Tripod ?
May 16, 2018 12:18:46 #
amfoto1 wrote:
Not true... Just looked on B&H website and found Arca-compatible pan/tilt heads from Giottos, Induro, Vanguard, Arca-Swiss themselves, and others.
Note: There are also Benro HD series without the "A" suffix, which aren't Arca-compatible. Those use a proprietary quick release instead.
Note: There are also Benro HD series without the "A" suffix, which aren't Arca-compatible. Those use a proprietary quick release instead.
3-way Arca - one of the very few that I see
...https://www.ebay.com/itm/Benro-HD2A-3-Way-Head-with-Arca-Swiss-Plate/122823089264?epid=11010171366&hash=item1c98d39c70:g:YRsAAOSwZlZaFaSq
..
May 16, 2018 12:52:06 #
fiat76 wrote:
Thanks, Imagemeister, that solves that dilemma (3-leg extension vs. 4-leg extension), as I am not a heavy traveler on land (and a tripod on a boat is a moot point), and I don't think I need high. I have come across both OBEN and SLIK tripods in my research.
I am probably going with a ball head, so an L bracket won't be necessary. I appreciate your taking time to respond!
I am probably going with a ball head, so an L bracket won't be necessary. I appreciate your taking time to respond!
I realize your budget and main concern right now is to get a tripod and ball head that meets your needs, but don't be too quick to dismiss the benefits of eventually getting an L bracket for your camera body. L brackets are very versatile, and actually add some stability. Because an L bracket allows you to keep the camera's center of gravity centered over the tripod base regardless of whether you are shooting in landscape or portrait orientation, you can set up in a more balanced way. You never have to "hang" the camera off to the side to get portrait compositions. That can be especially helpful for some of your macro work. L brackets also allow you to switch between the two orientations without having to do a lot of fiddling to recompose the shoot each time. True, L brackets are not "necessary", but if you talk to those who use them most will tell you the benefits make having one well worth the extra investment. I use one with my Acratech ball head, and would not do without. Keep L brackets in mind once you decide on which tripod and head you are going to go with.
May 16, 2018 12:52:13 #
wdross
Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
fiat76 wrote:
I will try to be brief: I upgraded my camera and ... (show quote)
Did you check Slik? Specifically the CF-422 and CF-522. Slik won an innovation award last year for the one. I still have my U-212 from 1970's. Although my older U-212 is still in really good shape, I decided to go a little lighter with the CF-422. Normally they sell in the $300s, but are put on sale from time to time at ~$150/$170.
May 16, 2018 12:54:37 #
fiat76
Loc: PA, MD, and SC
Given your advice, I will rethink the L-bracket...the idea of more stability . Thanks for responding!
May 16, 2018 13:06:18 #
Induro and Benro. Best bang for the buck. Strong, light and well built. I have an Induro tripod three section midrange (3.5 lbs.) and it looks like new even though I have used it several dozen times. The Induro tripods come with a well constructed caring case, tool kit and two center posts, one short and the other longer. Finally, this Induro tripod has both the rubber at the bottom and spikes are interchangeable with the tool kit.
May 16, 2018 13:18:29 #
fiat76
Loc: PA, MD, and SC
[quote=SteveLew]Induro and Benro. Best bang for the buck. Strong, light and well built. I have an Induro tripod three section midrange (3.5 lbs.) and it looks like new even though I have used it several dozen times. The Induro tripods come with a well constructed caring case, tool kit and two center posts, one short and the other longer. Finally, this Induro tripod has both the rubber at the bottom and spikes are interchangeable with the tool kit.[/quote
Stevelew....thanks for that information. Induro and Benro, Gitzo are cropping up a lot
in the public and private posts I have
been receiving! I am so appreciative of the support of UHH folks. It will soon be decision time....and I feel as if I am going to be able to make an INFORMED decision, thanks to all of you!
