Tripod recommendations

lonnit · Mar 24, 2004

I've got a cheap tripod that can't handle the weight of my 75-300mm lens; it just droops forward. Another problem I have, and I don't know if this applies to better tripods, is that when I'm up on a city roof shooting, it can be pretty windy. I end up having to ditch the tripod and rest the camera directly on the parapet wall (strap always around my neck of course!) or, my latest method, camera on the tripod and don't let the legs out but sit the tripod on the parapet wall (again, camera strap always around my neck!). This last method worked very well for me about 30 stories up, but I'm terrified of heights when it comes to roofs and I don't go near the walls. There I was though, gutsy enough to be sitting my tripod on the ledge and nauseated if I looked anywhere but right thru that viewfinder! LOL!

Here are my parameters:

Ball head is a must - I'm sick of dealing with unlevel ground and jerking around with the legs to get the camera level.

Lightweight is essential - I keep it attached to my minitrekker backpack and I don't want anymore weight than I have to. The bag already weighs a ton!

Max price in the $100 range - and no, that doesnt' mean $139.95! A couple $ over, ok, but I really just cannot go more than about $129 and with that I'd really want to include tax.

If possible I'd like it sturdy enough to handle wind.

Please let me know what is the best quality tripod I can get for the $ that meets these parameters.

Thanks!
Lonnit

--
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and offer your comments. The fastest way for me to learn is when you tell me what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong, what you like and what you don't. I welcome all opinions.

WARNING: 10D-itis is contagious!!!!!!!

pdqgp · Mar 24, 2004

Spending an extra $25 or so. I know what you said, but for the money, my Bogen 3021N is like a rock in holding my 10D and 2lb 24-70L or my 75-300IS. You may be able to get it for less, but IMO, it's much better than the model just below it that was about $98. Priceless in the event of a potential fall.

I also love my Joystick Head, 3265. Comes with a quick release too.

--
-tim

Canon 1 0 D, 24-70mm/f2.8 L-Series, 75-300mm/f4-5.6 IS, 35mm f2, Canon 4 2 0EX Speedlight
Sony 7 1 7, Nikon 9 9 5 & Konica KD-4 0 0 Z
Accessories....tons of course
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Hawkman · Mar 24, 2004

It will be difficult to get a decent ballhead and tripod for $100 that meet your criteria. Light = $, stable in wind = $, and a stable ballhead=$ and to support the weight of your camera and lens.

Don't mean to be negative, I just can't think of any. Perhaps some of the low end Slilk or low Velbron?

One thing you can do, if the tripod can support the extra weight ($), is to put a hook on the center post and hang a weight off it for the wind.

Gene

--
Gene (the hawkman) - Walk softly and carry a big lens

Please visit my galleries at: http://www.pbase.com/gaocus/

superT · Mar 24, 2004

pdqgp · Mar 24, 2004

The ball head I have was about $99 too....but again, shop around....I buy locally and prolly pay a bit more, but I'm loyal.

However, both for $125 or so......doubt it. Nothing that will come close to holding it well or what I'd put my camera on.

--
-tim

Canon 1 0 D, 24-70mm/f2.8 L-Series, 75-300mm/f4-5.6 IS, 35mm f2, Canon 4 2 0EX Speedlight
Sony 7 1 7, Nikon 9 9 5 & Konica KD-4 0 0 Z
Accessories....tons of course
http://www.pbase.com/pdqgp

Zaphod · Mar 24, 2004

Sounds like you want a high performance tripod + head for less than $100. Keep dreaming...

I highly recommend you wait and save your money until you can afford a better setup. Cameras come and go, tripods are forever.

You can get a tripod and head for the kind of money you are talking about and it may work adequately for none demanding situations. It is, however, very easy to buy a cheap tripod that is LESS than USELESS when you consider the frustration it can cause, and how it will fail you when you really need it. This is the voice of experience. I learned the hard way.

Actually, go ahead and buy a cheap tripod + head combo. Nothing teaches better than the burnt hand. I predict one of two things will follow:

1. The tripod will end up in the closet, never to be used again. You will shoot everything handheld and miss out on all the possiblities tripod shooting can offer you.

2. You will realize the error of your ways, and either sell the cheapo tripod on eBay or give it to someone you really don't like. You will then actually cough up the cash to buy a decent tripod, head, and quick release.

OK, OK I know you didn't ask for all this moralizing. I'll shut up now.

Good luck!, -Z

P.S. I agree, the 3021 is a decent tripod. You can probably get a decent minimal setup for around the $200 range.

Blana · Mar 24, 2004

If you can find a tripod with a hook between the legs underneath the mounting plate, it's a great place to hang your camera bag - gives lot's more stability in windy conditions.

