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Basic question on tripods.
#42
Posted 07 April 2015 - 11:56 AM
I decided to take a leap of faith yesterday...
At a local camera store I checked out a number of tripods including some that have been mentioned in this thread and decided on this one. It's a Sirui M3204 and it has all of the features I have been looking for, a combination reversible/short center column, carbon fiber construction, high load capacity, a very high reach when extended but is fairly compact when folded for storage and is very rigid. I would have liked a bubble level, but my Giottos MH 1301-656 head has two built in bubble levels so I guess I can make do with them. We'll see how it holds up, although I doubt if I'll be doing much schlepping around in the bogs with it. However, we do plan some outings to the Everglades though so you never know. It's not a Gitzo but hopefully, it will suffice. I love how light it is, especially for it's size.
--Ron
#43
Posted 07 April 2015 - 12:45 PM
From what I have read on the net and checked in a store, it looks like one of the better Chinese copies of the Gitzo 3540 mountaineer. It will probably work well even if it is never as stable as the Systematics and clones.
#44
Posted 07 April 2015 - 02:16 PM
Well, I did look at a lot of tripods. Kudos to the sales person who stayed with me throughout and was more than willing to show me anything I wanted to see, even when he had to pull new stock out of the box to do so. This tripod blew away just about everything I looked at, including some Benros and all of the Manfrottos. Setup is fairly easy as is, converting to the short center column to provide for ground level shooting. You can even remove one of the legs and use it as a monopod.
Of course the proof is in the pudding. I won't know how it performs in the field until I have a chance to use it a few times. However, I'm optimistic.
--Ron
#45
Posted 08 April 2015 - 10:01 AM
I haven't had a chance to check out the photo stores in the area after our move so that is on my list of things to do. I am sure I am going to want a tripod though so it might be moving up on my list fairly quickly. And, I want to see what the shops look like even if I can't purchase anything right away.
I've been shooting but am WAY behind on my processing...need to get caught up today and tomorrow as I will be shooting more baseball over the weekend and want to be sure I am up-to-date before adding many more images to my queue.
#47
Posted 28 September 2015 - 09:47 AM
Well, bumping this once again...Tripod is now at the top of my list (FINALLY!)!!! Last night's shooting convinced me it has to be done soon...
So, I just re-read through this...I do have several leg options I'm considering - Any thoughts / opinions on Manfrotto vs. Benro vs. Oben? I like the price of the Benro (TAD28C) and am kind of leaning that way right now...As long as it is a sturdy set of legs that will support my D4 with 200-400 and 1.4TC, I will be happy - would prefer carbon fiber but overall not too worried about the weight as I don't expect to have to carry it long distances...
But mostly I would like to get folks opinions on heads...It seems to me that the issues I've had with current gear is in the head vs. in the legs. They just don't seem to be able to hold that gear solidly in place...I need to be able to set that head in position with quite a bit of weight and have it stay there...So, I want to be sure to pick the right head. Some folks seem to prefer the ball heads and others seem to prefer a gimbal or a pan / tilt head...I have never really gotten to play with a gimbal head enough to know if it would work for me. I've used both ball and pan / tilt enough to know that I can work with either...maybe it was the ball heads I've used, but I can't see a ball head supporting that heavy combo of gear at any kind of angle...fairly flat shot for nature I could see, but pointing upwards towards the moon last night I kept wondering if there was any way a ball head could handle that weight at that angle without it "drifting" towards a more level (vertical or horizontal) plane. I welcome folks thoughts on the different heads...
In reality, we are probably only talking about 11 pounds or so such that most combinations SHOULD work, but I've been trying to look at both legs and heads that will support 20+ pounds in case I get any heavier gear down the road or Nikon's weight estimates are wrong !
Lastly, any benefit to purchasing the same manufacturer's head and legs (other than some special combo price) vs. buying one manufacturer's legs and another's head?
EDIT: Woops! One other question - anyone believe that it is better (or worse) to have a quick release base vs. not having one?
Thanks all!
- Jerry_ likes this
#48
Posted 28 September 2015 - 11:35 AM
The most extreme combo I have used on my RRS ballhead is an approximately 1250 mm catadioptric Maksutov-Cassegrain lens mounted to a Kodak DCS760. I think the mass of that was in the region of 18 lbs or so. It was totally stable and I could set the friction so it stayed put when I let go. The BH-55 is rated for 50 lb and is probably stable near that limit. I have never used a pan-tilt or 3-way head that has inspired such confidence. A Wimberly is probably the perfect head for long teles, but it is very clumsy with lighter, more compact lenses.
I have never used a leg and head combination from the same manufacturer that I have liked. The one exception that I would probably like is RRS, but their legs are very rare on this side of the pond and I have never seen them in person.
When it comes to quick releases, I dislike boutique solutions but I use Arca-compatible plates on all my cameras and lens feet.
