jteee Loc: Montana

I've followed this site for a while now, and have really enjoyed the info you experts have provided. So...I think I need a higher quality tripod. I know this is an open ended thread, but all comments are worthwhile. I shoot, in order, landscapes, macro, wildlife, general interest. I'm still learning, but have recently moved to Canon 6D w/ 24-105L, 70-200 f2.8L, Tokina Macro 100 D ATX-Pro, Canon 2x Tele Extender. Presently use a Cabela's carbon fiber with small ballhead (ok, but probably on the light side). Three examples of what I do. Thoughts?!

Spindrift62 Loc: Dorset, England. U.K.

You seem to be doing quite an excellent job with what you have got. If the head doesn't move under load and the pod isn't collapsing under the weight, why change?

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

jteee - may I suggest you make quick contact with MTShooter. You'll find him on this site and at http://www.cameracottage.com/equipment - compared to most on this site he's right on your doorstep ! And you would get valuable assistance. Good luck !

Sheila Loc: Arizona or New York

Check the weight of your camera with lens and telextender combined. Is this the heaviest setup that you will continue to use? Then check the recommended weight limits for your tripod and ball head. Some tripods have a hook at the bottom of the central shaft that enable you to attach something heavy to it to help stabilize the tripod. There are many tripods that would meet your requirements but you might be able to help your current setup as you look.

I am interested in similar subjects to those you described and use a Manfrotto 055MF4 tripod (fiber 4leg sections) tripod and a Manfrotto 498RC2 ballhead with a Nikon D300s and battery pack, a 70-200 f2.8 lens and a 1.4 telextender as possibly my heaviest setup. I have a 105 f 2.8 macro and a 80-400 lens, which is about the same weight as the 70-200 lens. The tripod is very stable but I am not as happy with the ball head because of the type of quick release plate they use. You might not have the same problem with the plates. I am a female in my 70's with an arthritis problem in my hands and sometimes have trouble tightening the plates to my equipment.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I'm with Spindrift62 .... If you can lock without slipping (in all your frequent and infrequent uses) without tons of micro readjustments, your current equipment appears to be working excellent.

The change I've made to a dedicated L-plate and a lever / quick-release on the ball head has made my work with my tripod much more enjoyable. I made a major upgrade on the tripod as well. But, my old one couldn't hold my upgraded equipment, so it was due for a change even before the L-plate came into play ...

jteee Loc: Montana

Thanks for your comment. I've not been happy with the sharpness of the photos (particularly with the landscapes), but that may have been more the camera (previously a Rebel T2i). Just concerned about the weight with the 2X.

jteee Loc: Montana

Thanks Sheila, when my piggy bank gets refilled, will look to a larger zoom, but for now, this is it.

jteee Loc: Montana

Thanks for that. I've seen his posts before, and seems to be pretty much right on.

jteee Loc: Montana

Sorry to be so ignorant, but I'm not sure what you mean by the L-Plate. Does that go on the camera or the tripod?

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

MT will not "steer" you wrong (ha ha montana cowboy joke....). I always think it's better to have MORE tripod than you need, just in case...if you schlep a tripod miles and miles to your photo spot, then maybe lightness should be your primary concern, but for me, if I drag mine a hundred yards, that's a lot - so I went with sturdy, and price. Manfrotto 055xPro-B and RC -498 ballhead. It holds my 6D and 100-400 without breaking a sweat.

jteee Loc: Montana

Great info, thanks.

dakotablues Loc: Detroit, MI

I really like the shots you posted - Very nice!

If cost is not an object, and if carrying a large tripod is not a concern, I can highly recommend the carbon tripods from Really Right Stuff (RRS) and their ballheads. I've been extremely happy with mine, though the size of it took some getting used to. It can, however IMO, be a bit cumbersome for macro and can be difficult to get positioned on SOME subjects. For landscape, I've never wanted for a different set-up. I'd also highly recommend an "L" plate, which will be secured to your camera body and will allow you to easily arrange the body for portrait or landscape shots. This significantly reduces the need to adjust the tripod if you want to compose for both portrait and landscape on a particular subject.

As they say, the best tripod is the one you have with you!

Good luck.

DB

jteee Loc: Montana

Thanks for the compliment and the info. I was wondering about RRS. I've read alot of good things about them, and saw an add with the L plate which seemed to be a great solution to portrait landscapes. Any particular model you recommend?

dakotablues Loc: Detroit, MI

I've only used the equipment as listed in the bottom of my signature (in my posts). I can highly recommend each component and I don't think the ballhead will let you down, even with large lenses. Locks in place wonderfully.

Best of luck.

DB

jteee Loc: Montana

Thanks, sorry I missed that info before.