need a tripod as my hand shakes: I need a tripod as my hand shakes. I have a d7200 and would like to get an easy to use tripod that i can attach my camera to at the beginning of my...

maryo Loc: Santa fe

I need a tripod as my hand shakes. I have a d7200 and would like to get an easy to use tripod that i can attach my camera to at the beginning of my days shoot. Something easy to raise and lower. i can easily place them carefully in my car if needed. I guess something under $300. Any suggestions? I have essential tremors in my right hand.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The easiest way to work with a tripod is to get an Arca-Swiss compatible L-plate for your camera. Then, get quick release clamps for your tripod. Your budget might be a bit low for all this equipment, but if you shop used on ebay, you may have some luck. Kirk-plates are cheaper and likely a used one can be found for your older D7200 body.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

CHG_CANON wrote:

The easiest way to work with a tripod is to get an Arca-Swiss compatible L-plate for your camera. Then, get quick release clamps for your tripod. Your budget might be a bit low for all this equipment, but if you shop used on ebay, you may have some luck. Kirk-plates are cheaper and likely a used one can be found for your older D7200 body.

Do not leave the camera attached to the tripod while walking around. Most camera bodies are simply not built to withstand the stress for too long. If you must leave it on for a short distance, keep it upright. Do not sling it over your shoulder.

Blenheim Orange Loc: Michigan

maryo wrote:

I need a tripod as my hand shakes. I have a d7200 and would like to get an easy to use tripod that i can attach my camera to at the beginning of my days shoot. Something easy to raise and lower. i can easily place them carefully in my car if needed. I guess something under $300. Any suggestions? I have essential tremors in my right hand.

I have been happy with the Manfrotto tripod I have been using for the last 6 years. It gets a lot of use out in the field. It is very light, and it is easy to extend and retract the legs.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010692-REG/manfrotto_mt190cxpro3_190cxpro3_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Mike

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

For reasonable cost and sturdiness, take a serious look at the MeFoto “S Collection” of travel tripods, particularly the Globetrotter S and the Roadtrip S. You can remove on leg from the Roadtrip and convert it into a great monopod.

Scruples Loc: Brooklyn, New York

I can appreciate your dilemma. I have a purchased a tripod for under $200. One leg unscrews and can be adapted as a monopod. I had purchased a quick release plate for my camera. That was another $40. Don't leave your camera attached to the tripod and the tripod slung over your shoulder. The camera was not designed for that type of stress. Besides you may snap off the bottom part of the camera from the tripod. Really expensive repair.
I won't tell you the name and model here because I'm not a paid endorser. I can be privately messaged. Thanks for understanding!

Happy Shooting!

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

To me, Tripods and Monopods are a nuisance.
1] Perhaps increasing shutter speed my solve the problem.

2]Second alternate approach [could combine with speed increase] is changing the grip of the camera to eagle claw holding a Plaster-of-Paris filled Tennis ball. A 1/4" 20t/in screw extended to allow the index and middle fingers to straddle the screw/bolt. Both the weight and the tensioning of muscles provide stability for the camera.

Certainly worth a try, low cost and handy...
https://www.instructables.com/id/iSteadii-20-Image-Stabilizing-Unit/

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Do you need a tripod or could you possibly use a monopod with a small tripod to steady it. You could probably use this where many of us would get away handheld.

Buy a remote release for the camera.

I do leave the tripod / monopole attached to the camera but always carry the attachment. not the camera.

Looking forward to other solutions. As some will know our local CC is helping a local charity rediscover or learn the pleasure of photography - and some of those boys shake really bad.

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

Nest NT-6324CT CF Tripod $299.00 Nest NT-648H Ball Head $129.95 Supports 44 pounds

From our friend Carter (MT Shooter) on this sight

https://www.cameracottage.com/equipment

Haydon

dsmeltz wrote:

Do not leave the camera attached to the tripod while walking around. Most camera bodies are simply not built to withstand the stress for too long. If you must leave it on for a short distance, keep it upright. Do not sling it over your shoulder.

Most is probably the key word here. I've been using a 5DIII gripped with an RRS plate L bracket with a 24-70 2.8L II mounted on a Gitzo 3530LS/Markins M20 ballhead for years. I just make certain everything is tightened down before moving with it slung over my shoulder. Maybe I've been just lucky but there isn't any play in the tripod mount/rig whatsoever. I'm very careful when screwing in the L bracket because over-tightening might cause a long term issue.

Collhar Loc: New York City.

Scruples wrote:

I can appreciate your dilemma. I have a purchased ... (show quote)

"I won't tell you the name and model here because I'm not a paid endorser. I can be privately messaged. Thanks for understanding!"
I think you better sign up to be a "paid endorser" there are people here who have made the move. They have no problem "endorsing" a brand.

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

Very sorry to hear about your shakes! That must be very frustrating.

Your budget for a tripod is low, but I would caution you to stay away from the inexpensive “lightweight travel” tripods you see on Amazon and even some of the big mail order shops. After going through several, I have learned that they inevitably fail due to cheap parts.

You may know this already, but the most trusted brands in this category include Gitzo, Really Right Stuff, and Manfrotto. I also personally like Induro and Sirui. There is no reason that a good tripod won’t last for a long long time if cared for.

I will second an earlier poster about the possibilities of EBay. Earlier this summer I went on an EBay binge, and scored an older Gitzo 5 series model for $120 (needed a few parts) and a almost new Gitzo GT3541 for $375. Using these, I have noticed a clear difference in some of my static shots due to the increased stability. The deals are out there if you pay attention.

Good luck, and good shooting.

PhotosRfun

I also have tremors and this is what I use with a short light weight monopod and ball head and quick release. Check it out at coolcameragadgets.store

duck72 Loc: Laurel Ridge, PA

Blenheim Orange wrote:

I have been happy with the Manfrotto tripod I have been using for the last 6 years. It gets a lot of use out in the field. It is very light, and it is easy to extend and retract the legs.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1010692-REG/manfrotto_mt190cxpro3_190cxpro3_carbon_fiber_tripod.html

Mike

I "second" your recommendation; I have this tripod also- most often holding a D7200 with up-to 300mm zooms easily. Add a Manfrotto "490-series" ball head- which has its own plate- so no need to go get all "Arca-Swissed-up." It has "lever action" leg adjustment, which I like better than rotating collars, and is exactly in the OP's price range. It is light, easy to transport, and quite solid when set up properly.

knoxworks Loc: Western Mass.

I have a touch of Parkinson's and occasionally have tremors. I think most of the advice you've been given here is good. I recently bought a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod and it's great! It has a quick release plate system that took a little while getting used to but is far easier than screwing into the bottom of the camera. (I sat on my sofa and practised attaching and detaching the camera.) I paid more than I planned. You might have to also. And, like other have written, don't carry the tripod over your shoulder with the camera attached. Good luck!