Benro and Sirui legs seem to be in a class of their own among the Pacific rim offerings, but a Sachtler is still the best I have used as long as mass and portability aren't too important factors. A Sachtler ENG 75 aluminium set of legs is not bank-breaking in price, at least in Europe.
If a RRS head is too expensive, a Markins is a good substitute.
#49
Posted 28 September 2015 - 12:37 PM
- a sturdy Manfrotto 190X, an aluminium 3-section tripod, which also allows for the central column to be put in a horizontal position.
It is not exactly the type of tripod that you would like to use for extra long walks, due to its weight; however once setup it is an excellent basis, even for heavier loads or longer lenses.
http://www.manfrotto...rizontal_column
That tripod came along with a Manfrotto 804RC2, a basic pan tilt head with a quick lock
http://www.manfrotto...with-quick-lock
More recently, I have added a Benro GH2C gimbal, for my wildlife shots, but hadn't time to test it outside of the house.
http://m.benrousa.co...benro-gh2c.aspx
I have used the 190X with the pan tilt head in a number of excentric positions with D610 and the Tamron 150-600 mounted and didn't have stability problems in that config.
I think that the gimbal will give me even better stability in "normal" use, i.e. except probably for the horizontal one's, and easier possibilities for reframing rapidly.
I would not use a ball-based head for the same config - but that might be just me.
- an leightweight Redged Tripod for travelling
http://www.cameralan...avel-tripod-alu
Which I would however not put the configuration with the Tamron on. The most I loaded it was with the D610 and the Nikkor 24-120.
Also, for this latter tripod, and therefor also for similar ones, I found that some of the lead weights used for diving (alternately there might be similar ones for (high sea) fishing, can be a good fit, for stabilizing the tripod.
- TBonz and ScottinPollock like this
#50
Posted 28 September 2015 - 12:54 PM
Well, bumping this once again...Tripod is now at the top of my list
There is a lot of stuff out there, and I haven't looked recently... but here is a conclusion I came to many years ago which has remained good advice for quite a long time...
Unless you are looking to spend the better part of a grand or more, or need the high-tech superlight stuff for backpacking etc., go with sturdy Manfrotto aluminum legs, and a Benro ball head. You will probably come in around $300-400, and would need to spend twice that for something noticeably better.
#51
Posted 29 September 2015 - 10:19 AM
As long as the legs / head combination will securely handle holding my big gear at an angle for moon or similar shots where it might be pointing up at a fairly extreme angle, I'm not as worried about other factors. I've used different setups enough that I'm sure I can get used to them and my two longest lenses have tripod mounts anyway so I would likely use that as a quick swap from landscape to portrait...I guess I'm going to have to bite some kind of bullet !
- Merco_61 likes this
#52
Posted 29 September 2015 - 01:17 PM
It's really difficult to pick out a good tripod / head combo. And, the old adage keeps poking up about spending a mint and still not being satisfied.
In the old days... I was told by more than a few pros and simis to just swallow the worm and get a Gitzo with a genuine Arca Swiss ball head. The larger, the better (in both cases). And, especially if you're using long lenses and big, heavy 'pro' cameras. Of course things have changed a bit since then. But, assuming you have the scratch, the Gitzo/Arca Swiss combo would probably still be a good bet.
Some guys really like gimbal heads and I've seen some YouTube videos that really make a case for gimbals especially if you're shooting wildlife or sports where you don't have to get out of the way quickly. Personally, I have no experience with them.
I like the set of Sirui tripod legs that I bought although I've only used them indoors. We do have some excursions planned for this fall where they'll will get a better workout. The Giottos head has been a mixed bag though. It's a medium size head which should support my D7K and D610 easily but, when tilted, I'm detecting a bit of drift. I also need to get some loctite to secure it with. It keeps wanting to unscrew itself. I have a Kirk L Bracket for the D7000 that pretty much takes care of the drifting problem with that camera (and which I highly recommend) but so far I haven't spurged for an L bracket for the D610. (actually, it looks as though the same bracket would work on both cameras) The $US185.00 price tag makes me wince.
You see where this is going.... seems that tripods are like sailboats (and black holes). They will easily consume as much money as you wish to throw into them.
--Ron
#53
Posted 29 September 2015 - 02:19 PM
Kind of like photography in general! After the other night, I really want to get this settled but the other gear I've purchased has me trying to keep costs as low as possible and with photography, that isn't easy with tripods, heads, lenses, bodies, cards, flashes, etc.
- Ron likes this
#54
Posted 29 September 2015 - 02:56 PM
You're right. Photography in general is a very expensive hobby. Very few people ever make enough to break even and nowadays, well.... everyone is a photographer. The low end equipment has gotten so good that neophytes are obtaining results that pros would have given their eyeteeth for just a few years ago.
Personally, ... well, I have two lists. One list is stuff I need. This list is very short.
The other list is stuff I want... a much longer list.
