Tripod & ball head
Nov 15, 2016 11:22:03 #
Jerry Green
Loc: Huntsville, AL
I have a Slik tripod and it very good. Check this line out for their tripod head combinations.
Nov 15, 2016 11:35:05 #
Jerry Green wrote:
I have a Slik tripod and it very good. Check this line out for their tripod head combinations.
The 700DX ...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371546840953?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Nov 15, 2016 12:07:17 #
I recently bought a NEST tripod from Carters camera cottage. Lightweight carbon fiber, easily package for travel. Will support up to 14 pounds. This is an excellent tripod. I bought it on sale with the ball head for under $270.
Nov 15, 2016 12:26:39 #
romanticf16
Loc: Commerce Twp, MI
beng69 wrote:
I'm shopping for a decent mid-price (under $200) tripod and ball head. I'd like to get something that can handle a full frame camera and zoom lens (18-300). I've read reviews of Vanguard, Pro Master, Mefoto, Zomei and several others on Amazon. Most get many good reviews and a few terrible ones. Can anyone recommend something that's a good value and won't break easily? A friend gave me an Xit. It broke the second time I used it.
If $200 is your budget your only hope is to buy better equipment USED. Mid price for a good tripod AND ball head is not $200 new!
Nov 15, 2016 12:53:18 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
I'm not aware of any 18-300mm lenses that work on full frame cameras. 28-300, yes. 18-300, no. AFAIK, all 18-300 are "crop only" lenses, in which case both camera and lens might be smaller and lighter weight.
Does your lens have a tripod collar? If so, great. If not, you'll probably have trouble balancing it on a tripod. You'll be attaching your rig to the tripod using the camera's tripod mounting point, with that lens hanging out in front, making it pretty off-balance. You'll have to be very careful using a ballhead that way. See some previous responses for ideas that might help with that.
As others have said, $200 isn't a lot to get a "decent" tripod. I've put together good quality tripod kits with used gear, for about twice that (and about 1/3 the price for the same thing brand new).
Rather than tell you a specific model, I might be able to suggest what to look for as you shop...
First, you'll probably have to settle for aluminum. Those will be heavier and won't absorb fine vibration as well as carbon fiber, but are more affordable. If you find a carbon fiber for $200 or less, I'd be very concerned about its quality. Watch out for plastic parts (especially anything structural) and stamped lightweight steel.
Second, you're best bet is probably to get a kit with both tripod and head.... There can be discounts buying that way, to make your $ go a little farther. The head probably will be pretty basic at this prices range (no quick release, no leveling bubble, simpler controls, no tension adjustments, etc.)
Next, weigh your heaviest camera and lens combo (or look up the specs online). Now triple that weight and look for a tripod and head with a weight rating close to that amount.
Now look for a tripod with three-section legs. More sections allow a tripod to be taller and yet fold up smaller, but also make it less stable and slower to set up. Of necessity, the more leg sections, the smaller diameter and flimsier the lowest ones must be. I would try not to go with more than four-section legs, at most.
Next, look at the height of the tripod, without having to extend the center column at all. Many lower priced tripods rely upon the center column to reach a comfortable working height, but raising the center column greatly reduces stability. The ideal might be a tripod with no center column what-so-ever... but an alternative is a tripod that's tall enough to position the camera viewfinder eyeport at your eye level without having to raise the center column (some center columns can be reversed for low level shooting, which can be handy for things like macro photography).
I'd also think twice about tripods with center columns that rotate to horizontal and/or with a leg that's removable to use as a monopod. Both these "features" will likely make a tripod less stable and durable.
The next thing to consider is the leg-locks. There are basically three types: lever, twist and thumbscrew. The lever type and thumbscrew both protrude a bit and can catch on things while carrying the tripod in the field, or might catch a cuff or sleeve while working around them. The flip lever type are quick, but also can wear over time and get out of adjustment. If you choose a tripod using the flip lever type, check if the lever locks are adjustable and/or replacement parts are available (for example, both are true with some Manfrotto tripods).
