Tripod question again! I am sorry I know this is a much discussed topic but I would like to ask what is tripod is best for a small lady with a bad shoulder.I really never have used one...

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

I am sorry I know this is a much discussed topic but I would like to ask what is tripod is best for a small lady with a bad shoulder.I really never have used one with my smaller lenses but feel I should with my new camera(D7100 & sigma 150-500 lens. It really is very difficult for me to hand hold it when I am out in the field. I have a Quantary QSX 9500 tripod & it is so heavy for me to carry around & I hate using it I must admit.I use the tripod when I am home & shoot from my deck into the woods.I know this is a dumb question to you all but is there really any difference between this tripod & the expensive ones? If someone,maybe one of the ladies can recommend one that isn't to expensive.I promise not to ask any more questions for awhile,lol! Thanks so much! :oops:

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Marilyng wrote:

I am sorry I know this is a much discussed topic b... (show quote)

Why not a monopod ?

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

boberic wrote:

Why not a monopod ?

Oh I would love one but I got the feeling that most people here prefer a tripod. I was looking at the Benro A38FBS2 monopod.I love the idea that it has legs,do you know anything about this one?

Joe F.N. Loc: Oshawa, Ontario

That Benro monopod with legs supporting your D7100 with your 150-500 is a sure recipe for wrecked equipment in the field. You'll be tempted to place it on ground that's not level and remove your hands from it. I'd hate to see the results.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Joe F.N. wrote:

That Benro monopod with legs supporting your D7100 with your 150-500 is a sure recipe for wrecked equipment in the field. You'll be tempted to place it on ground that's not level and remove your hands from it. I'd hate to see the results.

Ok Joe,then I guess that's out.What do you recommend that's not to expensive?

Mr PC Loc: Austin, TX

I got a $200 list price Dolica at Costco recently for $80 when they were on sale. It does fine with my D5200 and a 55-300 Nikkor. It's graphite which means light weight. It has a ball head and a carry bag with a strap. This seems to meet your lightweight and cheap criteria. The legs have the screw type release rather than a latch, but they work fine. I've done some nice night city scapes using it.

Marilyng Loc: Lorain,Oh.

Mr PC wrote:

I got a $200 list price Dolica at Costco recently for $80 when they were on sale. It does fine with my D5200 and a 55-300 Nikkor. It's graphite which means light weight. It has a ball head and a carry bag with a strap. This seems to meet your lightweight and cheap criteria. The legs have the screw type release rather than a latch, but they work fine. I've done some nice night city scapes using it.

Oh that would be great,thanks I will look into Costco when I go tomorrow!

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Joe F.N. wrote:

That Benro monopod with legs supporting your D7100 with your 150-500 is a sure recipe for wrecked equipment in the field. You'll be tempted to place it on ground that's not level and remove your hands from it. I'd hate to see the results.

Sorry about that. I guess I just assumed that one would never let go of a monopod.

traveler90712 Loc: Lake Worth, Fl.

Marilyng wrote:

Oh that would be great,thanks I will look into Costco when I go tomorrow!

Marilyn, you may have to order that tripod on line from CostCo.

amehta Loc: Boston

Marilyng wrote:

Oh I would love one but I got the feeling that most people here prefer a tripod. I was looking at the Benro A38FBS2 monopod.I love the idea that it has legs,do you know anything about this one?

I second and third the monopod idea. It is lighter, more convenient, and supports the weight of the camera and lens very well. I think the one with the feet is a gimmick, just get a normal one which can support 2x the weight of your heaviest gear. I use the Induro monopods and tripod and they work very well, just for one brand.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

Marilyn, There are lots of good tripods but you still need something that will support big Sig. I own that lens and it's a load. You also want a tripod that will support that lens as it is a fairly expensive bit of glass. When buying a tripod you want to be certain it will protect your gear.

Dolmen

My solution to a similar problem,neck & shoulder injury.
Thought I'd have to give up photography,then I discovered M4/3.i use an Olympus E5 & Panosonic GH3,a selection of lenses from an equivalent 14mm to 600mm,all fits in a Think Tank Glass Taxi backpack,which formerly held my 500 f4.
I haven't missed a thing about the change.If you should contemplate this route,be happy to talk to you.Good luck & keep shooting.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

I'm glad I wasn't the only one thinking monopod. My son got me one for Christmas this year after we went trekking through the woods last fall with me setting up and tearing down a tripod at every stop. The monopod is much more mobile a versatile. Keep the strap of the camera round your neck even when on the monopod for safety (of the equipment). With the strap still attached to you, you can push the monopod away from your body and the tension against the strap still attached to you will add more stability to the monopod. Plus, if needed, can make a pretty good walking stick (camera not attached, of course).

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

Look at the Monostat Monopod easy to use and stable I have used it with a D3s and a 500 mm f/4 lens http://www.monostat.com/E/index.php

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Marilyn: I would recommend the monopod as well, especially for the bigma you have. Makes it so much easier to carry and set up the shot. Look on ebay as there are some great deals out there without breaking the bank. I just purchased a Bogen/Manfrotto 681 for $23 bucks. This monopod is recommended by numerous folks who use monopods on here. Capacity is 26# and a sturdy product to hold your camera and lens. Good luck!