ocbeyer wrote:
Buy used. Good tripods are not like cameras, no electronics, they last a long, long time. You can find a lot on Craigslist in local metro areas and you can try them before you buy. I have a Bogen Manfrotto combo much like you asked for, sturdy as a tank, cost me $100.
Here is just one example, $100:
http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pho/4286964899.html
Hey, I have that same head model, bought it a long time ago at a pawn shop. I used it for my twin lens and my 4x5.
It's a great head, and that is a good price.
To the OP: You need to realize that some "fluid heads" are for video cameras and do not go in to portrait orientation. Then you will need a "L" bracket also
Be careful about buying used. Not to say that you can't find a decent one for your needs, but buying, sight unseen, off of someplace like eBay, can be a crap shoot. That said, KEH, Adorama & B&H also have a presence on eBay & should not be ruled out...A good still photography tripod will not have the "lower support braces" connecting the legs as they limit the useability of the pod being used on uneven surfaces....
Screamin Scott wrote:
Be careful about buying used. Not to say that you can't find a decent one for your needs, but buying, sight unseen, off of someplace like eBay, can be a crap shoot. That said, KEH, Adorama & B&H also have a presence on eBay & should not be ruled out...A good still photography tripod will not have the "lower support braces" connecting the legs as they limit the useability of the pod being used on uneven surfaces....
Right, why buying from the local classifieds (including Craig's list) is such a good way to buy - you can see it, feel it and try it out before buying. And avoid the shipping fees. That being said I buy EVERYTHING used, including lenses and cameras, usually off of Amazon and to date have had nary a problem. Amazon has a great return policy if there are any problems.
Hey ocbeyer, I lived in Baltimore for 34 years... In & around the west side of town except for a few years in Reisterstown just before getting transferred to Georgia in 92...
ocbeyer wrote:
Right, why buying from the local classifieds (including Craig's list) is such a good way to buy - you can see it, feel it and try it out before buying. And avoid the shipping fees. That being said I buy EVERYTHING used, including lenses and cameras, usually off of Amazon and to date have had nary a problem. Amazon has a great return policy if there are any problems.
mrtobin wrote:
Hey, I have that same head model, bought it a long time ago at a pawn shop. I used it for my twin lens and my 4x5.
It's a great head, and that is a good price.
To the OP: You need to realize that some "fluid heads" are for video cameras and do not go in to portrait orientation. Then you will need a "L" bracket also
:thumbup:
My Bogen Manfotto is a fluid head and while it won't allow me to shoot in portrait I just crop for that aspect. But it is an excellent head for shooting at the car races - tracks smoothly and steadily. And it also comes in handy when I do shoot video.
Screamin Scott wrote:
Hey ocbeyer, I lived in Baltimore for 34 years... In & around the west side of town except for a few years in Reisterstown just before getting transferred to Georgia in 92...
Small world. I'm a "Westie" as well, live in Ellicott City. I like my town but Georgia sure sounds nice. ;)
I just looked up tripod reviews and there are a million of them . . . all different.
Best bet is to go to a large camera store and actually try them to get the right balance of weight and stability.
I actually have the D7000 and a 300mm lens and use it on a Gitzo G1197. I love the tripod (lightweight, stable, carbon fiber $$$$) and use a Linhof Ballhead which a tolerate (ball very sticky). Have a larger Kreg ballhead which I love, but too heavy for this tripod.
Net, too many choices without actually just trying it out. You have to factor weight into your decision. You can lean on the tripod for increased stability, but can you carry it all day.
For $200, you should be able to get a very nice non-ballhead tripod.
The best tripod I've ever used was a Pro Junior. This was a myopic tripod, wooden legs, but quick setup. Sturdy enough to use for what you want. Fluid heads are expensive and very heavy. Unfortunately the lat time I used one was in the early 70's. I realize this isn't much help, but it's all I've got. You might try to find an Arriflex tripod on Ebay or Craig's list.
thank you for your recommendation. I ordered the complete kit tripod with head, dolly, and video light very nice equipment for the money. Thanks again.
I meant to say video and stills.
RDSGJ
Loc: Grand Junction, CO
I'm not real hip on all the tripods myself and I don't have all the particulars but you mite look at the Verizoom TK75A. It's complete with fluid head for right at $$200 or little less. (Amazon has um)
There should be a definition of terms here:
A fluid head is a piece of pro video movie gear which starts at about $2,000. Generally, a fluid head has an internal balancing mechanism, and does not rely on moving the camera fore and aft for balance.
To spend anything less and you are buying an oil or grease dampened friction head, and this is fine (even Sachtler makes one that sells complete with tripod for under $600) if you know what you want out of the device.
Basically, in pro shooting, the ability to feather, whether using a fluid head or dampened friction head is the ball game. Does the unit smoothly go to and from the full stop? If so, you have a winner. Many, many heads simply do not feather right. I was in a big camera store and tried many oil/greased dampened heads and found only a Gitzo worked well, all others, mainly Manfrotto, did not. Jerky starts and stops are verboten.
The Fancier units are surprisingly good for their lack of price. Good and light for travel.
If you want to reply, then
register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.