PhotoArtsLA Loc: Boynton Beach

I tend to pontificate on the new era of tripods. I acquired (would never buy) what seems be a reasonably stout Manfrotto 475 aluminum tripod with a Kaiser Ball Head, which I believe the combo is north of $300, and this combination may be good for a very small point and shoot camera, if that. Putting, say, a 300/2.8 on it and a DSLR on the lens, and, it is basically useless. I call them "coffee nerves" which is the bane of all things tripod. Even the camera shutter induces vibration in the tripod, a cardinal sin of tripod design.

My 30+ year old, heavy as heck Gitzo Tele Studex Giant (as in, 12 feet to the camera plate, max height) is a dream. No coffee nerves. This Gitzo tripod was all over the professional motion picture equipment rental world way back when because of toughness, versatility, and performance. You could have a $400,000 camera on it and hit the tripod with a hammer to little image destroying effect. Plus, you can do your pullups on it, were you so inclined. Sad this tripod line is gone.

As I delve back into photography whilst I wait funding for my film company, I plan on trying out some of the new tripod contenders to see if anyone makes anything of quality, apart from Sachtler. Really Right Stuff seems to make interesting little tripods, but even carbon fiber can have coffee nerves. I think it might be worth a look for tripods with heads which cost less than a good fluid head.

All that said, the lightness of current DSLRs is another problem. It is more difficult to properly handhold these cameras, evidenced by the idiotic "pardon us" deployment of lens stabilization. This is an era where photographer's skills are at a wane. Back when all things were manual, and heavier, and film speeds were slow, photographers learned how to use their tools, hand-holding film cameras with tack sharp results where today, everyone would scream for stabilization. Going beyond the capability of stabilization, olde timers will get tack sharp results at veeerrry long shutter speeds, exposures of a second or more, handheld. These skills vanish with noiseless high ISO and stabilization. I keep the stabilization off on my lenses featuring it.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

The only thing you ever hear people say about carbon fiber is that it is "a little bit lighter than aluminum". It is lighter, and it is stronger, but carbon fiber tripods have a HUGE advantage over aluminum that almost never gets mentioned. A carbon fiber tripod is able to absorb shock and vibration and damp it far quicker and better than an aluminum one can. I watched a neat little video (can't remember where but it was a review on tripods) where they simply mounted a camera and long lens onto various tripods and tapped the leg. The image (shot in video) of a target started to wiggle and they timed how long it took for the image to stop moving. The carbon fiber tripods all took a fraction of the time to stop moving.

I shoot a lot of sports and use some big lenses and a monopod almost every day so I have a pile of them. When I saw the price tag on the carbon fiber Gitzo monopods I thought about what P.T. Barnum said about separating people and their money. But when I actually put my hands on one (GM3551) and extend it and wiggled it (or tried to) I was convinced and bought it (on sale of course). The Gitzo was WAY more stable than any of my name brand aluminum monopods but was actually a bit heavier. I liked it so much I bought a carbon fiber Manfrotto tripod and it is as stable as any similar sized aluminum one. With the exception of cost, carbon fiber is awesome, just ask Boeing because their newest airliner is made out of it instead of aluminum.

jmarazzi Loc: Moving around to stay out of the HEAT

One note on my aging brain - I read that quickly as ".... When working on developing my skill at paranormals...."
No insult intended.

Must be because the grands want me to see The Avengers -LOL

budrakey

The best tripod is the one you have with you when you need it.

I love my Gitzo carbon fiber, leveler tripod but it's a bit expensive. As for ball heads, Really Right Stuff makes top notch gear and their quick release plates are Arca-Swiss compatible.

OLDJIM Loc: N.London.UK

Hi all, I have an ARCA ball joint- It's massive at 3 inch diameter
and would suspend a horse, no trouble.
Lovely to use If you can accept a 3/8 thread?

ARCA & standard ball joint

OLDJIM Loc: N.London.UK

Hi all, I have an ARCA ball joint- It's massive at 3 inch diameter
and would suspend a horse, no trouble.
Lovely to use If you can accept a 3/8 thread?

ARCA & standard ball joint

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

That's a song I've been singing for years. This, for me, is a bigger advantage than the weight saving.

Of course, a lot depends on the design and manufacturing quality of the tripod, and often, even more depends on the head.

Cheers,

R.

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

Very true Roger. I have toyed with a few carbon fiber "no name" brands and they were simply garbage. Always thought that Gitzo was overhyped. But when I had the chance to actually use a carbon fiber Gitzo monopod I was almost instantly sold. Gitzo, Manfrotto, Really Right Stuff, and a few others make good gear. And like I said my carbon fiber tripod is a bit heavier than most of my aluminum versions but simply blows them all away in every way. I am a Gitzo convert

:thumbup:

Harvey Loc: Pioneer, CA

Hense the handy weight bag of some sort to hang on the tripod or weight a leg with

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

I've checked out your sight, great for those interested in tripods.

CasaLinda Loc: San Francisco Bay Area

Love my Really Right Stuff carbon fiber tripod and ballhead. I did a lot of review and spec reading before choosing this tripod and ballhead. It was pricey but worth it.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

HI, After a great deal of searching and researching I bought an obscenely expensive Gitzo carbon tripod and an equally ridiculously priced Kirk ballhead. I did it after examining how much I valued my camera and lens and decided I had to protect them. I still am not sure I did the right thing but it's done now. Have fun and keep shootin'. Mike

BigD Loc: The LEFT Coast

The old saying "you get what you pay for" applies to Tripods. Gitzo cost but it pays you back with very good quality.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Thought I recognized the name. Who's the better photographer, you or Frances?

Hal81 Loc: Bucks County, Pa.

Those light weight tripods are great if your going off on a hike up the mountans. But Ill stick with my old heavy very strong center post. That I can mount my camera on top or bottom for ground leval shots. Not only do the light weights help reduce the load but your wallet is also much lighter for your trip up the hill.