3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

I have recently received my new lens..Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM ... Yes I copied and pasted that lol .. Its a fair weight... Am realizing I need a tripod for certain times... I want one I can travel with... not that I go to far but I will be for a week soon... Not only have I not figured out aperture etc but this thing is wild and going to take some learning...It moves lol Ok seriously... I cant seem to get it through my head the aperture... focal and ISO if that even makes any sense ..... Scared in Ontario... It isn"t clicking with me...Even after tons of videos.... should I just use Auto? Secondly... Tripod-- am looking at one but would appreciate feed back on this too... I need light weight and so that I can carry.... Is this a decent one? Am running short.... and need advice negative or positive but I want to try waves---birds...... etc too... this short trip if it happens, so need to order fast lol This is what I am looking at .. Honestly I couldnt hold this lens for a long period... It says light but it is a fair weight I wouldnt go heavier unless mounted... MeFoto BackPacker A0350Q0 Aluminium Tripod Monopod Kit It is $138.00 Canadian $$ Advice would be most welcome! Thanks!! :oops:

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Look for a good carbon fiber tripod, like Manfrotto, or Induro. A monopod is great for quick stabilization, but if you are having issues holding the camera and lens, a tripod is the only way to fly. Carbon fiber is sturdy and most importantly, light weight. Get one that extends high enough so your can shoot without raising the center column.

And, until you get comfortable, use Auto or Program. Nothin wrong with taking your time with your new glass.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

Check out some of the Vanguard tripods on the B&H website. There are several models that are clearance priced. I recently got an Abeo 363CB for $280. The list price is $700.00. The price includes a good ball head. The unit is rated to support 30 lbs.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

That tripod looks pretty flimsy and the maximum weight is 8.8 pounds. The lens weighs 2.3 pounds and your camera probably weighs as much. So you will be pushing the limits of the tripod. You should always buy a tripod rated to hold at LEAST twice the weight of the gear you will put on it. Its a cheap tripod and you get what you pay for. Look at Gitzo or Manfrotto tripods.

Haydon

Nancy, I would imagine you're using a crop body so the effective field of view is the equivalent of 480mm on a full frame. This lens is very sharp and compact with 3 stops of image stabilization. With it being a variable aperture from F4-F5.6 shooting wide open is only possible around 70mm. As you zoom that moves it quickly to 5.6.

Depending on what your shooting, it's fairly safe to use aperture priority (which I recommend when starting out) without having your images blur from lack of depth of field unless you're using it for closeup work. Aperture Priority (AV) will help you understand and give you more control than P Mode.

Give this lens some time and it will reward. I own one of them and admire it for its compactness, build and image quality.

I know this lens doesn't come with a tripod ring to mount to a tripod. That has to be purchased separately. I'm sorry but I can't recommend a tripod to go with this lens but you need to ask yourself, should I put $2000 worth of equipment on a $140 tripod?

Joecosentino Loc: Whitesboro, New York

Look at the ct214 from Induro, mine has been solid I even use the 114, when I travel. It's being pushed to its limits with my gear but it is still a good performer

rstrick2 Loc: Beverly Hills, FL

I want a new tripod to travel with as well and i searched and found a The MeFOTO GlobeTrotter Tripod Kit, It works very well for travel, its light weight and it collapes to carry on your bag if desires, it supports the weight of my big lens 500mm.
http://www.mefoto.com/products/globetrotter.aspx

3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

Thanks tons for the link Rob! Huge price difference in the aluminum and carbon fiber eh? Which did you go with if you don't mind me asking?

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Here is a compact Manfrotto tripod that you might consider. It will handle your camera and a zoom lens.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/manfrotto-65-compact-action-tripod-black/4853012.p?id=1219103677759&skuId=4853012&ref=06&loc=01&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=4853012&extensionType=pla_multichannel:g&s_kwcid=PTC!pla!!!66222113783!g!!47857525119&kpid=4853012&k_clickid=51e533b1-57cd-4064-9a30-9df6bedb4ebb&kpid=4853012&lsft=ref:212,loc:1&ksid=51e533b1-57cd-4064-9a30-9df6bedb4ebb&ksprof_id=14&ksaffcode=3113&ksdevice=c

Genessi Loc: SoCal

I just purchased Sirui EN-2004 aluminum tripod with the Sirui K-20x ball head.. From B&H... I have a 16-300 Tamron lens

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

For what you have and what you want to do, I recommend a monopod over a tripod. I would put a Manfrotto #222 grip action ballhead on top or a #234rc or - both ! You will definitely need a tripod collar - get a third party version off ebay.....not the expensive Canon one ( unless you have plenty of money)

3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for your response .. I guess one can learn only so much in so many days... lol I have a general idea of what these things do but am going to be honest I have never seen a tripod nor monopod in action... but I am collecting pro advice and doing my best... Have you ever heard of this one? (money being a tad short as the lens and upcoming vacation I am trying to do is in the way) I have been looking for carbon as suggested.... have you ever heard of this? It is on Amazon..... Just once again looking for advice ..I am looking to spend between $150.00 and $200.00 -- Koolehaoda Q-666c Carbon Fiber SLR Camera Tripod Monopod & Ball Head Portable Compact Travel for SLR Camera Canon Nikon Petax Sony Tripod Q-666C Max Height: 62", Max Load: 15KG ... I have been hunting but it dosn't help that I can't get the best right now... Thanks so much for the help!

:oops:

3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

I am getting mixed up ..I have so many window open ... I think I meant to ask about this one... I don't have any clue on the brand names.... Am sorry... http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Professional-Carbon-Fiber-Tripod-Monopod-Q666C-For-DSLR-Camera-Portable-Traveling-Tripod-Max-load-to-15kg/2026445906.html

3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for that... I notice there are kits that have both the tripod and the monopod... are they just as good? Is the ball head always bought separately?

3Nancy3 Loc: Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada

Thanks for the link Steve!!