For a tripod to use in the field and haul around I prefer the twist type of leg locks (see Gitzo tripods, among others). Those are low profile, pretty unlikely to catch on anything, and largely self-adjust to compensate for any wear over time. They aren't as fast to set up, though. Plus in many cases with twist type locks you have to be a little careful not to over-tighten them and get in the habit of adjusting them in a particular order (otherwise the section above might loosen or spin preventing you from properly tightening the one you want).
Finally, look for a "system" tripod, if at all possible. Some can be upgraded later adding quick releases or there are alternative feet, leveling platforms, panorama heads and more available to fit them. This might not be possible with a $200 or less tripod, but is worth looking for since a tripod "bought right" might last a lifetime. In fact, if at all possible spend more now to get a better tripod, then you'll be less likely to need to buy again to replace a broken one or upgrade in the future. You'll also find a "better" tripod more of a pleasure to work with, which will encourage you to do so rather than leaving it at home in a closet or in the trunk of your car.
Go to Adorama, B&H Photo, Amazon, etc. and do some searches using the above criteria. I took a quick look at B&H and found a wide variety of Sirui, Oben, Davis & Sanford, Manfrotto, Benro and other brands for $200 or a little less. Slightly higher than $200 brought even more results. In some cases the heads offered were Arca-Swiss compatible (those probably come with one "universal" lens/camera plate... at additional cost others are available, perhaps fitted to the camera or lens for anti-twist security). Arca-Swiss compatible are by far the most widely used type of QR, across many brands. Some brands, such as Manfrotto, use their own proprietary quick release systems that may limit future upgrades and accessories. You also might check tripod/head manufacturer websites, if you don't find the info you need on the retailers' sites.
The number of leg sections, weight ratings and the working height of tripods will narrow things down for you rapidly (check if the height is with or without the center column extended.... if it doesn't say, it's probably with the column fully extended for "maximum wobbliness").
Does your lens have a tripod collar? If so, great. If not, you'll probably have trouble balancing it on a tripod. You'll be attaching your rig to the tripod using the camera's tripod mounting point, with that lens hanging out in front, making it pretty off-balance. You'll have to be very careful using a ballhead that way. See some previous responses for ideas that might help with that.
As others have said, $200 isn't a lot to get a "decent" tripod. I've put together good quality tripod kits with used gear, for about twice that (and about 1/3 the price for the same thing brand new).
Rather than tell you a specific model, I might be able to suggest what to look for as you shop...
First, you'll probably have to settle for aluminum. Those will be heavier and won't absorb fine vibration as well as carbon fiber, but are more affordable. If you find a carbon fiber for $200 or less, I'd be very concerned about its quality. Watch out for plastic parts (especially anything structural) and stamped lightweight steel.
Second, you're best bet is probably to get a kit with both tripod and head.... There can be discounts buying that way, to make your $ go a little farther. The head probably will be pretty basic at this prices range (no quick release, no leveling bubble, simpler controls, no tension adjustments, etc.)
Next, weigh your heaviest camera and lens combo (or look up the specs online). Now triple that weight and look for a tripod and head with a weight rating close to that amount.
Now look for a tripod with three-section legs. More sections allow a tripod to be taller and yet fold up smaller, but also make it less stable and slower to set up. Of necessity, the more leg sections, the smaller diameter and flimsier the lowest ones must be. I would try not to go with more than four-section legs, at most.
Next, look at the height of the tripod, without having to extend the center column at all. Many lower priced tripods rely upon the center column to reach a comfortable working height, but raising the center column greatly reduces stability. The ideal might be a tripod with no center column what-so-ever... but an alternative is a tripod that's tall enough to position the camera viewfinder eyeport at your eye level without having to raise the center column (some center columns can be reversed for low level shooting, which can be handy for things like macro photography).
I'd also think twice about tripods with center columns that rotate to horizontal and/or with a leg that's removable to use as a monopod. Both these "features" will likely make a tripod less stable and durable.