Blana

Yoshi199573 · Mar 24, 2004

Save your money, a ball head worth buying for those conditions will cost well over $200US.

iMac therefore iAm · Mar 24, 2004

and it does have a hook to hang a counter weight (camera bag) to add stability in wind.

I got the tripod for $140, and the Bogen 486RC2 ball head for about $55 - both support up to 13.2 pounds. You're not gonna get anything good for much less. You've come this far, and you've already learned what skimping on a tripod gets you.

BTW, if I could have justified the extra cost, I would have loved that grip ballhead Tim has!

--
'Me fail English? That's unpossible!'

ViewFinder · Mar 24, 2004

Lonnit

I recently went down this road - for everything I've learned about taking pictures these past few months, I just couldn't get my head (there I go, punning again) around tripods.

So... I went to Focus, which is the UK trade show,a nd spoke to the nice people on the Manfrotto (Bogen to you) stand.

I ended up with the 055CLB (which is the 3021 in Bogen-speak) and I have to say it's very, very good. Very solid, but not exactly light-weight.

Head-wise, I decided against a ballhead as I chiefly intend to be doing portraits, and after much discussion, settled on a 3-way (329RC4) which is solid as a rock.

I think the thing you need to remember is that you are trusting (potentially) many thousands of dollars worth of kit to the tripod, and a wrong decision could be disastrous.

I did see lots of good reports (around here) about the Slik 700DX, and I think that probably most closely fits your budget, but I think if you look at the Bogen pods (or indeed the Gitzos) you will see a quality and solidity that you won't want to be without.

Phil

--
http://www.pbase.com/whqttt/

Fredrick28933 · Mar 24, 2004

Lonnit,

This will probably invite derision, and howls of laughter, but for the past
few years I have been very happily using a Slik U9000, for both still and
video work. I find it to be very stable, and has a pretty smooth pan head.
Have not been in high winds with it, but I think that hanging my camera
bag from the center post might do the trick.
Good luck,
Fredrick

hockeynut · Mar 25, 2004

Wow... you're asking a lot for $100.

That rules out carbon fiber. It also rules out an entry level ballhead w/ quick release. You can get a ballhead, but it won't have quick release... and I doubt it would handle more than 5lbs.

With your price range, I'd go with a Bogen aluminum...
Either the 3001, 3021, or the 3051, depending on your needs.
Read this review...
http://www.photo.net/nature/bogtri

Still, I think you should splurge, break the $100 barrier, and get a ballhead that supports quickrelease. Bogen makes an inexpensive ($58) one that will let you get to work without killing your pocketbook. I searched, and, except for Slik, I couldn't find anything under $100 until I found the Bogen 486RC2.

It works fine for my 10D and 70-200 F2.8 IS (3.5lbs of lens) on a monopod. If you want better pan capability, you might consider moving to the Bogen 488. I know the 486 is rated for at least 11 lbs.

Again, you will want quick release. It's nice to have, and easier on your camera. I just leave the quick release plate on my 70-200 2.8 IS. Your 75-300 weighs less, and won't have a tripod collar, so I'd just put the plate on the 10D and leave it there. But, even with this setup, you could pick up a Sigma 50-500 and still not have to upgrade.

I have a Bogen monopod which I do NOT leave on my mini-trekker, I leave mine in my vehicle... I grab it if I need it. I know some other people that do the same.

The 486RC2 is about $58 at Adorama. The 488RC2 is close to $90.

I bought a 680B monopod. It's $46 at Adorama. I bought my stuff in local shops, but I didn't pay too much more than those prices.

--
10D, 24-70L, 70-200 F2.8L IS, 50mm F1.4, 550EX. Bogen 680B w/ 486RC2.
Nikon FE + collection of lenses.

Brett DiMichele · Mar 25, 2004

I am sure that if your intention is to just "Drop Names" then yes you will
spent $200+ on those Uber Wunder ball heads that all those "Pro's" use.

But if you want a well built Ball Head made from all CNC Machined Aluminum
just like those "big names" and one that can support just about anything
you can think of mounting on it.. Look no further..

Max. Camera Supported: Medium format
Load Capacity: 22.00 lb (9.98 kg)
Height: 4.7" (11.9 cm)
Quick Release: No
Spirit Level: No
Tension Control: Yes
Tripod Mt. Thread Size: 3/8"-16 (1/4"-20 reducer bushing is provided)
Weight: 1.24 lb (0.56 kg)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart&A=details&Q=&sku=156561&is=REG

Seems like a mighty fine deal to me??? Oops it doesn't say ArcaSwiss on it

--

http://www.westol.com/~brettd/sd10/gallery/

Brett DiMichele · Mar 25, 2004

I was considering the 486RC2 when I bought my Manfrotto 3221WN
Tripod but after I read numerous reviews at http://www.pcphotoreview.com
where users had the head fail and leave the equipment hit the ground.

