Tri Pod Heads
Jan 12, 2014 07:39:47 #
I purchased a Sunpak carbon tripod that has a ball head and a pistol grip. I have a D7100, 18-200 lens and a 910 flash. The head will not support much beyond the camera and the lens at 75. There are so many heads out there that it is confusing to me. I wish to support the camera, the 18-200 extended and the 910 flash. Suggestions will be appreciated. :roll:
Jan 12, 2014 07:56:05 #
Pine1 wrote:
I purchased a Sunpak carbon tripod that has a ball head and a pistol grip. I have a D7100, 18-200 lens and a 910 flash. The head will not support much beyond the camera and the lens at 75. There are so many heads out there that it is confusing to me. I wish to support the camera, the 18-200 extended and the 910 flash. Suggestions will be appreciated. :roll:
I can sympathize. There are so many tripods and so many heads. How do you decide? Weight-bearing is probably the most important consideration, but not the only one.
Here's an article from the "By Thom" series. It's hard to deny the logic of his article. It's also hard to spend the money he suggests. :D
Jan 12, 2014 08:11:38 #
Jan 12, 2014 08:15:35 #
A lot of good heads out there...I use an Acratech and love...but it's not cheap. What's the budget?
Jan 12, 2014 08:24:19 #
I want to stay around $300. The Gitzo report and site blew my mind. I am really confused.
Jan 12, 2014 08:36:16 #
Pine1 wrote:
I want to stay around $300. The Gitzo report and site blew my mind. I am really confused.
What I can't understand is why tripod makers think they need so many models that are so similar. It makes choosing one that much more difficult.
My son and I have Vanguard Tracker 4 tripods. They're big and heavy. I see the Tracker line is no longer being offered, but they have several dozen others to choose from. Too confusing.
It's just as bad with heads and gimbals.
Jan 12, 2014 08:55:55 #
Pine1 wrote:
I purchased a Sunpak carbon tripod that has a ball head and a pistol grip. I have a D7100, 18-200 lens and a 910 flash. The head will not support much beyond the camera and the lens at 75. There are so many heads out there that it is confusing to me. I wish to support the camera, the 18-200 extended and the 910 flash. Suggestions will be appreciated. :roll:
First check to see if your head is removable, many "package" tripod/head combos cannot be separated for replacements.
Also keep in mind, If the head won't support the camera/lens combo, why do you think the legs will support them safely with a different head?
Jan 12, 2014 09:19:11 #
I'm happy with the carbon legs on the Sunpak. I not happy with the head being so loose with everything mounted. I learned the value of a lens hood the hard way. My thinking was that someone in UHH has a similar combination to mine, D7100, 18-200 and 910 flash. I don't wish to over-pay but I won't pinch pennies either. If I have to purchase a complete unit I will but I'd really like to see what someone in UHH likes. I read UHH every morning and I have a lot of respect for the members even though I don't say much. I appreciate all the help.
Jan 12, 2014 10:30:22 #
I bought a used gitzo for 300 added a markins Q20 ball head for 400 $$ strong as a mighty oak couldn,t be happier !!!
Jan 12, 2014 12:33:01 #
Hankwt wrote:
Similar to Hankwt, I found a Gitzo G1352 MkII Carbon Fiber Professional used for $420. There's probably better prices if I'd shopped harder. I then put a new RRS BH-40 head on it. No movement when set up and locked down and pretty light too relatively speaking.I bought a used gitzo for 300 added a markins Q20 ball head for 400 $$ strong as a mighty oak couldn,t be happier !!!
Jan 12, 2014 12:45:55 #
Pine1 wrote:
I want to stay around $300. The Gitzo report and site blew my mind. I am really confused.
You're in the ballpark for an Acratech Ultimate ball head then. Like Cdouthitt, I use an Acratech ball head (the GP) and swear by them. If you can stretch a bit more, you could get the GP (which has a better range of motion, and has the advantage of being quickly converted to a leveling head for pano use. Either way, you should have no need to have to replace or "upgrade" their ball heads in the future.
It is also rated to hold 25# at any angle! while weighing only one pound itself. When you look it over, notice it is designed for exceptionally easy cleaning and maintenance.
Jan 12, 2014 13:15:08 #
amehta
Loc: Boston
Pine1 wrote:
I purchased a Sunpak carbon tripod that has a ball head and a pistol grip. I have a D7100, 18-200 lens and a 910 flash. The head will not support much beyond the camera and the lens at 75. There are so many heads out there that it is confusing to me. I wish to support the camera, the 18-200 extended and the 910 flash. Suggestions will be appreciated. :roll:
You tell us the specs on your equipment. How about the specs on the tripod, and maybe a link to B&H or Adorama showing exactly what you got? That might help us give you suggestions on what to do.
I've had a lot of success with Induro equipment, it's about mid-level in cost.
Jan 13, 2014 07:08:39 #
Thanks for the good advise. I emailed B&H since that is where I will purchase it and they give such good service. :thumbup:
Jan 13, 2014 07:33:21 #
Pine1 wrote:
I'm happy with the carbon legs on the Sunpak. I no... (show quote)
I recently purchased a new tripod and an Acratech GV2 Ballhead to go with it. The Acratech ballhead will support 25 lbs. I spent quite a bit of time researching this unit, and, I can attest to its being quite robust and solid.
I have the same D7100 & 18-200 setup you describe and this ballhead easily handles it. And, it could easily handly any of the larger, heavier, lenses & cameras. Cost was about $300 for the Acratech ballhead, but you will also need to buy the camera mounting plate to go with it.
Jan 13, 2014 08:00:29 #
Photographer Jim wrote:
You're in the ballpark for an Acratech Ultimate ba... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
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