a decent price. So that isn't a waste of money
The take-away I get from this is figure out your budget and then be ready to spend more, because it will pay off in the long run.
With any piece of expensive technology I'd like to know where the curve breaks from "serviceable" to "bleeding edge."
RB
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Enjoying life one moment at a time.
toomanycanons
Forum Pro
This was my first "real" tripod and first ball head. I read many opinions on all aspects of carbon fiber vs aluminum, super sturdy vs fairly portable, geared head vs ball head vs pan head. My other tripod is an old Velbon/pan head, about 3 lbs, used while backpacking.
My requirements didn't include big cameras with super big lenses, just my D90 with some 550 gram lenses, indoors. I chose the tripod I bought over the 190 because it seemed sturdier, so what if it was a tad heavier. The ball head has been a revelation. I bought it over the RC4 because I didn't think I needed its larger footprint for stability (like if I had a bigger camera/monster lens out in the wind). I got used to using the 488RC2 in about 5 minutes. It's got a knob that loosens the ball itself and another knob that loosens the whole assembly so it can turn left and right. You have to actually check one out at a store like I did.
So far I can't imagine any combination that would suit my purposes any better, but I'm sure there are a ton of tripod/head combos that would work just as well but I had to make a choice, you know? I'm all about bang-for-the-buck and this setup cost me about $250.
My requirements didn't include big cameras with super big lenses, just my D90 with some 550 gram lenses, indoors. I chose the tripod I bought over the 190 because it seemed sturdier, so what if it was a tad heavier. The ball head has been a revelation. I bought it over the RC4 because I didn't think I needed its larger footprint for stability (like if I had a bigger camera/monster lens out in the wind). I got used to using the 488RC2 in about 5 minutes. It's got a knob that loosens the ball itself and another knob that loosens the whole assembly so it can turn left and right. You have to actually check one out at a store like I did.
So far I can't imagine any combination that would suit my purposes any better, but I'm sure there are a ton of tripod/head combos that would work just as well but I had to make a choice, you know? I'm all about bang-for-the-buck and this setup cost me about $250.
Been doing some research and the following are within 1.3kg
The Manfrotto is largest at 55cm folded but with only 3 leg sections(more stability)
Manfrotto 190CX3
Gitzo GT1541T, GT2540T, GT2541
Giottos MT8240B
SLIK PRO 631CF, 614CF
Enduro CT114, CT014
Can anyone make any recommendations please?
The Manfrotto is largest at 55cm folded but with only 3 leg sections(more stability)
Manfrotto 190CX3
Gitzo GT1541T, GT2540T, GT2541
Giottos MT8240B
SLIK PRO 631CF, 614CF
Enduro CT114, CT014
Can anyone make any recommendations please?
jgscott
Well-known member
Amen to that!
faxmachineAnthem
Forum Enthusiast
I have a Feisol CT-3401 with a Kirk BH-3 ball head. Totals about $480 retail although I spent about $300 for it used. I'm really happy with this combination.
I like the spec on the Feisol CT-3441S
How do you find the build quality and stability?
How do you find the build quality and stability?
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