I have been looking at tripods, that also have monopod leg with them. Do not want to spend over $300.00. Have looked at the Oben CT-3451 with the BE-113T Ball Head. I would like opinions on this!!!! Please chime in!!!
SusieQ wrote:
I have been looking at tripods, that also have monopod leg with them. Do not want to spend over $300.00. Have looked at the Oben CT-3451 with the BE-113T Ball Head. I would like opinions on this!!!! Please chime in!!!
Susie, I'd look at B and H. Even call them. They have a very knowledgeable phone staff.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/Be prepared to answer what you are going to use it for. That not a funny statement. Are you going to use it solely indoors (studio) or lug it around outside.
How often are you going to be using it?
What camera(s) are you going to be putting on it, and what lenses on those cameras?
You've already established a price range. So, be prepared to answer those and the folks will be happy to help you.
--Bob
Disclaimer: I am not associated in any way, other than a customer, with B and H.
Please tell us for which camera/lens combination you need a tripod. Field use or studio?
Do you need a truck or a scooter (example)?
Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Tripod with BE-113T Ball Head
Japakomom
Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier
I would check with Mt Shooter at Cameracottage.com - he has a great carbon fiber tripod made by Nest.
Nikonian72 wrote:
Please tell us for which camera/lens combination you need a tripod. Field use or studio?
Do you need a truck or a scooter (example)?
And don't forget to consider the tripods height in the purchase. MOST tripods height is labeled with the center column extended. No matter how good a tripod may be, extending the center column will always reduce that tripods stability. I always recommend buying one that is tall enough for the user to look through the viewfinder without bending over AND without having to extend that center column. Better yet, get one without a center column, they are always lighter and more stable.
My camera is the Cannon T5i and I use it outside most of the time. For wide angle lens I use the EF-S 10-22mm. It came with a lens kit EF-S 18-135mm.
I am going to Niagara Falls Canadian side next month and would like to get
some good shots using a tripod, also taking a long trip into New England.
I have never owned a tripod, so do not know if the one I am looking at would be a good one to carry. I do not mind lugging one around, it it is not too heavy.
Nikonian72 wrote:
Please tell us for which camera/lens combination you need a tripod. Field use or studio?
Do you need a truck or a scooter (example)?
I use my camera mostly in the field!!! See my reply about what kind of camera I have and lenses.
SusieQ wrote:
My camera is the Cannon T5i and (lenses are) the EF-S 10-22mm & EF-S 18-135mm.
Neither of these lenses are considered heavy, nor is your camera. For your general use, a specialty tripod-head is not needed, but sturdy carbon-fiber tripod can be used just about anywhere. Your considered Oben CT-3451 Carbon Fiber Tripod with BE-113T Ball Head is not a bad choice for current camera/lens combos, but eventually, larger, heavier lenses will appreciate a stronger tripod head.
I would also suggest you look at the leg lock style of the various tripods are.
Some people swear by the twist locks and others by the flip lock. I have both types and I prefer the flip locks. Just easier to manipulate for me.
Find a display of tripods and at least try the 2 styles to see if you have a preference.
Costco sells Dolica tripods that are inexpensive and have the monopod built in to the tripod design. Recently carbon fiber model was on sale.
I have a Vanguard aluminum and am quite happy. Often on sale at various sources including B&H.
Good luck.
If there are used camera equipment shows yo can get to ., look for used .I've saved thousands of dollars buying them for friends and family , I.e .,
A nine hundred dollar Linhof for $ 100 , 00
Fifty for an old Tiltall
Without extending the center column you shouldn't need to stoop .
With legs extended , grasp the top areas just below where the bicameral mounts , strongly twist horizontally with both hands . If it flexes considerably , move on ..
Among so many brands, look for Bogen/manfroto, OLD Tiltalls ,Linhof .
Good luck and let us know what you decide please .
Hi Suzie,
I think Bob gave you the perfect "step 1". Call B & H - their staff is very knowledgeable, courteous and helpful. They also carry used equipment. I would trust the quality of all photographic equipment sold by B & H.
They also have a "Chat" on their website. I prefer "Chats" over phone calls. Here is a link to B & H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com BTW: They are closed from 2PM Fri. - AM Sunday.
Good luck making your choice,
Mark
If you would like a diverse, easy to travel with, strong tripod, check out "3 Legged Thing" before you buy. Wide range of prices. Can be bought from the dealer, Amazon or B&H.
http://www.3leggedthing.com/
Another issue is how much you expect to travel and hope to use a tripod. I concluded that I take more pictures traveling so that I couldn't get a full sized tripod--fully realizing I was giving up some valuable features. I went with a Sirui T-025X which is quite compact yet gives reasonable stability under most conditions. It was under $300.
It's just another thing you should discuss with someone from B&H or at your local camera store if you have one.
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