tripod: I have a Nikon D90 camera and usually use a 300mm lense. What is a good tripod for this set up. So far I just take photos hand held with vibration reduction. Looking for...

Lynda Lee Loc: Southern California

I have a Nikon D90 camera and usually use a 300mm lense. What is a good tripod for this set up. So far I just take photos hand held with vibration reduction. Looking for something light. Thanks for the advice maybe i should have said compact and strong for my set up.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Lynda Lee wrote:

I have a Nikon D90 camera and usually use a 300mm lense. What is a good tripod for this set up. So far I just take photos hand held with vibration reduction. Looking for something light. Thanks for the advice

The worst thing you can do is look for a tripod by weight. Even with light carnon fiber tripods, you want one heavy enough to be sturdy with your camera and lens mounted. Last Saturday (Photo Walk), I saw people putting $2500 cameras with $1000 lenses on light weight $50 tripods.

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

How far do you carry?
What type of photography do you do?

Lynda Lee Loc: Southern California

I usually shoot birds especially hummingbirds. I have several places where they perch and felt using a tripod I would get better photos. Sometimes i walk to a park about 2 miles away, but if necessary would drive.

FilmFanatic Loc: Waikato, New Zealand

Lynda Lee wrote:

I have a Nikon D90 camera and usually use a 300mm lense. What is a good tripod for this set up. So far I just take photos hand held with vibration reduction. Looking for something light. Thanks for the advice maybe i should have said compact and strong for my set up.

I wouldn't use anything less than the tripod I have now. I assume when you say 300mm lens you mean 70-300 or similar? Will be quite different to say a 300mm f/2.8 prime.

The tripod I refer to is a Manfrotto 055 set of legs and a Really Right Stuff BH-55 ballhead with an L plate for the camera.

LouEllen

Buy something very sturdy. That should be your number one criteria. I have an Induro quick release tripod (don't recall the model number) and really like it for my D90 with a fairly small lens. The legs pull out easily and it gives me plenty of height.

However, for the D800 with 70-200 lens, I am looking for a much better tripod to support the heavier weight. This time, I will likely go with a ball head.

Regardless of which brand you purchase, I would recommend making sure the head is the best quality and not a plastic or nylon material. Tripods can be somewhat expensive, so you may want to go with one that will work with any lens you may decide to buy in the future.

Lou Ellen

Lynda Lee wrote:

I have a Nikon D90 camera and usually use a 300mm lense. What is a good tripod for this set up. So far I just take photos hand held with vibration reduction. Looking for something light. Thanks for the advice maybe i should have said compact and strong for my set up.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lynda, you dont say how much you are willing to spend. Are you looking for the latest greatest carbon rig? RRS equipment tends to be at the higher price ranges. Or are you looking for a capable yet inexpensive, used alloy pod with tilt/pan head. Are those hummers BIF or can you pre-setup on a flower as they hover? Since you are currently handheld, you might be disappointed in the added restrictions of a tripod. Maybe a small travel tripod for hiking. If a cheap $50 tripod does the job, do you really need more?

Lynda Lee Loc: Southern California

thanks for all your suggestions it gives me lots of things to consider...I really appreciate this web site. I'll do some rewiewing and let you know how it goes. I am expanding my horizon of subjects other than hummers but they are still moving..ha, ha

deej

The worst thing you can do is look for a tripod by weight. Even with light carnon fiber tripods, you want one heavy enough to be sturdy with your camera and lens mounted. Last Saturday (Photo Walk), I saw people putting $2500 cameras with $1000 lenses on light weight $50 tripods.[/quote]

The old saying" The chain is only as strong as the weakest link" really fits here!! :shock:

MonochromeB Loc: Chandler, AZ

My tripod is an older Bogen/Manfrotto 055XB. It is a bit on the heavy side, but is stout. It holds my gripped 7D and my 70-200 2.8IS also laden w/ a 5# sack of rice when in heavy wind.

To also say- putting a cheap tripod under expensive gear is an accident waiting to happen. Consider your choices in tripod(s) an insurance policy of sorts.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Maybe a monopod instead of a tripod.

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

I have a range of tripods from the very cheep, to the very not cheep and their use depends on what I plan to photograph on that particular day. For my heavy equipment, I use a Bogen 3036 that, with ball head, weighs in at a bit under 15lb. To add weight on really windy days, I carry panty hose in my pocket that can be filled with rocks, dirt or anything else I can find. It's easy to carry in, and empty when finished shooting. And no, I don't use it when hiking more than a mile away from my car.

Another neat trick when working in a tight spot is a Monrope. Easy to make, and carry, and it's better than nothing..

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

Opps, I forgot to add

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=article_031504

kit_kit Loc: NYC

What is a Monrope?

treehugger Loc: Eastern Idaho Highlands

I ment to say Monorope. See link above.