Nikon D3000

[TEK224]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the Pentax camera also.

 

[photo_chick]

Just for comparison sake, since the Canon T2i was brought up... I'd put the Nikon D3000 on par with the Canon Rebel XS in terms of performance and features. The Canon T2i would be a couple of steps up, which is why it costs more.


Before you go shop you need to decide what features are important for you and how much you have to spend. Don't forget to plan for any additional lenses and extras you might want. That should narrow down your list to a few. Then go to the store and play with them... see which one feels right and go with it.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'd back up what Danielle said...it's best to get out there and handle the cameras to see which feels best in your hand. I personally wouldn't rule out any brand of DSLR - I just don't see any reason to limit your choices as they are all quite good and capable, and you never know if there's one out there that just fits you like a glove if you only look at one or two brands. Check out Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, and Olympus. All have solid entry-level models, and some decent up-spec models too. And when it comes to high ISO/low light ability, most of the newer batch from all the manufacturers are truly excellent and very very close to eachother - the Canon T2, Nikon D5000, Sony A500/A550, and Pentax KX. Check out sale prices too, some are pretty inexpensive now. Ech has their own stand-out features or abilities, and all are a bit different ergnomically - which is why handling them is best.

 

[Gdad]

I am looking for a new Carbon Fiber Tripod and pretty much settled on the Benro C-258. It comes with either Twist or Flip-Lock legs- I was wondering if anyone had any good or bad experiences with either type of latching mechanism. This is for field work so I will be opening/closing it on the go. My first inclination was for Flip-Locks just because I can visibly see they are safely latched. Any thoughts?

or

 

[annnewjerz]

I have a Benro tripod (although not CF) and it has the twisting legs, not the flip-locks. I've never had a problem with the twisting legs not being locked when I've set it up because I always make sure to screw them on really tightly. For me, the twisting legs have worked perfectly and set-up/break-down is always quick and easy.

The only problem I've had, if you even want to call it that, is a piece of sand that's stuck in one of the legs. It doesn't cause any trouble using the legs but I can definitely hear it crunching every now and then when I use it. Not sure if that's a twist v. flip-lock problem, or just a universal problem with taking your tripod on the beach.

 

[Code]

I had a Benro Travel Angel tripod with 5-section twist lock legs, and I think I would rather have had flip lock. Sure you can loosen/tighten them all at once, but I found I almost always had one or two sections that I didn't get quite tight enough and would have to go back and retighten. Probably just user error.

 

[C&B Young]

I don't have a Benro, but have tripods with both the twist and flip locks. My preference is definitely for the flip. Like Code said, it seems I always end up with legs that aren't fully extended/tight with the twist locks.

 

[Gdad]

Thanks for the feedback all- I ordered the flip style.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I've never used a Benro, but I've heard good things about them. I prefer twist locks over flip locks. They are slightly quicker to use because you can release or tighten an entire legs worth in one twist, but when I had a flip lock tripod I never felt like I was spending too much time setting up or taking down. The bigger factor to me is that the flips stick out. That causes them to catch on stuff as I slide my tripod in and out of my trunk, bag, etc. It also makes them less comfortable to hold, especially when carrying a tripod loaded with a heavily configured camera. That reminds me, I need to order foam pads for the upper section of my tripod. My shoulder was pretty sore by the end of my shoot on Sunday.

The only problem I've had, if you even want to call it that, is a piece of sand that's stuck in one of the legs. It doesn't cause any trouble using the legs but I can definitely hear it crunching every now and then when I use it. Not sure if that's a twist v. flip-lock problem, or just a universal problem with taking your tripod on the beach.

The twist locks on my tripods are very easy to field service. When I get home from the beach and I have any grinding, I reverse twist the locks until the twister part unscrews from the threads. Then I wipe the threads down with a damp cloth or paper towel. Then I screw the whole thing back together.

When you set up in sand, muck, or anything else that might not be good for your tripods locks, make sure that you extend the lowest section first. That gets the joints up out of the sand/muck and makes it less likely that they'll get messed up. If you are in really nasty areas (like swampy ground), bring a rag so that you can wipe down your legs before you close them up.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'm more a fan of the flip locks myself...not so much for making adjustments when set up, or for secureness - I've had both varieties and didn't see much difference in how fast I could make adjustments to either. But the biggest reason I like the fliplocks is for takedown - I find them very much faster than twist legs, as flipping the latches all at once, then inverting the tripod and letting gravity pull them all down, takes no more than 3-5 seconds, and can be done on-the-move - latching all 3 sets of flips on each leg when compacted can be done in a single motion. Personal preferences!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'm more a fan of the flip locks myself...not so much for making adjustments when set up, or for secureness - I've had both varieties and didn't see much difference in how fast I could make adjustments to either. But the biggest reason I like the fliplocks is for takedown - I find them very much faster than twist legs, as flipping the latches all at once, then inverting the tripod and letting gravity pull them all down, takes no more than 3-5 seconds, and can be done on-the-move - latching all 3 sets of flips on each leg when compacted can be done in a single motion. Personal preferences!

