New Tripod

[Groucho]

Mark: even at comparable capacities, some of the CF tripods weren't significantly lighter than the aluminum ones. Somewhere I have all the comparison charts I made up when I bought the Slik Pro but who knows where. I might add that info again if I ever get around to posting a proper review of it on my site.

Andrew, I've heard fairly good things about the Amvona tripods and ball heads, and did bid on them several times before eventually buying non-Amvona stuff - but their holster bag is absolute garbage. I do recall that their CF tripods were especially heavy compared to comparable ones from other makers.

I've been to WDW on Thanksgiving and just after, and it's not too bad afterwards in terms of crowd levels.

 

[boBQuincy]

Originally Posted by boBQuincy View Post
Maybe you can get some photos with the full moon over one of the park icons. I always think about it but am rarely there on the right days.

That is a great idea! I'll have to look closely before I compose my shots I guess. Would be great if it is right above the castle!

When I go out to "shoot the moon" I check online for what compass setting it will rise at how high it will be above the horizon at what time. That way I can line up the shot pretty closely before the time. It's surprising just how quickly the moon moves when it is low on the horizon.

For a rising moon it looks like somewhere in Liberty Square would work best with a long lens. For a setting moon, somewhere near Indy Speedway. Now I wish I was going to be at WDW around the 22nd this month!

 

[AndrewWG]

Mark: even at comparable capacities, some of the CF tripods weren't significantly lighter than the aluminum ones. Somewhere I have all the comparison charts I made up when I bought the Slik Pro but who knows where. I might add that info again if I ever get around to posting a proper review of it on my site.

Andrew, I've heard fairly good things about the Amvona tripods and ball heads, and did bid on them several times before eventually buying non-Amvona stuff - but their holster bag is absolute garbage. I do recall that their CF tripods were especially heavy compared to comparable ones from other makers.

I've been to WDW on Thanksgiving and just after, and it's not too bad afterwards in terms of crowd levels.

Yeah, they look good so I figured what the heck. The price is great and it WILL be a BIG upgrade from my Sunpak one. Unfortunately, I thought it was the CF but I'm not picky as long as it can hold the camera steady and it folds down well. I think it's folded length is something like 20.5". With the ball head, it would be (I think) about 3-4 inches longer, but I can always remove that, obviously. Hopefully, this fits in a locker.

 

[AndrewWG]

Originally Posted by boBQuincy View Post
Maybe you can get some photos with the full moon over one of the park icons. I always think about it but am rarely there on the right days.



When I go out to "shoot the moon" I check online for what compass setting it will rise at how high it will be above the horizon at what time. That way I can line up the shot pretty closely before the time. It's surprising just how quickly the moon moves when it is low on the horizon.

For a rising moon it looks like somewhere in Liberty Square would work best with a long lens. For a setting moon, somewhere near Indy Speedway. Now I wish I was going to be at WDW around the 22nd this month!

Wow, it hurts my head just thinking of how you figured that out! I'll take your word for it though! I wonder what the rising and setting times are? Do you know that? Is there a good site for this stuff? I'm sure there is one out there somewhere.

Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can do to take those pics. That will be a good challenge.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Even one pound saved at WDW feels like it's worth $1000 after a 12 hour day![/B]

I agree with that 100%!!! I just got a Carmagne also and I LOVE it. For the weight and sturdiness; and with the bag it's so easy to carry. Love it. And I was the one whining about how carrying 5lbs of tripod around the park was too much.

 

[boBQuincy]

Wow, it hurts my head just thinking of how you figured that out! I'll take your word for it though! I wonder what the rising and setting times are? Do you know that? Is there a good site for this stuff? I'm sure there is one out there somewhere.

Thanks for the info. I'll see what I can do to take those pics. That will be a good challenge.

There are a few good sites with moonrise information: the gold standard is:
http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneDay.php

My favorite program for plotting sun and moon information is:
http://home.comcast.net/~jonsachs/
Ephemeris

Ok, so I'm a NERD!!! So I carry a PocketPC, compass (or GPS) and a Craftsman laser level to calculate where to aim my camera for a moonrise. Doesn't everyone?
For WDW I check GoogleMaps to find where to stand, carry a tiny compass, and then wing it. Or photoshop the moon in later...

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

My favorite program for plotting sun and moon information is:
http://home.comcast.net/~jonsachs/
Ephemeris
For WDW I check GoogleMaps to find where to stand, carry a tiny compass, and then wing it. Or photoshop the moon in later...

Is there anything like the above for regular computers?