Buying TRIPOD's

[miss missy]

Since I saw this hint I know that I need one and do not know where or what to buy for my trip in 3 weeks. I have a Fuji Finepix and do not want to carry a big one around. What will be my best bet? TIA

 

[fitzperry]

If you don't want to carry a big tripod around, there are tabletop models that collapse to about 6" in length and weigh less than a pound, so they can easily be carried around with you. I have one that I keep in my bag all the time. Just make sure to get one that can accommodate the weight of your camera (not sure how large your Fuji is). You can set them up on a trashcan, table or any other stable surface. You could also get a standard tripod and store it in a locker until you need it. There's also this little gizmo that has been posted about several times on this board (gorillapod). I've never seen one in person, but I'm tempted to order the dslr version.

 

[Dan Murphy]

I have the Ultrapod I http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm. Works well. An SLR should have the II I presume.

 

[miss missy]

If you don't want to carry a big tripod around, there are tabletop models that collapse to about 6" in length and weigh less than a pound, so they can easily be carried around with you. I have one that I keep in my bag all the time. Just make sure to get one that can accommodate the weight of your camera (not sure how large your Fuji is). You can set them up on a trashcan, table or any other stable surface. You could also get a standard tripod and store it in a locker until you need it. There's also this little gizmo that has been posted about several times on this board (gorillapod). I've never seen one in person, but I'm tempted to order the dslr version.

WOW! That gorillapod looks awesome! How cool! People are so amazing in their inventions! I do not have a SLR so I can go with the one for 21.95 right?

 

[Jilly16]

I got a tripod for my kodak v603 on the kodak website when they were having a sale. I paid like 12.95 for it. it's collapsable and doesn't weigh much and folds out to be like 5 feet tall. It's great!

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Tips for Buying Tripods:

1. The less segments the firmer it's going to be
2. light weight usually means less firm = more vibration = more chance for dropping the camera and blurry pictures
3. check for the the max load of a tripod. For P&S make sure it's at least 25% stronger than your P&S weight. For dSLR make sure it's at least 50% stronger than your heaviest set up and I usually add another 50% strength for room to grow.

 

[KarenAylwood]

WOW! That gorillapod looks awesome! How cool! People are so amazing in their inventions! I do not have a SLR so I can go with the one for 21.95 right?

Well, I don't have an SLR either but my camera weighs over a pound, so I would have to go with the Gorillapod SLR. The regular one holds up to 335g (12.5 oz) and the SLR holds up to 1.1kg (2.5 lbs).

There are about thirty-some odd models of the Fuji Finepix you said you have, and they come in a huge range of sizes. Look at how much your camera weighs, and decide based on that.

 

[fitzperry]

For dSLR make sure it's at least 50% stronger than your heaviest set up and I usually add another 50% strength for room to grow.

That's good advice. The tabletop tripod I got for my dslr claims to accommodate the weight of my camera/lens combos plus a little bit more, but I find it to be rather unstable so I have to be very careful about where I use it (i.e., whether my children are anywhere in the vicinity ), which is why I'm in the market for something a little sturdier but still compact.

 

[miss missy]

Well, I don't have an SLR either but my camera weighs over a pound, so I would have to go with the Gorillapod SLR. The regular one holds up to 335g (12.5 oz) and the SLR holds up to 1.1kg (2.5 lbs).

There are about thirty-some odd models of the Fuji Finepix you said you have, and they come in a huge range of sizes. Look at how much your camera weighs, and decide based on that.

Sorry it is a A350 and weighs 132 g (4.7 oz) without battery, takes 2 AA

 

[pxlbarrel]

I just purchased (online) the dSLR Gorillapod. Hopefully it'll arrive soon!