I don't know how much validity there was in the reviews but it was enough
to scare me away. I instead went with the 3030 Pan Head and if that thing
lets the equipment hit the ground something is seriously wrong in the
world!

I see Bogen has a new joystick out now that supports more weight and
lays on it's side. Looks interesting but I am going to go with a conventional
Ball Head from Giottos that supports 22 Pounds and has a seperate pan
lock and indexed pan base.

--

http://www.westol.com/~brettd/sd10/gallery/

Sharif · Mar 25, 2004

Dear Lonnit,

your restrictions are almost similar to mine when I researched tripods about a month ago. Unfortunately a carbon tripod is over your (and mine) price range therefore you need a good aluminum model. I came up with the following combo:

Bogen 3001BD (I have the European version Manfrotto 190 CLB)

It has quick release levers, extends to 57.1 inches and measures 20.9 inches when closed. weight is 3.9 lbs. The 3001 if extended is high enough for me to raise the camera slightly above my eye level on my ballhead. I measure 1.76 m (sorry don't know what this is in feet and inches)

I'd recommend it over the 3021 models (which are slightly higher) for it's lower weight but.... this really comes down to taste.

A good ball head would be the 486RC2 which was already recommended by others. It weighs 1lb and supports up to 13.2lbs weight of gear. The 486RC2 has a quick release. Only thing missing on this head is a separate lock for panorama pictures... you can't have all for this price.

A combo of the tripod and Ballhead should be approximately US$120

I am very happy with it so far. only complaint is....weight. Less would be nicer. But I believe it's the best compromise for price/quality/sturdiness and weight.

Kind regards,
Sharif

--
Sharif El-Hamalawi
http://members.chello.at/alfalfa/
http://www.pbase.com/alfalfa

Dave Deacon · Mar 25, 2004

You'll get more for your money of you buy used. I do not know th ebest places for used goods in the USA but other here will. The good tripods are very solid and last a lifetime.

--
Dave
http://www.pbase.com/shootist

Michael Eckstein · Mar 25, 2004

I have a Linhof Profi II and a Giotto ballhead. Believe me they are not in the same league. You get what you pay for. My 20 year old Linhoff is much, much smoother in operation than my new Giotto.

--
'Most Lenses are Better Than Most Photographers' - Michael H.
Reichmann

Brett DiMichele · Mar 25, 2004

Michael,

Sometimes you do get what you pay for. And some times you just pay for
the name.

I can't compare it to a Linhof and I am not comparing it to anything at all.
My point is that you CAN get a good ball head for less than $200.00 this is
not the only ball head in that price range. There are even some Linhof's
and Benbo's and Arca's in the low $100 range.

--

http://www.westol.com/~brettd/sd10/gallery/

Greg P64781 · Mar 25, 2004

For your price range: Slik 700DX - It is not a ball head. QR Pan/Tilt head should work fine for your landscape/cityscapes. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=131427&is=REG

What I use: 10 year old Bogen/Manfrotto 3021 with 3047 Pan/Tilt head - Solid and high quality. Not lightweight and not in your price range (~$250) but works great with my lightweight lenses (17-40, 28-105, 100-300).

If cost was no concern: Gitzo CF legs and Arca Swiss ball head.

I looked at your photos. Lots of cityscapes and landscapes. For such photos, I have found my tripod far more valuable than any lens I own. My tripod has also lasted longer than any body/lens I own. I would not compromise too much on the quality of the tripod. At the same time, if you are not using heavy Tele lenses, you will not get the full benefit of a $700 tripod and will be fine with a less expensive one.

--
Greg
http://homepage.mac.com/sgpanosian

Joo · Mar 25, 2004

Not a recommendation, but a trick/tip that I learned a couple years ago...

For a lot of tripods, the bottom of the center post is covered by a rubber cap. If you remove this rubber cap, you should see two holes in the center post, one on each side. Go to a hardware store and purchase a bolt, a nut, and an S hook of appropriate size. Attach the bolt/nut to the center post through the holes and make sure it goes S hook is hanging from the bolt from the inside of the center post.

Now, when you setup your tripod, you can hang your camera bag or backpack from the hook and give more weight and stability to the tripod.

Hope this is clear...

Joo

--

Maybe one day I'll take a decent picture. In the meantime, I'll blame the equipment.

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