The next thing to consider is the leg-locks. There are basically three types: lever, twist and thumbscrew. The lever type and thumbscrew both protrude a bit and can catch on things while carrying the tripod in the field, or might catch a cuff or sleeve while working around them. The flip lever type are quick, but also can wear over time and get out of adjustment. If you choose a tripod using the flip lever type, check if the lever locks are adjustable and/or replacement parts are available (for example, both are true with some Manfrotto tripods).
For a tripod to use in the field and haul around I prefer the twist type of leg locks (see Gitzo tripods, among others). Those are low profile, pretty unlikely to catch on anything, and largely self-adjust to compensate for any wear over time. They aren't as fast to set up, though. Plus in many cases with twist type locks you have to be a little careful not to over-tighten them and get in the habit of adjusting them in a particular order (otherwise the section above might loosen or spin preventing you from properly tightening the one you want).
Finally, look for a "system" tripod, if at all possible. Some can be upgraded later adding quick releases or there are alternative feet, leveling platforms, panorama heads and more available to fit them. This might not be possible with a $200 or less tripod, but is worth looking for since a tripod "bought right" might last a lifetime. In fact, if at all possible spend more now to get a better tripod, then you'll be less likely to need to buy again to replace a broken one or upgrade in the future. You'll also find a "better" tripod more of a pleasure to work with, which will encourage you to do so rather than leaving it at home in a closet or in the trunk of your car.
Go to Adorama, B&H Photo, Amazon, etc. and do some searches using the above criteria. I took a quick look at B&H and found a wide variety of Sirui, Oben, Davis & Sanford, Manfrotto, Benro and other brands for $200 or a little less. Slightly higher than $200 brought even more results. In some cases the heads offered were Arca-Swiss compatible (those probably come with one "universal" lens/camera plate... at additional cost others are available, perhaps fitted to the camera or lens for anti-twist security). Arca-Swiss compatible are by far the most widely used type of QR, across many brands. Some brands, such as Manfrotto, use their own proprietary quick release systems that may limit future upgrades and accessories. You also might check tripod/head manufacturer websites, if you don't find the info you need on the retailers' sites.
The number of leg sections, weight ratings and the working height of tripods will narrow things down for you rapidly (check if the height is with or without the center column extended.... if it doesn't say, it's probably with the column fully extended for "maximum wobbliness").
Nov 15, 2016 13:23:50 #
rdubreuil
Loc: Dummer, NH USA
Amfoto1 Quote "I'm not aware of any 18-300mm lenses that work on full frame cameras. 28-300, yes. 18-300, no. AFAIK, all 18-300 are "crop only" lenses, in which case both camera and lens might be smaller and lighter weight."
No such thing as a DX or FX only lenses, both are interchangeable. Just that when using a DX lens on full frame (FX) body it causes vingnetting in the corners of the image, other than that it's fully functional.
No such thing as a DX or FX only lenses, both are interchangeable. Just that when using a DX lens on full frame (FX) body it causes vingnetting in the corners of the image, other than that it's fully functional.
Nov 15, 2016 13:33:20 #
It's difficult to help you decide on a tripod, especially when the budget is so low. Weight is also real factor in buying a tripod, if you plan on carrying this tripod long distances, through a variety different types of trails a heavy aluminum tripod can become a heavy weight. I bought a Nest tripod, with ball head from Carter, at the Cameracottage.com.
It is a Carbon Fiber model, with ball head rated at 45 lb. load. It also has a bag hook on the bottom of the center pole for added stability. The tripod is well engineered, and easy to set up in the field. In the future you may find yourself buying a larger, heavier lens, or even upgrade to a heavier body too. I just can't imagine me placing my new 5D Mark IV, (value $3500) Tamron 150-600mm lens, (value $1300) on a $200 tripod, rated at 20 lbs or less.
