Tripod for D750 night sky?
Apr 30, 2020 14:49:52 #
Hello. Been shooting on older D7100 and 17-55mm DX, but my hand-me-down tripod w/ ball head is not steady enough for night sky photography. Want to shoot on my D750 and am getting the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED next month. I am still an enthusiast and need advice on a tripod and ball head that won’t break the bank. Aluminum is fine if it’s built well and solid. The cold is not a factor being in the South. I prefer twist locks and haven’t ruled out carbon fiber. Time to upgrade. Thanks for any and all suggestions.
Apr 30, 2020 15:00:57 #
Hi Greer, b4 I had my present tripod I used my old wimbly-wambly one without extending the legs. I also hung a brick from the hook and let half of the brick touch the ground for added stability. Pita but it got the job done.
I use a Feisol ct 3472 nowadays.
Good luck and have fun.
I use a Feisol ct 3472 nowadays.
Good luck and have fun.
Apr 30, 2020 16:08:38 #
Greer wrote:
Hello. Been shooting on older D7100 and 17-55mm DX... (show quote)
Hi Greer,
I have two tripods. One I use for plane travel and the other load into car travel. In which case are you looking for? Do you have a maximum Budget?
Best,
Stan
Apr 30, 2020 16:43:14 #
Apr 30, 2020 17:22:13 #
Greer wrote:
Hello. Been shooting on older D7100 and 17-55mm DX... (show quote)
Second vote on the CT-3472. I bought mine before it was being delivered in 2006. It has been my trusty companion those times that I need a tripod - night sky, waterfalls, etc. Get a good head to go with it. Beware of using a heavy weight on a lighter-weight tripod - between the weight, camera, lens and head you'll not want to exceed the safe load rating.
Carbon fiber totally blows away most metal tripods, especially at the lower end.
Apr 30, 2020 18:17:42 #
PixelStan77 wrote:
Hi Greer,
I have two tripods. One I use for plane travel and the other load into car travel. In which case are you looking for? Do you have a maximum Budget?
Best,
Stan
I have two tripods. One I use for plane travel and the other load into car travel. In which case are you looking for? Do you have a maximum Budget?
Best,
Stan
I live on a golf course where I do a lot of photography. Also State Park 9 miles. No plane travel. I’m thinking ~$400 both legs and head.
Apr 30, 2020 19:46:45 #
Looking at feisol CT-3442 tripod and CB-40D ball head. Then if I want I might add tracker later. Thanks to all for the heads up.
Apr 30, 2020 20:08:55 #
Greer wrote:
Have looked at Induro CLT204 Stealth Carbon Fiber Tripod 2 series. About $399. Now, I’ll have only $200 or so for ball head. Any suggestions there? Not ready to price a tracker any time soon but not ruling it out. Want tripod and head able to handle one.
The Indoor CLT 204 is a great tripod. Has great load capacity. I would mate it with a Gimbal Head.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1458852-REG/magnus_gh_m1_gimbal_head.html
May 1, 2020 07:22:20 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Greer wrote:
Hello. Been shooting on older D7100 and 17-55mm DX... (show quote)
TOO many to suggest, literally hundreds of suggestions I can give you.
My tripod advice is always the same:
Buying a tripod is like buying shoes, there are hundreds of shoes out there, but only a few will fit you perfectly. When buying shoes it is always best to TRY THEM ON before buying.
Same with a tripod, yes, this accessory is worth a drive to a brick and mortar store.
I remember years ago while visiting my son in NYC I stopped at B&H and for two hours, I got to try about 90% of the tripods there. I got the one that FIT ME BEST.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
May 1, 2020 08:32:48 #
May 1, 2020 09:33:05 #
I've been using a small, $25 ball head on a Tiltall for many years, even with a 300 2.8 Nikkor on my D750.
May 1, 2020 10:08:47 #
I just picked up an old metal Gitzo 500 series on eBay for $175. It weighs a ton, it’s ugly and beat up looking, it’s rock solid. You should consider looking at used.
May 1, 2020 10:17:31 #
May 1, 2020 10:37:59 #
colt4x5
Loc: Central Connecticut
I still use the Manfrotto tripod I bought in Italy in 1989. Still nice and stable, especially if I hang a sandbag off it. (I bought it back when Manfrotto items were available in the U.S. with the Bogen label.) BTW, that 20 f1.8 is a sweet lens.
May 1, 2020 12:45:14 #
Not one to spend a lot of money. If you want rock solid tripod. Look for a used surveyors transit tripod. I recently got one at a grage slae for $45. I had to modify the top to accept my ball head. But $5 epoxy and a 1/4 screw took care of that. I would also look at older Gitzo, heavy but sturdy. I got one at the Goodwill for $40. Look at older Bogen tripods from the 70s. I do have newer Carbon Fiber and Aluminum tripods. They are OK for most day shots. But I use my old transit tripod for most of my night shots. Old wooden ones are even more steady because the wood absorbs micro vibrations. I have a spare wood transit tripod if you are interested. just PM me.
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