Tripod ?

[Villainess]

I am looking to purchase a tripod for my XTi - I have the kit lens, Tamron 28-80 and 75-300. We're headed down to the world at the end of April and I won't be going w/o a tripod (and remote-thingy)! I've been reading articles but I'm getting confused - I'm learning photography as I go, hence the very technical 'remote thingy' terminology used! The tripod would be used mostly if not exclusively for fireworks, nighttime, Spectro. I would prefer not to spend more than $375 if possible. Suggestions/Recommendations, please?

Thank you so much!!!!!!!

 

[Master Mason]

I have a slik 714 carbon fiber tripod, with a monfrotto 488 mini ball head, it came in at under your price range. It is very sturdy and holds my 40d with a 70-200 f/2.8 lens with no problems whatsoever. It fits in the big lockers at WDW easily and in the small size I had to remove the ball head, which isn't a big deal as it just screws on. I got it from B&H.

 

[AydensMom]

That's a pretty fair budget for a tripod. You should have your choice of just about any quality unit below that figure. Just avoid the cheap knock-off junk that starts out $50 cheaper but when it breaks in a year your initial savings are shot. Think Manfrotto, Gitzo, Arca Swiss. Even those companies low end models wil last an amateur a lifetime. I would realy look for a nice leveling system too for those fireworks and castle pics.

Pat.

 

[Groucho]

$375 is plenty.

I have the Slik Pro 713 CF II w/Monfrotto 486 ball head. Pretty similar to MM's setup but the 713 has three leg sections... so it's a little longer but theoretically a tad sturdier (probably barely noticable in the real world) and quicker to set up. I am very happy with it, the only thing I'd prefer is if it had flip locks for the legs rather that twist (ie, you twist the locks until they're tight.) Anyway, the tripod was about $210 (off eBay, I didn't feel like paying tax so didn't buy from Adorama or B&H) and the ball head was about $55 at the local college's photo shop.

I did a lot of research and the Slik was in my own personal "sweet spot", combination of features, height (I'm fairly tall), sturdiness, and price. Nothing else really even competed. The closest would be a Monfrotto aluminum one (BN series, IIRC), but it was heavier.

 

[boBQuincy]

Velbon's 640 carbon leg set is about equivalent to Slik's 614 and with a moderate ballhead it should take care of your budget.

One of the critical interfaces is the plate that screws to the camera. Most are not too good, Really Right Stuff makes excellent ones (but for $$$).

 

[YesDear]

I you are adventurous try out the Benro models. They are made in China and you can get some great deals on carbon fiber ones. Try B&H. I have one and love it. All the others mentioned are good as well. Try ebay as well. You can find some good deals. I have the first tripod I ever purchased 30 yrs ago and it still works great.

 

[cmwade77]

In addition to a regular tripod I highly recommend getting the groilla-pod (the slr model). I have the smaller one for my point & shoot and it is great for many rides, it can wrap around just about anything. It doesn't replace a tripod, but it is great where using a regular tripod just isn't pratical or isn't allowed (which is more places than you might think at Disney, did you know you are not allowed to use a tripod or monopod at any show? They also can (but usually don't) limit the lenses that you are allowed to use at the shows, due to contracts with the performers. Now, the grolliapod is allowed at all shows if you can find something to wrap it on (the tripod is considered professional equipment, the grolliapod is not or so I have been told by various CMs at Disneyland, I would assume that the same holds true for Disney World)

 

[Villainess]

In addition to a regular tripod I highly recommend getting the groilla-pod (the slr model). I have the smaller one for my point & shoot and it is great for many rides, it can wrap around just about anything. It doesn't replace a tripod, but it is great where using a regular tripod just isn't pratical or isn't allowed (which is more places than you might think at Disney, did you know you are not allowed to use a tripod or monopod at any show? They also can (but usually don't) limit the lenses that you are allowed to use at the shows, due to contracts with the performers. Now, the grolliapod is allowed at all shows if you can find something to wrap it on (the tripod is considered professional equipment, the grolliapod is not or so I have been told by various CMs at Disneyland, I would assume that the same holds true for Disney World)

I have a gorillapod SLR that my sister gave me for Xmas. I plan to bring that as well but determined that a tripod was also necessary after my not so great pics of the lunar eclipse last month. I figured that tripods couldn't be used during shows (but thank you for verifying!)

