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Jan 25, 2013 19:53:54   #
wISOr Loc: Austin, TEXAS
 
Db7423 wrote:
wmf wrote:
Db7423 wrote:
wmf wrote:
Db7423 wrote:
wmf wrote:
Thanks for the info and thank you for the color kudo! We will be on a far size ship and never thought about THAT movement. Bar Keep, another round of brewskies please!


Have a great time, take a lot of pics and post them soon. We need images with heat- it's freezing here.


Man I feel for you guys. Austin Texas is 76 degrees and no end in sight for a week or so.


Go ahead and rub it in- BTW, have a lousy trip and on second look the color is terrible! :) :)
quote=wmf quote=Db7423 quote=wmf Thanks for the... (show quote)


Funny! BTW, the last blinding snowstorm we had was...NEVER. Not to mention the last time this city shut down was due to a whopping 1" of snow...No bull! COLD to most folks here is 40 ABOVE zero.
quote=Db7423 quote=wmf quote=Db7423 quote=wmf ... (show quote)


We know how to handle the snow and 1" doesn't even slow traffic here. But we really have been cold. This week the schools in my area delayed the start of the school day two hours to give it a chance to warm a little for the kids waiting for their school bus pickup. Things have changed somewhat over the years- I remember having to walk about a mile to and from school with no regard for the weather conditions and that mile was up hill both ways! Seriously, post some pics when you return and have a great time and don't drink all that tripod money cause you will need one sooner or later. Thanks for the fire! I feel warmer already.
quote=wmf quote=Db7423 quote=wmf quote=Db7423 ... (show quote)


Trip is not until late July, but by then hopefully I will be very comfy with my D7000 and lenses. Whales breaching are a rarity, but one never knows when it will happen in the right place at the right time. Pics will be posted for sure. By then you guys will be thawed out and here will be sweltering heat in the 100's+ almost every day. YUK. Enjoyed the chat.

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Jan 25, 2013 20:19:14   #
Bruce with a Canon Loc: Islip
 
Right tripod= depends
I use manfrotto aluminum 055xprob and 190 x prob, one pistol grib ball head and one tilt and pan, I am looking for a gimbal head as I had the opportunity to try a friends and they are superior for many uses.
Gimbal great for action, birding
Tilt and pan I find perfect for macro work, ball head works grteat for me when shooting nature, water falls and general scenics.
After that long winded noise the point of it all would be buyu QUALITY gear ( Like tattoos, Good gear aint cheap and cheap gear aint good.
I look to KEH camera, Adorama, B&H etc for used offerings as well as Craigs list. Check gear thouroughly befoe changing cash.
The dealings I have had with KEH have always exceeded my expectations, what they call GOOD is exvcellent what thye call very good is next to new.
You might check estate sales as well, a bgreat place to pick up great deals on all kinds of goodies.
Enjoy

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Jan 26, 2013 05:59:47   #
krispix Loc: London - UK
 
I wouldn't necessarily rule out any form of support on board ship. As you say, it's going to be a big boat, the seas may be calm and engine vibration ...?
Shooting with your 70-300mm at max zoom is going to mean you want a shutter speed in excess of 1/250 to avoid the risk of camera shake, and probably even more if you have rough water.
You might like to consider a monopod. A lot more flexible and easier to set up than a tripod and won't get in the way of the hoards of passengers crowding the gunwales to watch the wales. It won't be a stable as a tripod, but it will provide you with a better platform than a straight hand-held will.
JR1's idea of a gimbal is probably a bit OTT considering the 70-300 doesn't have it's own mounting point and using these on a camera mount is a bit restrictive.

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Jan 26, 2013 07:28:52   #
strikerazde Loc: Phoenix, AZ
 
wmf wrote:
GREETINGS! After spending a small fortune on a D7000, 3 lenses, bag...yadda yadda, I am now in the market for a tripod. BUT am a bit clueless which way to look, other than a decent used one that I can pack and carry on an upcoming whale watching excursion. The longest lens I have is the 70-300mm and I really would like to spend even a smaller fortune on a reasonable tripod. NOT a pro at this so a basic one that will hold the camera nicely and not send me to a lending institution to purchase... :) Aesthetically, as long as it has not been run over by a car and works will be OK too.
GREETINGS! After spending a small fortune on a D70... (show quote)


I don't know what you have $$$ in lenses, but the D7000 is about 1K. So 1K in body say 2K in a lens, 500 in a flash, maybe remote trigger. Do you really want 3 or 4K supported by a cheap tripod? Others have said they need to be sturdy enough to carry your gear and that's correct, but they get expensive when they get light enough for you to haul around on vacation for two weeks at a time.

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Jan 26, 2013 07:29:07   #
djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now
 
You might consided a wide angle lens on your trip also. I've been on whale cruises where you could touch them and SMELL their breath. You know what the eat, right? Not a good smell.

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Jan 26, 2013 08:35:29   #
nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina
 
wmf wrote:
GREETINGS! After spending a small fortune on a D7000, 3 lenses, bag...yadda yadda, I am now in the market for a tripod. BUT am a bit clueless which way to look, other than a decent used one that I can pack and carry on an upcoming whale watching excursion. The longest lens I have is the 70-300mm and I really would like to spend even a smaller fortune on a reasonable tripod. NOT a pro at this so a basic one that will hold the camera nicely and not send me to a lending institution to purchase... :) Aesthetically, as long as it has not been run over by a car and works will be OK too.
GREETINGS! After spending a small fortune on a D70... (show quote)


I haven't read the other post in this thread but would rather assume this has already been recommended.

