MichelinMan

So, I need a tripod. I've discussed the topic with a couple people, but am having a hard time getting myself over the hump to spend $200 on one.

Any recommendations here? Something solid, can hold 10-15 lbs, but that won't break the bank?

SeattleVet

Check for the specials at B&H: B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders

Search for "Tripods", then select "specials". They have some really good deals going on.

This is the one I'd *love* to get my hands on (if it wasn't $400!). I played with one at Glazer's a couple of months ago. Nice, smooth, light, and packs up small.

Bogen / Manfrotto | 190MF4 Magfiber Carbon Fiber Tripod with

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WARNING: Do not look into laser beam with remaining eye!

You can see some of my images at http://seattlevet.smugmug.com

balut

http://www.pnwdp.com/hardware-review....html#post1787

cheap or free tripod here

Killermondodude

what the hell are you holding thats 10-15 lbs??

Robusto

hi def PrOn Moshun Pikture Camera????

LOL.

I picked up a inexpensive tripod at best buy, I think it was rated to 15 lbs. I will check when I am home.

MichelinMan

That's what was recommended to me. What's the typical weight needed to support? 5-10?

Bimjo

The advantage of using a tripod that'll support 10-15 lbs is that you can hang your camera bag (or whatever) off the center pole for added stability in less than optimal conditions (ie- wind).

The tripod itself will be heavier though, so you have to deal with that. Not something you want to hump very far.

MichelinMan

Ok. I'll look into getting one that supports less weight. I want to be able to take it riding with me.

I did a lot more research and looking at brands, and it seems a decent setup for a 7.7lb tripod is about $160. Still more than I was expecting, but I guess I'll end up just having to cough up the dough and deal with it.

Robusto

what brand at that price did you decide on?

MichelinMan

Haven't decided. Still like the looks of the MB tripods. They're $140-$160 it seems.

beansbaxter

I have the Manfrotto 3021 with the best Manfrotto head on it and I love it. I spent well over $200 on mine at the time - but my reasoning is I wont ever have to buy a tripod ever again. It's a one time purchase, and I can use it for anything (photography or video) and it's top notch quality, strong enough to support any lens I may ever get (300mm 2.8), and has some cool features too. I keep it in my car at all times, so if we ever meet up some day you can check it out.

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“The camera’s only job is to get out of the way of making photographs.”
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beansbaxter.com is my blog.

MichelinMan

Those legs are about $115. What head do you have on it?

balut

also a tip, get one with one of those liquid level with the tripod.
would also be better if you check em out yourself first rather than just jumping on em online. go to your local store if the price sucks go online.

stores wont have as much selection as ones online. but you'll be able to check out how smooth or durable they are first.

eric

Adorama has their own line of tripods now. Great price for what you get.

Tripods / Monopods / Accs

Killermondodude

heres one for ya but i think it might be overkill

MAX01 Meade MAX Robotic German Equatorial Mount, with AZ Pier (pier height to be specified at tme of order)

GSDUDE

The design team's credo was to "Design the last mount you will ever buy."
For 28K I would hope it's the last one I'd ever buy...

Slinking into the house after picking my new tripod from the FedEx guy at the front door...

Wife: What's that?
ME: Ummm eeerrrrrr, ummmm. Just new TriPod for the camera.... By the way, have you ever wondered what we'd do without the house.... We could rent an apartment and save SOooooooooooooooo much more money!

beansbaxter

The head is a Manfrotto 808RC4.

__________________
“The camera’s only job is to get out of the way of making photographs.”
-- Ken Rockwell

beansbaxter.com is my blog.

MotoPhotog

yeah tripods are spendy. Dont go cheap. I just about dropped my camera when shooting the moon. Was using it, had it down tight, and it just gave out on me. Had it tilted up at a 60 degree angle or so, and it was just too heavy for the tripod and the mount gave out and it just started sliding down fast; mount stripped. And that was just with the 70-200 and 2x TC on it. SO yeah, get a decent one, or dont get one at all IMO.

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SeattleVet

+1

A cheapo tripod will also ring like a bell when you release the shutter, vibrating and negating the idea of using it to keep the camera steady.

Little tip for people just staring out with a tripod: Extend the legs only as much as you need, starting with the upper (thicker) sections. Use the bottom (thinner) sections if you need to, but always go with the heavier ones first. The center column is usually the last thing to use; extend it as little as possible.

This will help to insure that you always have the most stable platform for your camera. When you are using a long lens or long exposure (which many times go hand-in-hand, as lens speed tends to decrease with focal length) this will make your shots as steady (and sharp - provided you have a decent lens and have focused properly) as they can be.

__________________
--
WARNING: Do not look into laser beam with remaining eye!

You can see some of my images at http://seattlevet.smugmug.com

MichelinMan

So I finally broke down and spend the money:

Bogen / Manfrotto | 055XPROB Tripod Legs (Black) with 488RC2




The legs:

055XPROB Tripod Legs (Black)

Maximum Height
70.3" (178.5 cm)

Maximum Height w/o Column Extended
55.9" (142 cm)

Minimum Height
3.9" (10 cm)

Folded Length
24" (61 cm)

Load Capacity
15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Leg Sections
3

Leg Lock Type
Flip levers

Independent Leg Spread
Yes

Center Column Sections
1

Center Column Type
Rapid sliding

Center Brace
No

Spiked Feet
No

Head Type
None

Head Mount Thread Size
3/8"

Weight
5 lbs (2.268 kg)

And the ball head:

488RC2 Midi Ball Head with Rapid Connect

Maximum Camera Supported
Medium format, 35mm or Digital SLR camera system

Load Capacity
17.6 lb (8 kg)

Height
4.25" (10.8 cm)

Quick Release
Yes

Spirit Level
No

Tension Control
No

Tripod Mount Thread Size
3/8"-16

Weight
1.5 lb (670 g)

Nathan V

^ is probably what I'll end up with I'm thinking. Sounds like it's a good solid tripod and if it stands to work for a few years it's worth it.

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MichelinMan

So I got a box from UPS today...

Motorcycle Man

So pretty ^

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All images shot using Olympus E500 Evolt, 8mp, kit lenses.

beansbaxter

Congrads!

__________________
“The camera’s only job is to get out of the way of making photographs.”
-- Ken Rockwell

beansbaxter.com is my blog.

MichelinMan

This tripod works like a CHAMP!

Sturdy, easy to stretch/compact, and the head is absolutely amazing.