Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
bsprague wrote:
Gene51,
When it comes to ultimate stability, you win.
What do you recommend for a traveler that want to improve stability where tripods are awkward, inappropriate to travel and maybe not allowed at all?
I just re-read your comment - no tripods? Then a lens/camera that has great VR, and proper breathing, bracing against inanimate objects etc - just like the old days - before digital, vr, and other wonderful fruits of technology.
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)
First, get a small, carbon fiber travel tripod. I recommend the Sirui T-025X; it is one of the lightest and most compact tripods going, yet has a very good Sirui warranty (they actually do come through if you have an issue).
It's a wimpy ball head, so I recommend balancing your camera/lens combination with a nocal rail slide (100-120mm will be fine). Search on Amazon, get a Desmond.
Put an Arca plate on the bottom of your camera; get one custom for your camera as it will have anti-twist design.
Then, get a camera bag that you can put the tripod inside. You don't have much gear, a LowePro Flipside would work. My favorite is the Lowepro MiniTrekker, but it's long discontinued (but you can still get cheap Chinese counterfeits on eBay).
Last suggestion, is to get a 90 degree viewfinder for your camera; pretty sure you can get a knockoff by Neewer or some other brand. This way, you can easily use the camera below your eye-level.
And get a remote trigger. While corded ones are simple, I like to use radio triggers for this; just be sure to get one you can attach a lanyard to and loop around your neck.
bsprague wrote:
To me the question is how can you get most of the way there? Can you dramatically improve stability with something that does not interfere with the primary travel experience?
So within the context of the OP's quest, what are the ways you can successfully improve a 70 year old traveler's stability without toting a tripod and spending less than $100?
Use a facial stabilizer alone and/or with a very short monopod with tilt head braced against your chest.......Manfro makes the MMCOMPACTADV-BK short monopod and #234 tilt head and I make the facial stabilizers. -
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-236741-1.html..
The truth is monopods suck unless you are really experienced in using one. You most always need at least one other balance point. Otherwise, you are going to get motion on anything you want close up. Tripods, remote releases (wired or not) will give you what you want
I have a similar problem in stabilizing my hands when shooting. I use a collapsing Monopod with a Ballhead. It serves me well when traveling. I use it to stabilize my Camera when shooting, and also when walking as a cane.
A tripod was heavier and more cumbersome to manage.
Don
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