Looking for a Tripod.
Apr 14, 2017 10:27:33 #
Big_D_49
Loc: Riverside, c
I'm getting back into photography at 68. I live on my social security income so I can't afford the most expensive or the best, but I'm looking for something that can do a good job. Most of my photography has to be accessible by power chair. So I'm not looking for something that is for landscape out in the woods or fields. More like car shows, air show and local events. Since I travel mostly by public transportation or my power chair I need something that's not to large or cumbersome. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Apr 14, 2017 10:35:38 #
I am also in the market for the same. We are about the same age..:)
I have read great things about the Vanguard Alta Pro 263 with ball head. It retails for under $200 all over
I have read great things about the Vanguard Alta Pro 263 with ball head. It retails for under $200 all over
Apr 14, 2017 10:36:32 #
Apr 15, 2017 04:07:05 #
Big_D_49
Loc: Riverside, c
I will be using my new Panasonic Lumix G7 with the small lens that was on it and an additional 100-300mm zoom. As I said size is a concern being handicapped and the need of a power chair to get around. I don't have a lot of room to carry camera, lens and tripod. That also brings up my next issue, camera bag. My thinking on my decision to buy tripod first is that being able to have a camera held still might be of more concern than a bag at this time. Maybe I'm wrong, but let's get the better pictures first. I can transport my equipment safely without a bag for awhile.
Apr 15, 2017 04:11:51 #
Big_D_49
Loc: Riverside, c
Thanks for the info I will be sure to check this out. Glad to hear that I'm not the only old guy to get back into photography this late in life. I hope we both get to enjoy our passion/hobby for a long time to come.
Apr 15, 2017 06:09:43 #
You may want to consider a mount that clamps to your chair, like a car window mount. Some sporting good stores have them for mounting spotting scopes. Also, consider a mono-pod. You can get some great steady holds with them. I'm also in a wheelchair. I depend on Fast Lenses. 2.8 seems to work. Even with my Parkinsons I get some good shots hand held.
Apr 15, 2017 06:20:00 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Big_D_49 wrote:
I'm getting back into photography at 68. I live on... (show quote)
You need to go to a camera store with your camera and put your camera on some tripods. It is the ONLY way it will works.
Apr 15, 2017 07:07:42 #
Big_D_49
Loc: Riverside, c
Billnikon, I've thought about that and we only have one camera story in the whole town. And it's not a small town, Riverside, CA. They sold me my camera and they are very helpful. I could probably get them to let me take it out for a day or 2. You know you are probably right it's just a little bit of a logistics problem. Getting there and returning in my power chair. But it's probably the best method of getting something that I really like and works the best for me.
Thanks for responding.
Thanks for responding.
Apr 15, 2017 07:20:45 #
Big_D_49
Loc: Riverside, c
Azshooter, what a great idea to mound something to the chair I would never have though of that. I wonder how easy that would be, or difficult it would be.
I will have to do some research on it, thanks for a great idea.
I will have to do some research on it, thanks for a great idea.
Apr 15, 2017 07:35:13 #
I am wondering if spreading tripod legs may be awkward from a power chair. I have the Vanguard mentioned above, it is not massively heavy but it is quite chunky to carry around and manipulate if your movement is restricted. There are monopods which have 3 small collapsible legs at their base which might be easier to manipulate. I have just looked on Amazon where they have a selection of these and they also sell the bottom part which you can add to an ordinary monopod. I have never handled one but it might be something to look at as a compromise and they don't seem to be expensive. Other members may have some experience of these.
Apr 15, 2017 07:42:15 #
I was thinking the same thing as AzShooter a monopod but perhaps a monopod with feet for better stabilization. A good one is the Sirui SUP204SR matched with a Sirui L-20S 2-Way Pan/Tilt Head. This combination will give you a good stable platform with a lot of flexibility but not be as cumbersome as a full tripod.
Apr 15, 2017 07:51:06 #
Big_D_49 wrote:
I'm getting back into photography at 68. I live on... (show quote)
I like the Vanguard tripods - reasonably priced and durable. I have the discontinued Tracker 4. Three leg segments is the standard. More segments let the tripos fold smaller, but they decrease the steadiness a bit.
http://www.vanguardworld.us/photo_video_us/products/tripods.html
Apr 15, 2017 08:05:25 #
Two options come to mind. A Manfrotto BeFree tripod would be more than adequate for a G7. It's light, and folds up into a tiny bag. I'd think this would be an important consideration. The other suggestion would be a Varizoom Chickenfoot. It's a monopod with a small claw foot. It'll actually stand on its own with my G7 on it. The carbon fiber version is nice and light too. You can get it with a video head (Chickenhead) or just get the monopod and put a ball head or a grip head on it.
Apr 15, 2017 08:11:23 #
Apr 15, 2017 10:30:39 #
I would seriously look into using a monopod. Small, lightweight, easy to set up. You could have it set on the base of your "ride" for ultimate control.
For cost considerations try Craig's list. I got mine (a Manfrotto model over $149 new) off Craig's list for $45.
For cost considerations try Craig's list. I got mine (a Manfrotto model over $149 new) off Craig's list for $45.
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