Which tripod and ballhead do you recommend ?
Feb 10, 2020 08:07:19 #
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)
Really Right Stuff has extremely high quality products, and their "system" approach is well thought out. RRS ball heads are 100% compatible with Kirk and RRS plates and replacement lens feet, but the same cannot be said for similar products from other manufacturers. One way to get around the small differences among different plates is to get the ball head with their screw-style clamp.
If you don't intend on using a longer lens, the BH 40 should be more than adequate.
Others worth considering would be Arca Swiss, Markins, Kirk, FLM - these are all in the same quality category.
I prefer to leave my tripod home whenever possible, except for those situations where I know I will need one - macros, long exposures, multi-row panoramas, etc.
Feb 10, 2020 09:24:39 #
If your budget allows it I would recommend a RRS tripod otherwise Gitzo would be a second best.
Understand that there are many expensiveness tripods in the market. If you are not going to use the tripod that often that would be a good choice.
Understand that there are many expensiveness tripods in the market. If you are not going to use the tripod that often that would be a good choice.
Feb 10, 2020 09:31:22 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
Gene51 wrote:
I prefer to leave my tripod home whenever possible, except for those situations where I know I will need one - macros, long exposures, multi-row panoramas, etc.
I prefer to leave my tripod home whenever possible, except for those situations where I know I will need one - macros, long exposures, multi-row panoramas, etc.
It's a relief to see a top notch photographer who feels as I do regarding tripods. Years ago, when I first started getting serious about equipment I bought an Induro C214 tripod and an RSS BH40 lever release ball head, but my only use for them is macro. I take panoramas with the Pano app on my iPhone 11 Pro Max. I have no desire to make creamy waterfall photos; I'm happy with my non-creamy pictures of Igauzu Falls and I did not have to schlep a tripod to Brazil. Fiddling with the legs to get just the right height for a shot is a major PITA.
Feb 10, 2020 09:40:06 #
berchman wrote:
Fiddling with the legs to get just the right height for a shot is a major PITA.
Yes, but if you have a well braced elevating centerpost - it becomes quite easier.....
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Feb 10, 2020 09:46:11 #
berchman
Loc: South Central PA
imagemeister wrote:
Yes, but if you have a well braced elevating centerpost - it becomes quite easier.....
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Then why do I keep reading advice from "experts" not to use the centerpost?
Feb 10, 2020 09:59:48 #
berchman wrote:
Then why do I keep reading advice from "experts" not to use the centerpost?
Because they are placing a higher value on stability than speed and convenience - and, they are trying to sell their tripods without a centerpost (making them cheaper) and mostly catering to people who own 600 f4's -for which stability is a higher concern. Some of the better tripods without a centerpost provide for the possibilities of having one by making it optional - for when you are using a smaller lens and/or the times when you are valuing speed and convenience. A leveling platform under you head will also add convenience and speed to setting up.
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Feb 10, 2020 10:19:37 #
JimBart
Loc: Western Michigan
I’m 73 and recently started using a tripod. I bought a ProMaster Professional XC525 with a ballhead. I am more than happy with it as it can double as a monopod, is sturdy enough to handle my Nikon with the Sigma 150-600 lens attached, and extends tall enough for my 6’3” height. It is also aluminum but light enough for transport
Feb 10, 2020 10:44:50 #
I have been using ballheads from RRS and Kirk Enterprises and tripods from Induro and Gitzo for years. All of these companies make excellent products and support them.
Regarding RRS ballheads, sometimes the three knobs drive me crazy causing me to switch back to my Kirk ballhead with fewer knobs.
Today I think you can buy quality carbon fiber tripods from Induro and Feisol without having to pay the higher prices for RRS and Gitzo tripods. You need to make sure that any tripod you buy is sized for your height and intended uses. If you have the extra cash, a new tripod that fits you from RRS is a no brainer.
I love using lenses with tripod collar mounts on ballheads like the 70-200mm f2.8. Balance is so much better and switching from horizontal to vertical is a snap.
Regarding RRS ballheads, sometimes the three knobs drive me crazy causing me to switch back to my Kirk ballhead with fewer knobs.
Today I think you can buy quality carbon fiber tripods from Induro and Feisol without having to pay the higher prices for RRS and Gitzo tripods. You need to make sure that any tripod you buy is sized for your height and intended uses. If you have the extra cash, a new tripod that fits you from RRS is a no brainer.
I love using lenses with tripod collar mounts on ballheads like the 70-200mm f2.8. Balance is so much better and switching from horizontal to vertical is a snap.
Feb 10, 2020 11:33:04 #
Ava'sPapa wrote:
I received some valuable information from one of o... (show quote)
I just bought a RRS BH-40. I debated between the lever and screw knob for the clamp. My other ball head has the screw knob type and it never bothered me. I asked the B&H rep what the lever clamp did for me and which was more popular. He said the lever clamp gave me speed and that most pros bought the screw knob. Since I never thought speed (measured in a couple seconds) was an attribute of using a tripod, I saver the $35 difference and bought the screw knob type.
Feb 10, 2020 13:01:07 #
cytafex
Loc: Clarksburg MA
I've owned Gitzo tripods since 1975, but my last tripods are Sirui. Bought a W-2204 carbon fibre tripod with #30 head several years ago and it's been fantastic, first tripod that hasn't jammed on river trip in the Grand Canyon and ease of use continues to amaze me. Total cost around $300 and works better than my Gitzo's!
Feb 10, 2020 13:16:14 #
Feb 10, 2020 14:28:09 #
latebloomer
Loc: Topeka, KS
If you want the best advice, look on this forum for Gene51. He has excellent specifications and suggestions.
Feb 10, 2020 15:06:36 #
Thomas Coulter
Loc: Maryville, Tennessee
obsidian wrote:
The Peak design Tripod (B&H $599) has a built in head, ergonomically designed and is light. It is a walkabout gadget if you travel to the City.
The Peak design Tripod (B&H $599) has a built in head, ergonomically designed and is light. It is a walkabout gadget if you travel to the City.
I too got one of the first Peak Design carbon fiber tripods, and I love it. I am 73, so weight is important to me too, and the PD is less than 3 pounds.
Feb 10, 2020 17:46:57 #
Steve Perry has a good discussion regarding ball heads used in nature and critter photography. I think his suggestion was very good if utilizing telephoto lenses. His web page is "newsletter@backcountrygallery.com".
Feb 10, 2020 19:35:37 #
I use https://www.amazon.com/INNOREL-Professional-Top-Level-Birdwatching-88pounds/dp/B07J3BCFQ9
And let me tell you this is a light heavy duty tripod. You can see mine it’s the review with the video with a Boston Terrier in it. It is made in China and the company treated me extremely well.
And let me tell you this is a light heavy duty tripod. You can see mine it’s the review with the video with a Boston Terrier in it. It is made in China and the company treated me extremely well.
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