Tripod Questions

[fitzperry]

I have an el-cheapo tripod that we bought about 10 years ago when we got our first video camera, before I was really bitten by the photography bug. I've wanted to upgrade it for awhile, but then I keep reading threads on a certain other photography board which suggest that if you're not willing to drop in excess of $800 or $900 on one, you needn't bother. I'm not willing, so I haven't bothered.

My question is, will I notice any difference between my $25 aluminum tripod and something like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/602430-REG/Manfrotto_by_Bogen_Imaging_7302YB_4_SECTION_TRIPOD_w_BALL_HEAD.html or this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/447436-REG/Cullmann_CU_2600_2600_Universal_Tripod_with.html#specifications or this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/234289-REG/Slik_613_330_Pro_330DX_Tripod_with_3_Way.html#specifications? Or would this level of upgrade not be worth it?

I understand the price/stability/weight dilemma. These are all a little heavier than my current tripod, which weighs about 2 lbs. Stability is a bit of an issue--it seems my D300 even without a particularly heavy lens is pushing the limits for me now. These should be better in that regard, correct?

Also, has anyone used this? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/14703-REG/Cullmann_CU_2722_Magic_2_Tripod.html#specifications It folds up tiny, which is appealing to me. B&H doesn't specify the load capacity, but according to Cullman's website, it is 5.5 lbs, which should be adequate for me, at least until I can afford some bigger zoom lenses. My heaviest camera lens combo at the moment is less than 3.5 lbs. Or is it safer to allow more leeway in that regard?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[jann1033]

a couple yrs ago i bought one similar to this.http://www.adorama.com/GTMTL9371B.html ( my model is not quite the same but i think this maybe the closest they have now, mine was closer to $150) mainly cause some were so close to my camera and biggest lens wt, add a ball head and it was basically at it's limit. i just figured i would rather have it hold more than be top heavy and fall over. i had an old cheapo one that held about 5 lbs and it kept slipping and giving me a heart attack every time i used it...I just can't take that kind of stress i'm glad i bought it. the main drawback is it's heavy ( ie not carbon) but other than that i am glad i bought it. it comes with a case and strap and truthfully isn't that bad to lug, even if husband isn't with me and i am lugging it with my bag.

 

[boBQuincy]

...snip...I keep reading threads on a certain other photography board which suggest that if you're not willing to drop in excess of $800 or $900 on one, you needn't bother. I'm not willing, so I haven't bothered.

It's not quite that bad, although more $$$ often adds stability and reduces weight. Velbon's 640 and a comparable Slik can be good choices for about $500, including ballhead. One thing that helps the stability of the lighter tripods a lot is to hang your camera bag from them. Some come with a rock bag but why use that when we often have a heavy camera bag with us?

I would not go back to a pan head after using a ballhead. I do not like almost any of the quick release clamps/plates either, greatly preferring ReallyRightStuff's products.

 

[fitzperry]

Thanks for the suggestions!

Bob--what do you like so much better about RRS's plates & clamps?

Also, this may be a stupid question, but when you're looking at tripod legs and ballheads separately, how do you know what would work well together? I always see people say they some combination, but I have no idea what I'm doing in this regard.

 

[boBQuincy]

I have owned Velbon and Slik tripods and the quick releases on those never inspired confidence, they could be moved slightly (even when locked down tight) with only a little pressure. Worse, the QR did not hold the camera securely, especially in portrait orientation. No surprise, the 1/4-20 screw is not really meant to position the camera. Finally, the cork/rubber pad allowed the camera to move and rotate.

RRS clamps position the camera by their shape, only relying on the 1/4-20 screw to hold the camera clamp in place. They work well in any orientation and have no cork/rubber to introduce a flexible interface between the camera and clamp.

RRS QRs hold the clamp *very* securely, enough that I could not move it with any amount of force I could apply. They probably cost too much but keep the camera from moving, and that is worth it to me!

 

[YesDear]

While I use a different tripod, I agree with Bob about RRS clamps. I have used different clamps and quick releases and have had other clamps slip when I knew they were secure. With the QR clamp for really right stuff you always know if it is secure or not. The camera plate is designed for your specific camera and if you get the L bracket you can secure it in portrait or landscape without fear. The plates are marked with a centering mark to make sure they are centered and balanced.

I agree with Bob they may be over priced but I have never heard of someone that has used RRS and not liked it.

 

[Groucho]

Slik Pro is in a different league than Slik, BTW. The most impressive industrial-looking ballhead I've ever seen was an old Slik Pro one. I think you could have mounted the Eiffel Tower to the top of it and it wouldn't have wobbled!

I'm very pleased with just-over-$200 Slik Pro carbon fiber tripod, and more or less satisfied with my $50 Bogen ballhead. You certainly don't need to spend $800 or $900 unless 1) you're bonkers, 2) you're rich (that often goes hand-in-hand with #1), 3) you have some very very oddball need that only a hugely expensive tripod will fill, or 4) you typically shoot with Al Roker sitting on top of your camera! I could see the value in spending more than I spent - but there are definitely diminishing returns pretty quickly (just like with all photography equipment.)

(I also have a cheap Slik U5500 which is definitely consumer-grade stuff, completely not up to the task of a DSLR; you can't even remove the head!)