I try to work on the need list as much as possible before even considering the want list. Unfortunately, this doesn't always work. Just this year an item that was on the want list automagiclly jumped to the need list just because Nikon had the nerve to put it on sale!!!
--Ron
#55
Posted 05 October 2015 - 02:20 AM
I have a real problem with photography. I spend too much on it! But, after spending 200.00 on one ballhead, then around 100.00 on another. I needed yet another for my Mefoto day trip tripod. Thankfully I was directed to this ballhead. http://www.linkdelig...hotography.html
If someone I knew and trusted didn't already have one and swore by it. Then I would never have given it a second look because why? It is so cheap in price!! Well, I ordered one and waited to see if I threw my money out the window. About a week later there's a box waiting for me. When I opened it and inspected this ballhead I was very pleased that I took the risk. This bad boy is every bit is well made and smooth as my pricey ballhead. Locks rock solid with no movement with even my D7100 and 55-300 lenses.
#56
Posted 06 October 2015 - 06:29 AM
So here is the pair I went with. I bought them at the end of July and took them on my Yellowstone trip. I'm pretty happy overall for the price. For moon shots, I have to use a weight on the center column to reduce resonance, but it's something I can deal with. I just either use my sand bag if I have it, or my backpack if I don't. It holds my D810 and Tamron 150-600 quite nicely. As this is my first ball head, I don't know if others do this or not, but it doesn't pan 360 like I think that it would. It does have a very nice arc, but if I want to turn completely behind me, I have to release the panning knob as well. Other than that, it's worked very well for me. Especially since it weighs in at a less than half of what I expected/planned on spending.
http://www.bhphotovi...314_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovi..._Ball_Head.html
Both have dropped in price since I bought them too. The set is $560 at B&H right now.
That being said, I got the chance to use a Really Right Stuff ball head during my Yellowstone trip, and it's definitely an upgrade I'll make sometime down the road, once I get some other things crossed off my list.
#57
Posted 06 October 2015 - 07:36 AM
So here is the pair I went with. I bought them at the end of July and took them on my Yellowstone trip. I'm pretty happy overall for the price. For moon shots, I have to use a weight on the center column to reduce resonance, but it's something I can deal with. I just either use my sand bag if I have it, or my backpack if I don't. It holds my D810 and Tamron 150-600 quite nicely. As this is my first ball head, I don't know if others do this or not, but it doesn't pan 360 like I think that it would. It does have a very nice arc, but if I want to turn completely behind me, I have to release the panning knob as well. Other than that, it's worked very well for me. Especially since it weighs in at a less than half of what I expected/planned on spending.
http://www.bhphotovi...314_Tripod.html
http://www.bhphotovi..._Ball_Head.html
Both have dropped in price since I bought them too. The set is $560 at B&H right now.
That being said, I got the chance to use a Really Right Stuff ball head during my Yellowstone trip, and it's definitely an upgrade I'll make sometime down the road, once I get some other things crossed off my list.
That should be a great ballhead. I have the 20X and it is rock solid and very smooth.
#58
Posted 26 October 2015 - 12:02 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Merco,
currently I am using:
1) Sunpak Pro 423PX, carbon legs, Monfrotto head, 324RC2. One of the legs is missing a bushing, so the leg can slip out of the housing. Called Sunpak to purchase new ones. Sent wrong part.
2) Vanguard, AL, with a Vanguard head, Altra 203AP. It has a leg stop that doesn't work, so one leg doesn't click into place like the other two.
When I use my 750 with the Sigma 24-105, Nikon 18-300, Nikon 105 macro, I can see the Manfrotto head slip as it is a friction pistol grip type of head. The Vanguard works if I screw the knobs down very tight. I feel I may be damaging the housing.
#59
Posted 26 October 2015 - 12:34 PM
Deano,
Here is the tripod I'm leaning towards right now...Still trying to decide between a ball head and a pan head...
If someone wants to talk me into a different set of legs or convince me on ball / pan head, please do so - want to get it done this week...
I am trying to keep my costs as low as I can but then I keep telling myself that I don't want to go cheap on something I need to trust with my D4 and 200-400! Just have to bite the bullet...
#60
Posted 26 October 2015 - 01:35 PM
Dean, as you want to stay with the RC2 plates I think the X-PRO ball head is your best choice. If you would rather have a 3-way head, the X-PRO 3-way is equivalent.
If you want to use L-plates, scrapping the Manfrotto plates and getting something Arca-Swiss compatible is the best way. I have been quite impressed by the Sirui ballheads, especially considering their low price. The non-locked friction mode isn't as smooth as a Markins or RRS but that isn't to be expected.
The Benro legs that TBonz is considering is a sturdy set even if OTRTexan's Induro legs are even sturdier. This choice mostly comes down to if one likes collars or flip locks better. They are about equal to the Manfrotto CX-PRO 055 carbon legs and quite a bit cheaper.