Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Hello Paul,

I use a Gitzo Ultra because it is both light and extends much higher than a normal standard tripod with a Whimbery gimbal head. Neither are inexpensive, but they pay off in the long run.

Here are my thoughts when It comes to purchasing a tripod. The price thing is a real tough thing to get around for most people. I get that. But that being said, I have purchased many tripods over the years, and if I totaled up the cost, it is more than I spent for the two that I use the most now. A friend of mine, and professional commercial photographer explained it this way. "If you buy a very nice tripod on the first purchase, you will not have to look back and get another. It will last you a lifetime. Every year that that goes by, you paid less for that rig. And, if you should ever decide a tripod is not for you, you will be able to get a lot more for it if you should want to sell it later."

Now the reason I chose this setup:

1. It is very rigid when set up, even at its highest adjustment.

2. It is very light weight for its size.

3. I shoot in many difficult types of terrain and being able to set the legs out the extra distance becomes invaluable. Examples are when working on a steep hillside, in streams and creeks, rocky or boulder-strewn habitats, etc. There is nothing more frustrating than to have carried a tripod to a location and the terrain makes it impossible to set it up.

4. I have an extensive natural history background, so locating various species of wildlife and knowing their habits and behaviors has created a knowledge base for me to be able to set up at a location and be prepared in advance for the wildlife instead of having to chase it down all the time. It really does make difference. Where I use to attempt to stalk subjects, I am already at the location where it is most likely for them to show up. I have the tripod and large lens all ready to go.

5. I often have to take long exposures or stacked images in the field. They are much better when being held by a quality tripod.

Are there situations where I have missed shots? Yup, indeed there have been those. I have a friend of mine who only photographs birds and air shows when they are in town. He almost never uses a tripod and gets many nice photos. But when we have to shoot in lower light situations, he has to sit on the bench. The tripod also makes it comfortable when working long periods of time by not having to hold the rig. There are always trade-offs when working in anything. My photos are not perfect, but the images I get are usually much sharper, I can use lower ISO for less noise as well.

If you choose to buy a tripod, slow down your stalking and sit in active locations for longer periods of time. You will notice a lot more things moving and coming to life around you as they come out from the cover they were hiding in when you first approached. And by all means, bring it with you every time.

One of the most exciting, and fun things about working slower is that you get more shots of animals coming towards you doing things instead always flying or moving away.

I go out almost every day to take my dog(assistant) for her walk. We usually take two to three hours. She has now adapted to know when I am stationary for a half hour or 45 minutes, she just sits there next to me and waits.

I know this is a long-winded answer for you, but it also provides you with the thought process I use when using a tripod. I also included a shot of my assistant. LOL

(Download)

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Oh what a lovely long reply! I just wanted to thank you ahead of me reading it. I was just back from a bike ride ahead of the rain that is coming in from the West. And I approve of your assistant. May I republish that photograph on my blog? And if you have any more that you would like to share with my readers then my email is my full name, without a space, as in paulhandover and then the rest of the gubbins is the ‘at’ sign at pm.me

Needless to say I would love to republish your photos and any other information you want to share with me.

Now to read your reply fully!

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

Outstanding canine portrait
☀️⭐🔥⭐☀️

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Is the spelling of the Whimbery head correct? For I am having trouble identifying it. Plus on the Gitzo site, https://www.gitzo.com/us-en/ there doesn’t appear to be an Ultra model.

Stash Loc: South Central Massachusetts

Nice

Dan' de Bourgogne

once again, superb images! What a great set...makes me envious leran how to shoot the same.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Thanks joecichjr. I am told she is far prettier than me to look at, so I gues my place is behind the camera and not in front. LOL.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Whimberly - missed the L. The ultra is a sticker on the tripod. The model number is GT3543xls.

PaulBrit Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon

Thank you!

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

Super set! Thanx for sharing!

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

Jfendley

Wow! Getting the Killdeer picture is outstanding.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

There is a pair that resides here year-round. I have been watching them for the past 3 years.