"Really Right Stuff" has it all. I was all Gitzo and Wimberly fan until I bought my first Really Right Stuff ball head and pano system. Now, I use nothing but RRS tripods, mono pods, tribods, ball heads, L plates, flash brackets and accessories. Unbelievably made - a great investment that will not disappoint.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/Index.aspx?code=46&key=fr

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Jan 26, 2013 08:59:44   #
rhyde Loc: Little Rock, AR
 
wmf, you might consider a monopod. More maneuverable than a tri, and you could more easily remove the camera if need be.

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Jan 26, 2013 09:05:54   #
saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon
 
There is some implication in your post that you may be using a tripod in an Ocean environment. Many tripods do not play well with salt water on the legs, particularly if it reaches past the first leg locks. This may happen in a situation shooting in tide pools, etc.

For that reason, some people prefer wood tripod legs. Kevlar or CF legs may be good, but the salt water getting into or past the leg locks can corrode, if not disassembled and rinsed off. Salt water past the first leg lock may jam, or possibly corrode, the mechanism if allowed to dry in the lock

Also, make sure to get the salt water off before storing a tripod away.

The boat concern is valid.

I use 3 way pan heads. I find ball heads floppy and fidgety when loosened to move. A Gimbal head puts the center of gravity lower than the swing point, but are quite expensive/heavy for a good on. 3 way pan gives individual adjust on each plane of movement, and you can be working two of those adjustments at the same time if you practice.

My bag always has a "string pod" tucked away in one of the small pockets of the bag. That's a 1/4 inch eye bolt which screws into the tripod socket of the camera, a plastic coated woven wire cable with a loop at the bottom end to go around my foot. Length is relative from my foot to eye level. Put my foot in the loop, and hold tension on the camera to eye level. works good to diminish movement in the vertical plane (steadies the camera horizontally).

Never thought about the string pod in a boat situation ... Hmmm?

But in any event, inquire about the environmental issue of use IN or near salt water.

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Jan 26, 2013 09:58:25   #
oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey
 
You will go nuts with all the recommendations you will get with this question! I read most of them sitting here shaking my head. I am going to comment on two things I read.

First, when you are ready and it is needed, you do not need to spend a fortion on a tripod head. I prefer a gimbal head but shoot a lot of BIF. I use two gimbals and like them both. Neither cost me over $200.00 but you do not need one for a whale trip on a boat.

The second thing is I took my tripod on a boat trip last year. It was a smaller boat and the vibration and bouncing around made it hard to use. Finially went to hand holding. Your body and arms will do a great job of lessoning the vibrations caused by the waves and motor. Invest in a good strap system if you haven't yet. Something to keep the weight off your neck while you are bouncing around. You will be much happier!

Jim D

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Jan 26, 2013 10:01:54   #
Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA
 
I think Krispix's suggestion of considering a monopod for the whale watching is a good one. A tripod on a boat could be cumbersome, and in some cases might be considered a possible safety hazard to other passengers. It would be wise to check with the company running the whale watching tour to be sure a tripod would even be allowed.

Just to second Nikonshooter's recommendation, after spending oodles on your other gear, consider getting a tripod of the same quality. Those by Really Right Stuff are quite simply the best tripods out there, IMHO. Expensive relative to others high end tripods - yes, but worth every penny.

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Jan 26, 2013 10:06:47   #
blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area
 
JR1 wrote:
I also have a couple of new D7000s and Sigma 150-500, the above is a 60D with 120-400, I have five tripods including the Manfrotto 055XPROB, and Unilok (look that up), and after years of testing finally the combos are right.

False economy good gear cheap pod, nono......

£220 for legs and gimbal.


The question was what low priced tripod he should buy. none of your items qualify for that and showing off your arsenal is bragging.

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Jan 26, 2013 10:12:57   #
arlissd
 
Take a look at Really Right Stuff, they make great tripods, ball heads, and Gimbal.

For travel I use the Manfrotto 055CXPRO4 (4 section). There is also a 3 section, 055CXPRO3. This tripod can hold a Max of 17.6 lbs. It is very light and you also get a carrying handle for it. Also it closes down to fit in a carry-on bag. I fit it with the Really Right Stuff BH-55 ball head it is rated for 50lbs, it also pans, and it slotted to point your lens up or down. Really Right Stuff has other ball head smaller with this one with the same quality. You get quick release or screw release.

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Jan 26, 2013 10:14:19   #
Shutterbugsailer Loc: Staten Island NY (AKA Cincinnati by the Sea)
 
Picked up a 40 year old Husky tripod in nearly perfect condition for $10.00 at a garage sale. Also converted an old collapsible bike repair stand into a heavy duty tripod

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Jan 26, 2013 10:15:10   #
wISOr Loc: Austin, TEXAS
 
Monopod seems like it might be the best way to go for the excursion. Never thought of that and makes perfect sense. I surely can find one that will fit in my camera bag too. Someone tripping over the tripod is another great point to bring up. I would hate it if somebody went overboard because of me. Might lose my camera/lens/tripod/whale shots as well...BAD deal altogether.

MANY THANKS for your thoughts Jim!!!

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Jan 26, 2013 10:20:04   #
wISOr Loc: Austin, TEXAS
 
blacks2 wrote:
JR1 wrote:
I also have a couple of new D7000s and Sigma 150-500, the above is a 60D with 120-400, I have five tripods including the Manfrotto 055XPROB, and Unilok (look that up), and after years of testing finally the combos are right.

False economy good gear cheap pod, nono......

£220 for legs and gimbal.


The question was what low priced tripod he should buy. none of your items qualify for that and showing off your arsenal is bragging.


Hey I am on a HUGE tripod learning curve here and gotta ask questions. I have learned as well, no junk for a good arsenal!! I'll brag some more when I buy more stuff, HA.
:shock:

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