B
It is a Carbon Fiber model, with ball head rated at 45 lb. load. It also has a bag hook on the bottom of the center pole for added stability. The tripod is well engineered, and easy to set up in the field. In the future you may find yourself buying a larger, heavier lens, or even upgrade to a heavier body too. I just can't imagine me placing my new 5D Mark IV, (value $3500) Tamron 150-600mm lens, (value $1300) on a $200 tripod, rated at 20 lbs or less.
B
Nov 15, 2016 13:50:56 #
Nov 15, 2016 14:27:00 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Mundj wrote:
My mistake though was the Manfrotto ball head with their quick release system. There is no visible feed back of a proper connection.
For the benefit of anyone who may actually believe this bit of misinformation, the tightening lever snaps smartly about 45° clockwise with a reassuring click when the quick-release plate is properly attached, providing audible and visible feed back.
Nov 15, 2016 14:32:06 #
RWR wrote:
For the benefit of anyone who may actually believe this bit of misinformation, the tightening lever snaps smartly about 45° counter-clockwise with a reassuring click when the quick-release plate is properly attached, providing audible and visible feed back.
Nov 15, 2016 14:33:52 #
imagemeister wrote:
Also, for the record, Arca Swiss is the "system" where there is no visual indication of whether it has been tightened !
Nov 15, 2016 14:45:14 #
beng69 wrote:
I'm shopping for a decent mid-price (under $200) tripod and ball head. I'd like to get something that can handle a full frame camera and zoom lens (18-300). I've read reviews of Vanguard, Pro Master, Mefoto, Zomei and several others on Amazon. Most get many good reviews and a few terrible ones. Can anyone recommend something that's a good value and won't break easily? A friend gave me an Xit. It broke the second time I used it.
I have two Dolica tripods. One is a cheap, low end that cost $65 at Costco. The second would meet your needs. It was $145, again from Costco. It is carbon fibre, has twist locks and is very sturdy. I regularly used it with my D7200 with a 135-400mm lens. I don't like ball heads so I bought a BenRo pan tilt head for it. I have had Gitzo, Manfroto, Bogen and others. The Dolica higher end is just as good. (Well, Gitzo is sturdier. You can pound nails with it, but that's what my hammer is for.)
Nov 15, 2016 15:29:34 #
RWR wrote:
For the benefit of anyone who may actually believe this bit of misinformation, the tightening lever snaps smartly about 45° clockwise with a reassuring click when the quick-release plate is properly attached, providing audible and visible feed back.
Nov 15, 2016 16:48:33 #
beng69 wrote:
I'm shopping for a decent mid-price (under $200) tripod and ball head. I'd like to get something that can handle a full frame camera and zoom lens (18-300). I've read reviews of Vanguard, Pro Master, Mefoto, Zomei and several others on Amazon. Most get many good reviews and a few terrible ones. Can anyone recommend something that's a good value and won't break easily? A friend gave me an Xit. It broke the second time I used it.
Here is some info to hopefully help you choosing and deciding on a tripod and ball head purchase. The first link is a "how to" on choosing and purchasing both items. The other links are all reviews of different tripods and ball heads by contributors on that website. I research all my camera and gear purchases quite in-depth by reading actual usage reviews on a number of websites, but this website is the one I find most useful and trust the most. Just MHO.
https://photographylife.com/how-to-choose-and-buy-a-tripod-for-a-dslr-camera
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-cc-2461-tripod
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-cc-2491-tripod-kit
https://photographylife.com/reviews/feisol-tournament-tripod-and-cb-50d-ballhead
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-ct-3481-tripod
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-ct-2410-tripod
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-ct-2320-tripod
https://photographylife.com/reviews/oben-cc-2361l-lateral-tripod
https://photographylife.com/reviews/really-right-stuff-tqc-14-tripod Price on this one will make your head spin...LOL
There are many other photographers websites where you can read reviews as well. Good luck with your search.
Nov 15, 2016 18:13:54 #
As others have said, sub $200 tripod & ball head isn't realistic. Possibly used but even then. I use 3 Legged Thing Carbon Fiber travel pod myself. It retailed for $540 at B&H before it was discontinued.
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