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Tripod?
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Jun 16, 2018 10:08:55   #
frjeff Loc: Mid-Michigan
 
Newb here shooting D5300.
Have a six week trip in Sept/Oct to Australia and New Zealand.
I am almost 74 and do not have the steadiest hands.
Have been convinced by UHH mentors that my current lens inventory is fine for my newbie ness (kit 18-55, 70-300VR and 35 f/1.8 prime).
But, I am wondering about a tripod purchase. Most of the landscape info I have read and YouTubed strongly suggests a tripod for this type of photography.
However, I am concerned about the significant travel (flights, autos, trains) and how best to lug around such a piece of equipment.

Thoughts, please on this matter (necessity, brands, models, etc.)

Reply
Jun 16, 2018 10:12:21   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Mefoto offers a number of different tripods and they are not outrageously expensive. https://www.mefoto.com/
--Bob

frjeff wrote:
Newb here shooting D5300.
Have a six week trip in Sept/Oct to Australia and New Zealand.
I am almost 74 and do not have the steadiest hands.
Have been convinced by UHH mentors that my current lens inventory is fine for my newbie ness (kit 18-55, 70-300VR and 35 f/1.8 prime).
But, I am wondering about a tripod purchase. Most of the landscape info I have read and YouTubed strongly suggests a tripod for this type of photography.
However, I am concerned about the significant travel (flights, autos, trains) and how best to lug around such a piece of equipment.

Thoughts, please on this matter (necessity, brands, models, etc.)
Newb here shooting D5300. br Have a six week trip ... (show quote)

Reply
Jun 16, 2018 10:32:10   #
PhotoKurtz Loc: Carterville, IL
 
A monopod would be better than nothing. Doubles as a walking stick.

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Jun 16, 2018 10:45:36   #
Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast
 
rmalarz wrote:
Mefoto offers a number of different tripods and they are not outrageously expensive. https://www.mefoto.com/
--Bob




BTW, I also carry a little 'Ultra-Pod' that can fit just about anywhere and its versatile

Reply
Jun 16, 2018 10:48:07   #
Meganephron Loc: Fort Worth, TX
 
frjeff wrote:
Newb here shooting D5300.
Have a six week trip in Sept/Oct to Australia and New Zealand.
I am almost 74 and do not have the steadiest hands.
Have been convinced by UHH mentors that my current lens inventory is fine for my newbie ness (kit 18-55, 70-300VR and 35 f/1.8 prime).
But, I am wondering about a tripod purchase. Most of the landscape info I have read and YouTubed strongly suggests a tripod for this type of photography.
However, I am concerned about the significant travel (flights, autos, trains) and how best to lug around such a piece of equipment.

Thoughts, please on this matter (necessity, brands, models, etc.)
Newb here shooting D5300. br Have a six week trip ... (show quote)


Most full size tripods come in a case and can be checked or carried on. I usually check mine because of carry on limit (2 in US, 1 on many international carriers). Been all over the world and never lost it. The camera stays with me. Some camera cases have a place for a compact to be attached

Strongly recommend a carbon fiber tripod for weight and sturdiness. Compact version are fine and fit in suitcases (would not check separately), but make sure it is sturdy and has a hook to add weight on the bottom of the stem. Compacts some time need a little extra weight. In any case don’t scrimp on a tripod. You are putting thousands of dollars on it

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Jun 16, 2018 10:49:06   #
bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA
 
For travel I like using either a Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini or a Joby GorillaPod. I can never decide which I like best. The GorillaPod is lighter and can grab things. The PIXI has an engineered feel and is less geeky looking. I don't take a "real" tripod. I think they interfere with the travel experience.

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Jun 16, 2018 11:03:39   #
TBerwick Loc: Houston, Texas
 
A good monopod with a ball head, or some mount that allows both landscape & portrait orientation, would be ideal. Very easy to transport and would give you steady support on any shot that is longer than maybe 1/15 second.

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Jun 16, 2018 12:24:15   #
Meganephron Loc: Fort Worth, TX
 
TBerwick wrote:
A good monopod with a ball head, or some mount that allows both landscape & portrait orientation, would be ideal. Very easy to transport and would give you steady support on any shot that is longer than maybe 1/15 second.


I find monopods to be very unstable and often require a second brace point which may not always be available. Although a monopod with a quick release ball can be a walking stick.

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Jun 16, 2018 12:29:58   #
Meganephron Loc: Fort Worth, TX
 
bsprague wrote:
For travel I like using either a Manfrotto PIXI EVO Mini or a Joby GorillaPod. I can never decide which I like best. The GorillaPod is lighter and can grab things. The PIXI has an engineered feel and is less geeky looking. I don't take a "real" tripod. I think they interfere with the travel experience.


Neither the Pixi or Gorillapod is recommended for the size of your equipment. A compact carbon fiber tripod weighs 3.5 lbs and fits in a backpack

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Jun 16, 2018 13:29:20   #
Joe Blow
 
My suggestion is to visit a camera store and see their selection. Feel their weight and get an idea of how they collapse and carry. While most good stores will carry a good selection, they can also give you ideas on what you need and even order one for you.

