help needed for better tripod
Aug 15, 2012 05:11:54 #
Once, when I was a student in photography(over 30+years ago), looking to purchase my first tripod, my instructor Mr. Marshall Booker advised me to purchase a Star-D Tripod. I took his advice and never looked back, and never looked for, or used any other tripod. I had no reason to. Very sturdy, made from high grade aircraft aluminum, very basic design and very easy to adjust. It folds up nicely, weighs about 5 pounds. About 3 years ago, through unfortunate series of events, I lost that same tripod that I owned since 1976. In February of this year after getting back into photography, I began looking once again for a Star-D, and I discovered of course, that it is no longer made. But, I also found that Tiltall now reproduces the old Star-D tripod - and it is exactly, if not better than the original. I found it at Adorama, and when I saw the price, I immediately ordered 2 of them, one for Elizabeth(LWOPP) and one is mine. I would suggest taking a look at this tripod, very reasonable and very well made.
Tom
Tom
Aug 15, 2012 06:03:02 #
Wouldn't adding a sand bag to the tripod frame aid in stabilizing it? I have a Manfrotto 055X proB tripod but primarily use it indoors and its heavier than carbon fibre. Still no cross bracing, but it does raise high enough so I don't have to bend down to take a moon shot. Are my standards too low?
Aug 15, 2012 12:35:55 #
Aug 15, 2012 12:50:25 #
EJK
Loc: OK
Thanks swampfox I did look Up tiltall tripod and there are lots to choose from. they are reasonable too. Which one did you choose? thanks
Aug 15, 2012 13:54:03 #
I still will never buy Manfrotto Coffee Nervous Tripods again, BUT, I may have stumbled onto some potentially decent carbon fiber stuff at lower prices:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/768019-REG/Oben_CC_2310_3_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/768019-REG/Oben_CC_2310_3_Section_Carbon_Fiber.html
Aug 15, 2012 16:17:51 #
Still wondering if adding weight to a tripod will improve its vibrations characteristics. I bought what I have because it was recommended by that store, and it was certainly way better than the one I had. Despite the improvement, outside in windy weather, I'm not happy with its stability. But I usually don't carry a sand bag, but wondered if it would make any difference now.
Aug 15, 2012 16:42:19 #
My graphite tripod has a hook, but in windy conditions I simply, but carefully, just hold down on the tripod with the hand not triggering the shutter. I usually use the 2 second delay and live view to further minimize vibration. I figure if it's windy, the wind will just blow the hanging weight around.
PhotoStar wrote:
Still wondering if adding weight to a tripod will improve its vibrations characteristics. I bought what I have because it was recommended by that store, and it was certainly way better than the one I had. Despite the improvement, outside in windy weather, I'm not happy with its stability. But I usually don't carry a sand bag, but wondered if it would make any difference now.
Aug 15, 2012 16:55:12 #
EJK
Loc: OK
Photosart, Is this all I would need to get up and running? Head and all?. the one I looked up from the link you sent would be around 400.00. I hope to buy one that will be my last as I have three that are not good. I had no Idea that they had so much movement untill I could see it when it was dark. So Maybe this is going to help my pictures be sharp. when I see a really sharp picture It makes me want to do better. Thanks
Aug 15, 2012 18:06:30 #
EJK wrote:
Thanks swampfox I did look Up tiltall tripod and there are lots to choose from. they are reasonable too. Which one did you choose? thanks
Thank you EJK. The tripod that I chose for us was the Tiltal Pro Model which is adequate for our needs and DSLRs that we use. Many years ago I used the original Star-D (same replica as Tiltal makes now) with my Crown Graphic 4x5 during a very windy day at an airport to take shots for an album cover. The tripod was stable, sturdy and did not move but I had one heck of a time with the black nylon hood that shades the viewfinder of the 4x5 (blowing like crazy)! I'm sure that there are heavier, stable models that Tiltal makes, as well as the many suggestions that other members have recommended, so best advice I could offer is to shop around and check out the specifications and listen to the advice from the many experienced members here at UHH. Then again, I am very satisfied with the Tiltal Pro Model, very well made and a decent price. Thanks again EJK 8-)
Aug 15, 2012 18:55:22 #
EJK
Loc: OK
Thanks again swampfox.were did that name come from? The price is good on the tripod you bought so will see how things go. Yes there are those here on the hog that do help. I have been enjoying everyone's input. I am learning I need to get the movement out of my pictures. So hopefully once I get a better tripod I ll be happier with my pictures. Thanks ejk
Aug 16, 2012 11:48:27 #
Hi the secret to putting weight on a tripod hook is not to let it dangle in mid air; you use a longer cord to have the weighted bag touch the ground just enough so it does not move buy wind. I dig a small hole in ground and let it rest in it or in sand and if in a mountain area Ill put some rocks close too it so theres no shifting. It maybe a little extra work but it is worth it!
jackm1943 wrote:
My graphite tripod has a hook, but in windy condit... (show quote)
Aug 16, 2012 12:03:22 #
I have a question also about tripods- do all carbon fiber pods havescrew type leg locks or do some makers use the levelock. I like the lever losk for the speed of set up.Any info would be helpful Also I'm poor so the Price can't be to crazy.
Aug 16, 2012 18:15:41 #
Thanks, sounds like an effective method, but I'm a little on the lazy and impatient side. Think I will just continue to simply hold down on the tripod.
RichardSM wrote:
Hi the secret to putting weight on a tripod hook i... (show quote)
Aug 18, 2012 02:32:23 #
km2000
Loc: NashVegas
Hey I've got one of them Star-D tripods.
Built like a tank. Here's the scoop:
http://tiltallsupport.blogspot.com/2010/03/mystery-of-star-d-tiltall.html
I was thinking of selling it on the Ebay, until my senses returned.
mine has a Bogen head on it too. (center column flip)
As far as "coffee nerves"... well if you're shooting up, can't you just make the pod shorter? Don't extend the legs.
Built like a tank. Here's the scoop:
http://tiltallsupport.blogspot.com/2010/03/mystery-of-star-d-tiltall.html
I was thinking of selling it on the Ebay, until my senses returned.
mine has a Bogen head on it too. (center column flip)
As far as "coffee nerves"... well if you're shooting up, can't you just make the pod shorter? Don't extend the legs.
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