Thank you all for your suggestions - I've found these that I am looking at in addition to yours!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272780-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC4_488RC4_Midi_Ball_Head.html w/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278491-REG/Slik_615_793_Pro_713_Carbon_Fiber.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/439929-REG/Slik_615_714_Pro_714_CF_II.html

 

[handicap18]

WOW thats a good deal of money to spend on a tripod. You'll definately get something real good if you research properly.

I spent $225 on my set up. Bogen Manfrotto 055XB Classic Tripod and Bogen-Manfrotto 484RC2 Mini Ball Head. My budget was VERY tight and I actually went over it a bit. If I had the extra money I would have gone with the Bogen Manfrotto 055XBPRO Tripod (extends a little longer than the 055XB) and the Bogen-Manfrotto 486RC2 Compact Ball Head or the Bogen-Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball Head. Each can hold more weight and in the end are sturdier.

That being said, the set up I did go with can hold up to 8.8lbs, which for my current setup and most likely any future setups, is more than plenty. If anything, in the future I would upgrade the tripod so that it can extend even higher than it currently does (which is about 71").

I also bought for it a tripod carrying case. Makes a world of difference when taking the tripod out on shoots. I got the HAKUBA USA INC PSTC100 Tripod Case (from amazon.com). Fits my current set up with the ball head attached to the tripod. Though if I had gone with the bigger tripod, I would probably have to take the ball head off to fit it in the case or gotten a bigger more expensive case.

 

[Master Mason]

Pretty similar to MM's setup but the 713 has three leg sections... so it's a little longer but theoretically a tad sturdier (probably barely noticable in the real world) and quicker to set up.

Actually I went and looked at these again, and was supprised to see that the 714 is actually rated for more weight than the 713. Kind of suprised me after you said this. That said, I chose the 4 section because it was more compact. I too have been very happy with it.

However after taking a look at the ball head that Mark B uses, I am thinking I could do much better than the one I have, but it works just fine and I have a few other things I want to get before that gets to my budget radar.

 

[tinkergrumpybuns]

I have a gorillapod SLR that my sister gave me for Xmas. I plan to bring that as well but determined that a tripod was also necessary after my not so great pics of the lunar eclipse last month. I figured that tripods couldn't be used during shows (but thank you for verifying!)

Thank you all for your suggestions - I've found these that I am looking at in addition to yours!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/496266-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__190XDB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/505863-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto__055XPROB_Tripod_Legs_Black_.html
this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272780-REG/Bogen_Manfrotto_488RC4_488RC4_Midi_Ball_Head.html w/ http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/278491-REG/Slik_615_793_Pro_713_Carbon_Fiber.html or http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/439929-REG/Slik_615_714_Pro_714_CF_II.html

HI , I've been thinking of a gorilla pod or , I just saw another gadget that is more like a "hockey puck" with some sort of "sand" in it with a screw to hold the camera. Seems, like it might be a good thing if you had a rock or trash can, but no good if you only have a railing to use.
I have a very small camera bag, lowepro edit 100, how do you carry you gorilla pod around? My camera is a canon powershot g7
thanks

 

[kmp1191]

I'm currently using a Manfrotto 3021BRO w/ a 488RC4 ball head. LOVE IT...but it's kinda heavy, so I don't know how that would do for hauling around Disney. My first tripod I got off of e-bay (Bogen 3001). Got it for $85.00 about 4 yrs ago. Check around....you can find SOME good things there.

Good luck!
marie