But a mono pod gives a little stability in low light situations.

I posted a little while ago that I was interested in getting a studio tripod which was steady and had a center column which could go up and down, and got a bunch of responses. I sure do appreciate the varying opinions expressed and they helped me to figure out what is was that I wanted. A few of you suggested that I use some pretty high end equipment, but I am an amateur on a low budget. I went to B&H and chatted with one of their dudes and laid out my parameters---Steady base with a column the goes up and down, less than $200.

And he came up with 3 suggestions in my range. The one I decided upon was this: Davis & Sanford ProVista Tripod with FM18 Fluid Head BH# DAPVTFM18 at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/623781-REG/Davis_Sanford_PROVISTA18_PROVISTA18_ProVista_Tripod_with.html. This is more tripod than I need and less than what I would need if I was going into video. But it works! When extended to its highest point it goes above my head, the legs are way sturdy and the center column is solid. It is heavy enough to hold my 6D with the 100mm Macro, or heavier lens, with no noticeable movement. I don't plan on using this for anything other than in studio work, so portability is not an issue. I am happy with it.

Here is a pic of the studio with the tripod and subject I was shooting.

The only issue I have is the fact that I cannot turn my camera from Landscape to Portrait mode. There is a fix, think gimble here, which I may look into in the future.

Thanks all for contributing to the future of my studio playtime, it really helped in my making a good "solid" decision.

Later, olc

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I’m seeing a lot of you guys suggesting that I keep the 5D as a backup. I have been thinking about doing just that. I do have 2 other bodies though, the 6D and 70D. One reason for me to sell the 5D is is about downloading. It takes forever. I have thought about getting a card reader and that could mitigate the issue. Another reason to stop using the 5D is Canon’s Raw Downloader does not work in the older model cameras, at least on my Apple. When I use Image Capture to DL the latest session I cannot see the pictures I have taken, thus making me DL ALL the images and then culling. I do not know if Windows will do the same.

So, I need to make a decision. Maybe I’ll set a stupid high price and wait for some one to pay it!

I purchased this lens for a project, unfortunately it fell through. Now I have a really high quality lens which I am using for a whole bunch of smaller, though less lucrative projects. Recently, I have been cataloging some of the families “precious” things. I have also used to for some portrait pictures. I love this lens.

Unfortunately, it started to go a little wonky on me and would not focus, or would only focus a little, kinda like it was in one of the close focusing modes. I only use the lens in infinity mode because fast focusing is not all that important to me. Most of the time, I was using the lens on the 5D Classic, so I thought I would try it with 70D to see if the issue would show up there. The same thing would happen. I looked at the contacts to make sure they were clean. No problems there. Then I noticed a rattling inside the body of the lens.

Finally, I reached out to Canon and talked with their people. After an hour long “trouble shooting” session the tech said he could send me a mailing label. I decided to go to my local shop, Ball Photo and Supply, and see what they could do for me. After a couple of minutes we decided it needed to go for some warenty work. Everett sent it to Canon for me.

A couple days later, I got the message that they needed to use the 5D to figure out what was going on. To make a long story short, they sent it all back to me saying there was no problem with the camera and lens, but they did do some kind of software update and listed a few “minor” fixes.

What ever they did, the lens is working again. I have since bought an EOS 6D and am in the process of retiring the 5D. The lens works on all the bodies, 5D, 70D and 6D, with no appearent issues.

Even the rattling is gone. It turns out that the Images Stabilization component can get loose under the right conditions.

I’m glad that Canon was able to fix a non-problem. Truthfully, I think they were trying to downplay some kind of issue by saying in effect, “user error.”

Does anyone out there have any similar stories? If so can you share?

This is my first FF, though I only got it a year ago, lol. I recently upgraded to an EOS 6D, but still have the 5D. Does anyone out there know of the 5D will ever become a collectable? After all it is Canon’s first entry into the mainstream FF body.

I’m in no hurry to get rid of it, and wonder if in a few years it may become worth more than the $300 I paid for it. I imagine I could sell it through CL for what I paid, maybe more.

Any thoughts?

Too bad we can't see that dish. Eggs Tomatoes Bacon and Mushrooms...

Wow, I had no idea that the choice of tripod would elicit such debate! There seems to be almost as many opinions as Canon vs. Nikon (Canon is the way to go! sic).

Truthfully, I understand macro being hand held is good, I have created good images both ways. And when creating a still life image having the freedom to move around unencumbered is a real good thing. But my “studio” is kinda dark, think garage/basement here, thus making it necessary for slower shutter speeds, so a tripod is a very important piece of equipment. When I frame a scene sometimes I find I want to rise or lower the camera just a little and doing that by extending each leg takes time and the tripod moves, so a center column IS important.

I am pretty comfortable with the criteria I have set out and confident I will find what I am looking for.

Thanks every one for your input, it has helped me to define my needs a little better.

olc

Thank you for your assessment on tilting columns. I have been thinking about them for a New York minute. I like the way they extend from the main body and legs, but wondered about stability.

Currently, I am using an old(read really old tripod, circa 1970s)which has a crank. The whole thing failed a year ago, so I went to Ace Hardware and rigged something for the crank to work. The down side is the center column is compromised and rather jerky when I rise or lower it. The reason I have used it for so log is that it worked (kinda) but not very smoothly. Hence my search for a new tripod.

I know it is out there---at a price I can afford. ($1000-$2000 for a poor man's hobby---I don't think so). Maybe I'll look at Video tripods on B&H. Hmmm.

olc

I looked at the tripod and wonder how steady it is? When you press down on the head do the legs push out?

Please elaborate.
Also I am going to be doing still life which may for may not be helped by tripod. and studio work. I think that by having a camera on a tripod while move things around would be helpful.

I am interested in getting a tripod for the above projects. Perhaps the single most important quality would be a crank to lift the center column. Weight is not too much of an issue, but a secure platform is.

What are Hoggers using and why do you like it?

As always, Mr Phelps, your answers are appreciated! (See how I a brought a MI reference)

olc

Good thing I am a Canon User!!!

Sorry, Could not resist.

Well, here is my first submission to any of the Challenges.

The Big Brown Truck Made a stop at my front door yesterday and left a New-to-Me Canon EOS 6D. (guess I'm gonna have to redo the Tag Line...)

And today, it stopped by again and left a rail system for close-up and Marco. Christmas in February!

I have been cataloging some old things from my parents basement, mostly stuff from my Fathers side and mostly pretty small stuff. I found this tie clip from my fathers (aged 91) Grandfather. So, I am guessing it is from the early 20th century, like 1901-1909.

At any rate, this is the very first image taken with that body. I used a 24-105mm Canon zoom with an extension tube. I see that the tie clip is a little off focus on the right. I think I can correct it with a smaller F/stop. I did little post on the image other than tweaking in RAW. Oh yeah, I did do some Cropping in PS. Unfortunately, my Macro 100mm is in the shop for some fixin'.

What do ya' think?


olc

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Perhaps I am a little new to wide angle lenses, but the distortion was a problem, Mostly though, it was much softer than I thought it should be. I traded it for a used Canon 17-40, and right off the bat I saw a tremendous difference in IQ.