Interesting. That's one of the reasons why I've preferred twist locks. I suspect that we are each unused to well design versions of the others preferences. Here is a photo of a model similar to my old (bought decades ago) Bogen 3021's flip locks:

You couldn't quick flip them all at once. Those little hooks snagged on everything.

At the start of this RRS Tripod Tips video, you can see how easy it is to work good twist locks. The photo that GDad posted and your comment makes me think that the two are pretty darned equivalent now. I still think that the twist locks have an edge on field serviceability since they can be disassembled and reassembled without tools, but that's a pretty small nit.

For me, it is a non-choice. My preferred tripod brands (Gitzo and RRS) appear to only offer twist locks.

 

[Gdad]

Mark- that one looks more like my first Manfrotto which had what they called "Wing Nuts" which were the worst of all.

 

[Groucho]

I think the flip locks that every is talking about are ones that rotate parallel to the leg, not perpendicular. I have the twist-locks on my Slik Pro carbon-fiber (which I love and highly recommend to those looking for a CF tripod) and that's the only thing that I don't love about it - I have flip locks on one or two supercheap tripods and they're just so fast.

I do have Mark's style of latch on my Manfrotto monopod. They're OK but a little clunky in everyday use.

 

[zackiedawg]

The wingnut style flip locks I could see getting hung up on things, and not being easy to flip out as conveniently...those type I probably wouldn't like. I also have a Slik tripod - mine's the Sprint Pro EZ (no CF for me...just aluminum):

As you can see, when compacted, all the flips lie pretty flush, and all sit right next to eachother in alignment - so when you want to open it up, you can literally pop all 3 locks on each leg together and let gravity open it - then flip the locks closed in tiers before extending the legs open. Takes literally a few seconds to open the pod. Closing is much the same - pull the extended legs together, pop the fliplocks on each tier, then invert the tripod and gravity drops all the legs closed - the locks all end up stacked together on each leg where I can close all 9 locks simultaneously by wrapping my hand around them and squeezing. It's truly the fastest and most convenient thing in the world for me. I've had the twists - they are fine, and stable, and we're only talking about a few extra seconds...but I just find the flips more convenient, and as Mark said, I'm likely just more used to them too - familiarity is a big factor in what you like to use!

 

[Gdad]

It came today and I have to say this tripod is sweet.

This is my first CF and I can't believe how light and yet sturdy it feels. I see MK is open until 3am Saturday night- a little outing might be mandatory.


It may be time... by ~Life by the Drop~, on Flickr

 

[annnewjerz]

I see MK is open until 3am Saturday night- a little outing might be mandatory.

Obviously, I am jealous of your gear. That being said, I am more jealous of the fact that you can see the MK is open until 3am and head down without much, if any, advance planning. Ugh! Glad to hear you like the tripod and very very interested to see what you bring back with the 8mm end of that lens.

 

[Groucho]

It came today and I have to say this tripod is sweet.

This is my first CF and I can't believe how light and yet sturdy it feels. I see MK is open until 3am Saturday night- a little outing might be mandatory

Congrats! Looks very nice. Which ballhead is that? I should probably upgrade mine at some point - mine's the 484RC2 which is fine but not by much, especially when I'm using my ancient 300mm.

I didn't realize you hadn't used CF before - I should have brought mine in to the Disboards Photo Summit 2010.

Did they only put padding on a single leg, or am I missing something?

 

[Gdad]

Obviously, I am jealous of your gear. That being said, I am more jealous of the fact that you can see the MK is open until 3am and head down without much, if any, advance planning. Ugh! Glad to hear you like the tripod and very very interested to see what you bring back with the 8mm end of that lens.

Until I get a DX camera I'll have to keep it from 14-16mm, otherwise it doesn't cover the sensor.

Congrats! Looks very nice. Which ballhead is that? I should probably upgrade mine at some point - mine's the 484RC2 which is fine but not by much, especially when I'm using my ancient 300mm.

I didn't realize you hadn't used CF before - I should have brought mine in to the Disboards Photo Summit 2010.

Did they only put padding on a single leg, or am I missing something?

Ballhead is a Manfrotto 486RC2- and yes there is padding on one leg only- the aluminum tripod I just sold had it on two legs- I have no idea why.

 

[Raindown]

I had a Benro Travel Angel tripod with 5-section twist lock legs, and I think I would rather have had flip lock. Sure you can loosen/tighten them all at once, but I found I almost always had one or two sections that I didn't get quite tight enough and would have to go back and retighten. Probably just user error.

I too have a Benro Travel Angel and have the same experience. However, it is the only Tripod I have found that is compact and stable when setup. It is dang good, but flips would make setup and break down easier. It becomes more of a factor moving from location to location in one night.

 

[SharonLovesMickey]

Anyone taken a tripod to the World? Have you been hassled or is it not a big deal?