 

[jann1033]

That's good advice. The tabletop tripod I got for my dslr claims to accommodate the weight of my camera/lens combos plus a little bit more, but I find it to be rather unstable so I have to be very careful about where I use it (i.e., whether my children are anywhere in the vicinity ), which is why I'm in the market for something a little sturdier but still compact.

since i'm in the a market for the same thing anything you have ruled out? ( talk about me being lazy, just figured i'd hitch a ride on your coattails and save myself some aggravation ) I think rebel with biggest lenswould hover too close to the gorillapod slr cut off if it's 2.5 lbs( camera is about 1 lb, lens 18 oz (28-135 IS), add oz here and there for batteries, card, filter. strap etc etc etc...maybe to close to cut off for comfort?)

 

[handicap18]

I bought this TRIPOD before my trip to WDW back in June. Worked great. Folded up it is 13 1/2 inches and fit perfectly in my backpack. It is very light. It was also JUST tall enough when fully open for the camera to compose a shot over the fences around the parks. This was great when there were no trashcans around.

I also have a pocket tripod similar to Dan's, though I think I might want to get another larger one for the dSLR.

 

[pxlbarrel]

since i'm in the a market for the same thing anything you have ruled out? ( talk about me being lazy, just figured i'd hitch a ride on your coattails and save myself some aggravation ) I think rebel with biggest lenswould hover too close to the gorillapod slr cut off if it's 2.5 lbs( camera is about 1 lb, lens 18 oz (28-135 IS), add oz here and there for batteries, card, filter. strap etc etc etc...maybe to close to cut off for comfort?)

I have a Rebel too. I'll let you know if it'll hold the rebel and my long lens. I hope it comes this week.

 

[fitzperry]

I just purchased (online) the dSLR Gorillapod. Hopefully it'll arrive soon!

You'll have to post a report and some pics!

 

[fitzperry]

since i'm in the a market for the same thing anything you have ruled out? ( talk about me being lazy, just figured i'd hitch a ride on your coattails and save myself some aggravation ) I think rebel with biggest lenswould hover too close to the gorillapod slr cut off if it's 2.5 lbs( camera is about 1 lb, lens 18 oz (28-135 IS), add oz here and there for batteries, card, filter. strap etc etc etc...maybe to close to cut off for comfort?)

It's not just laziness--I always seem to buy the wrong thing when left to my own devices .

This is the one I have http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...949&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation, and I find it to be kind of a pain to set up. It's also a challenge to get it level because the legs can move around so much, which is really the same reason it's not terribly stable. I was looking at the Ultrapod2, which someone here (sorry, I can't remember who) recommended--http://www.pedcopods.com/specsup2.htm. It looks sturdier to me, and I like the versatility of the velcro strap. It's also quite a bit cheaper than the gorrillapod ($18.95 on B&H), and I've spent far too much money this summer!

 

[jann1033]

I have a Rebel too. I'll let you know if it'll hold the rebel and my long lens. I hope it comes this week.

thanks!

has anyone ever used one of these clamp type ones? i did think that would be nice for the car( when we go to NC mts. hubby is always nervous if i get out...figures i'll walk off acliff due to always having eye on viewfinder ) but wondered how useful it would be a wdw since it only opens 1 1/2..might not be big enough for a fence rail?( can't think how wide they are )

http://www.pedcopods.com/specsulc.htm

think the table top one here looks nice but the gorilla pod looks more fun ..i'm so easily swayed by a good marketing technique ...

 

[miss missy]

Well I order the Gorillapod from Amazon! It looks fun!

 

[jann1033]

Well I order the Gorillapod from Amazon! It looks fun!

do you have a dslr? if so could you post how you like the gorillapod for it...

aww this is the life have everyone else do all the leg work/research while i just sit back and relax

 

[pisco]

The thing I am most curious about with the Gorrliapod is how compact is it when not extended? It looks like a lot of fun but I am running out of room in my bag.

 

[jann1033]

yeah i thought i had found the perfect for me bag 2 wks ago...now i can't fit even another filter in it (need to stay off ebay for one thing )