Stevelew....thanks for that information. Induro and Benro, Gitzo are cropping up a lot
in the public and private posts I have
been receiving! I am so appreciative of the support of UHH folks. It will soon be decision time....and I feel as if I am going to be able to make an INFORMED decision, thanks to all of you!
May 16, 2018 13:20:36 #
I’m 5’5” tall and I bought a set of CF legs from Desmond (brand) from Amazon for $200. The specs are comparable to Really Right Stuff without the price tag. As these are legs only that also has the mk pod feature, with or without center pole, you can choose the type of head you’d want. Can be used with1/4” or 3/8” mount screw, very adaptable. It’s a tall set of legs and I don’t use it at full extension. Twisties lock 1/4 turn and you can unlock all three simultaneously with one hand on each leg.
May 16, 2018 13:36:52 #
szoots wrote:
I’m 5’5” tall and I bought a set of CF legs from D... (show quote)
The larger Desmond legs - https://www.ebay.com/itm/Desmond-DCF-432-Traveller-Tripod-Legs-4-Section-69-Height-Carbon-Fiber-Fibre/192540665425?epid=1941317496&hash=item2cd4516651:g:55cAAOSwSata-kc7
I like the 32mm top section legs on this.
..
May 16, 2018 13:42:53 #
Have fun researching! I did an extensive search last year and wound up with an Induro Carbon Fiber and Acratech ball head. Pay attention to the diameter of the legs - bigger is better, but for a 300 mm lens, you don't need to get too carried away with that. RRS and Gitzo have info on what diameters are better based on the lens. Don't worry about "load" capacity. I suggest you look for one which has a "normal" height for you standing straight and only use the center column extension for shooting up or an uneven terrain situation. I too was interested in the monopod conversion capability, but only a few have that feature and I opted for a separate monopod; I really don't use it very much. Aluminum and extended center posts are a significant source of vibration propagation (in addition to adding weight). As for 3 vs 4 leg sections - suggest you focus on the collapsed length and make sure it fits in whatever bag/luggage you intend to use. You may not need a 4 section given your height. Aside from the shake concern, 4 means another set of joints to adjust each time.
May 16, 2018 14:01:56 #
fiat76
Loc: PA, MD, and SC
Good information! I have nixed the monopod feature. Probably will elect 4-leg extension...no center column....carbon fiber......going for a big bang for the buck. I feel enlightened enough to make an informed.decision, thanks to the folks on this forum who responded to my plea for help!
May 16, 2018 15:31:38 #
May 16, 2018 15:47:51 #
fiat76
Loc: PA, MD, and SC
WayneL wrote:
I think Surui offers the best bang for the buck, also Benro
Thanks for the heads up.....much appreciated! Didn't have a clue shopping for a tripod would be so difficult...I guess of money were no object, it would be easier!
May 16, 2018 16:56:47 #
I studied several on line at each company. I purchased Induro and I am pleased. My needs were similar to what you stated. Study them all and make your choice.
May 16, 2018 17:36:10 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
I know you have set up your boundaries; however, look up Gene 51 on this forum. I wish I had looked him up before I bought a $200+ tripod. It now sits in the closet. I bought what he recommended and uses. (Feisol CT3473 tripod and Suri ballhead. I will pass this on the my granddaughter. It's vibration that is the issue, not the weight capacity. Look it up in a physics textbook.
May 16, 2018 18:29:26 #
fiat76 wrote:
I will try to be brief: I upgraded my camera and ... (show quote)
I have the Manfrotto 190 series with 4 leg sections. Have had it for several years, lots of travel. Extremely easy to carry in a tripod sling case. I hardly know I am carrying it.
It is with me most of the time for this reason as I hate to carry extra stuff and usually tripods get left for weight and or size reasons.
This one you won't. It goes clear to the ground for the head and the center arm rotates 90 degrees to put your camera right on that nest or flower or whatever. I am 6' and it is high enough and steady for me to use standing.
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