 

[tiggr33]

Before picking a tripod, I would determine what you want to use it for (other then stability). I know, that may sound like an odd question. Are you into nature photography? If so, do you shot alot on the beach to get birds/seascapes? Do you go to the waters edge to get a shot? If you put yourself into situation where you will be getting the legs dirty or wet, that is a completely different set of parameters then if you do studio work. I buy what I call "disposable" legs to use when it's easier to replace after a week of "dirty" shooting, then it is to clean the interior of the legs. Also do you want a travel tripod, or a full size? I own and use multiple tripods and heads, which I use and would suggest depends on the situation. But to answer your question, yes you will notice difference between the $20 unit and an $800 set up. But, I don't think you need to jump that far.

 

[JeffPoth]

I too have a tripod question. I apologize if this goes away from the main topic. I have a slik able 300 dx and two monopods one velbon with a small ball head and another with nothing. My question is on top of my slik there is no way to remove the head and attach another head. It can come off but it has a large cylinder that does not have any threads to attach another head. Basically what I am trying to do is get a head for the tripod and a head for the monopod that accept the same plate.

 

[fitzperry]

Before picking a tripod, I would determine what you want to use it for (other then stability). I know, that may sound like an odd question. Are you into nature photography? If so, do you shot alot on the beach to get birds/seascapes? Do you go to the waters edge to get a shot? If you put yourself into situation where you will be getting the legs dirty or wet, that is a completely different set of parameters then if you do studio work. I buy what I call "disposable" legs to use when it's easier to replace after a week of "dirty" shooting, then it is to clean the interior of the legs. Also do you want a travel tripod, or a full size? I own and use multiple tripods and heads, which I use and would suggest depends on the situation. But to answer your question, yes you will notice difference between the $20 unit and an $800 set up. But, I don't think you need to jump that far.

Actually, it doesn't seem an odd question at all. Part of my tripod problem is that I rarely use one because I don't have it with me when I'm on the beach, on a hike, etc. I want something very portable, yet with a Nikon D300 I need something fairly sturdy. That's why I was intrigued by this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/14703-REG/Cullmann_CU_2722_Magic_2_Tripod.html#specifications

It's relatively lightweight and folds up quite small--less than 14"--so it's more likely to be around when I need it, and it doesn't break the bank. I use a tripod more outdoors (including the beach) than inside, which is part of my hesitation in spending a fortune on one (the other being, I just can't afford it at the moment--stupid recession)

What do you consider "disposable legs"?

 

[jann1033]

i've seen mixed reviews of them but have you looked at the trek poles? or do you really need a tripod? could you use a monopod for most occasions and just use a heavier tripod( ie cheaper aluminum) for night shots etc? i have a ultralight( or some similar named ) bogen/manfrotto monopod i got from amazon($30ish) that i use mostly and just lug the tripod for things i really need it for( ie i think i want slow or low shots, night etc) which with is lenses in daytime isn't really all that often. i just attach it to my camera and it stays there, really don't even notice the extra weighthttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6CO

 

[fitzperry]

i've seen mixed reviews of them but have you looked at the trek poles? or do you really need a tripod? could you use a monopod for most occasions and just use a heavier tripod( ie cheaper aluminum) for night shots etc? i have a ultralight( or some similar named ) bogen/manfrotto monopod i got from amazon($30ish) that i use mostly and just lug the tripod for things i really need it for( ie i think i want slow or low shots, night etc) which with is lenses in daytime isn't really all that often. i just attach it to my camera and it stays there, really don't even notice the extra weighthttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009R6CO

The reviews I read are kind of what you'd expect--not as stable as a bigger, heavier tripod, but a couple of people said that they like it because it's the tripod that they actually take with them, which is pretty much what I was thinking. I'm not sure I'd get much use out of a monopod, but maybe I'm missing something. With the D300 I have no qualms about boosting ISO, which eliminates some of the situations when I'd have thought a monopod would be useful. I mostly want the tripod for fairly long exposures (sunset, etc.) and including myself in the occasional photo.

 

[tiggr33]

What do you consider "disposable legs"?

I pick up legs at garage sales, and on ebay. On ebay I buy off-brand items. They are still sturdy enough for what I need them to do, and I put one of my heads onto the legs. If I totally trash the legs, for example get into salt or brackish water with it or get sand all over and in it, I just toss the legs out after the trip. I'd rather ruin $20 tripod legs then those that cost hundreds of dollars.

 

[Todd_H]

This is the one I bought early last year
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html

It's a little on the heavy side, but not too bad. I mount my Canon 5Dmkii with battery grip and a 24-70 f/2.8 lens on it and have no stability problems whatsoever. IIRC, the legs and ball head were about $150.

I see now that this kit is no longer available through B&H, but maybe the ball head and tripod legs are sold separately.

 

[fitzperry]

I pick up legs at garage sales, and on ebay.

I never get good stuff at garage sales for the same reason I don't get sunrise photos.

I do check Craigslist for photo stuff several times a week. Tried to get a Nikkor 70-300 mm VR lens the other day for under $200, but I guess I was too late because the seller never contacted me (either that or he realized it was worth more if it was in decent condition).