Besides the tripod, you will also want the head and Arca-Swiss base if needed.

And I also recommend a hook to add weight when required. I usually use my camera bag which makes a huge difference in stability.

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Jun 16, 2018 14:12:51   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
frjeff wrote:
Newb here shooting D5300.
Have a six week trip in Sept/Oct to Australia and New Zealand.
I am almost 74 and do not have the steadiest hands.
Have been convinced by UHH mentors that my current lens inventory is fine for my newbie ness (kit 18-55, 70-300VR and 35 f/1.8 prime).
But, I am wondering about a tripod purchase. Most of the landscape info I have read and YouTubed strongly suggests a tripod for this type of photography.
However, I am concerned about the significant travel (flights, autos, trains) and how best to lug around such a piece of equipment.

Thoughts, please on this matter (necessity, brands, models, etc.)
Newb here shooting D5300. br Have a six week trip ... (show quote)


When it comes to tripods, you pay for what you get, and you don't get what you don't pay for.

I use a Feisol CT-3442, which at $420 is not cheap, but it certainly bridges the gap between garbage and outstanding in every way possible. The garbage will generally only add to the cost of the decent tripod you will end up with, but if you decide to get outstanding, it will be the last tripod you'll buy.

The Feisol weighs 2.3 lbs, supports 55lbs (not that it really matters), and it fits in an overhead compartment-sized carry on bag. I have field tested mine as good and stable with up to a 300mm lens. If you go longer you do risk camera movement ruining some shots. It would be the lightest duty tripod I would suggest given your gear. I do not suggest you get a lightweight tripod with a center column, which will only reduce stability.

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Jun 16, 2018 14:36:16   #
MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama
 
As Blaster24 stated, the little Ultrapod is the handiest and most versatile piece of equipment I own... throw it in your suitcase, use it as a small tabletop tripod or use the velcro straps to attach it to vertical or horizontal posts . One stays in my camera bag.

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Jun 16, 2018 15:17:02   #
Ricopix
 
I've had a lot of different brands of tripods, some highly recommended and expensive and traveled with them a lot. Some basic suggestions that I can offer from experience. For travel on trains, planes etc. .... measure your bag, backpack, whatever your main travel container is and buy a tripod that will fit in it. Checking it separately just gives you extra worries. Go with a good ball head for your pod. Easy to use, more versatile and pack better without handles jutting out in all directions. One last suggestion would be lever lock legs as opposed to threaded. Threads are hard to clean (sand, dirt, grit ) and can cause problems. Spent a week camping and photographing on the beach and took great pains to avoid such a problem and it happened anyway.
In addition, for that same trip to the islands I made a pvc tripod case with carrying strap to protect it from the sand and salt water. Got the idea from plumbers and surveyors who carry a lot of stuff on the roof racks. They even make quick release, waterproof end caps for pvc piping. It worked so well I took it to Europe with me and checked it with my bags.
This was the early model I made with screw in end cap. Long story short, customs didn't like it, I couldn't speak French, he couldn't speak English .....! Just stick it your bags if you can and avoid the hassle.

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Jun 16, 2018 16:42:17   #
kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS
 
While I have sort of a 'love' affair with tripods....I own and use close to a dozen, different sizes, styles, etc....I have a great 'work-around' for those times when it's not real feasible to lug around a standard tripod...even a monopod can be a bother at times. Now, this 'tip' pretty much applies to those of us who use soft-sided camera bags...in my case, I've been a long time user of Domke models. They are made of a heavy duty canvas, but still pretty flexible. SO...when I need some stable camera support for a time exposure or a longer lens, what I do is to employ my camera bag as a super sized BeanBag…! I can nearly always find a flat surface such as a car fender or hood, a wooden fence, a tree stump, a nice rock...and, of course, the ground is nearly always available...! After placing my bag in the approximate position, I form a bend...or 'valley' in the top flap and cradle my camera there... It takes but a few seconds to get it aimed correctly...shooting a frame or two can verify that it is positioned accurately...and then, I'm in business..!!

If you don't use a softer camera bag, a rolled up jacket, hat or towel can work just as well. And NO, I did not get permission from Manfrotto, Giottos, etc. to suggest this FREE hint...! Depending on how stable your 'rigging' ends up, you might want to use the 'self-timer' to get a smooth release....

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Jun 16, 2018 16:49:07   #
kskarma Loc: Topeka, KS
 
MrBob wrote:
As Blaster24 stated, the little Ultrapod is the handiest and most versatile piece of equipment I own... throw it in your suitcase, use it as a small tabletop tripod or use the velcro straps to attach it to vertical or horizontal posts . One stays in my camera bag.



Totally agree...these compact devices really give a lot of "bang for the buck"...they are small, light, fairly sturdy and best of all, pretty inexpensive. Be aware that there are two sizes...the Ultrapod I and the Ultrapod II. The smaller one...(I) is about 5 inches long folded and the (II) model is around 7" in length. Prices are from $12-$25...depending on your source.

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