New Tripod Advice

[Jill]

Looking for some advice on the tripod experts out there. The reason (or how) I'll mainly be using is for sharper images of flowers, bugs, birds, etc.

I'm looking at Monfrotto and Gitzo brands.

Thanks in advance!

[virgo1]

Jill,
I received a Manfrotto tripod and head from my husband for Christmas. I love it, works really well for me. :)
Eva ;)

[Chuck S.]

I have a Manfrotto (aka Bogen in the US) also, and, on the basis of a suggestion from Grant, I recently invested in a ball head to replace the 3-way pan and tilt that came with the tripod. Good investment! Much easier to use than the 3-way; makes using a tripod much more fun.

[virgo1]

Chuck,
The head I got is the joystick ball head with a quick release plate. Is that the one you have? It makes it more fun and a joy to use.
Eva

[Chuck S.]

Eva, I don't know about the joystick part :rolleyes: but yes, the quick release is definitely desirable.

The model number of the ball head I purchased was 488RC2.

Chuck

[Chuck S.]

Eva, I looked up the head that you bought (No. 222); very attractive! The built-in bubble level would be a nice feature.

Chuck

[Wendy]

Chuck ...

My tripod had two lots of bubbles and my ball head has one too ..

... So how come I still take crooked pictures :(


Wendy

[Chuck S.]

Wendy, maybe the world around you is out of kilter...

;)

[Wendy]

Chuck ...

I just knew that you would know the answer ;)

Wendy

[Jodi Frye]

I got an elcheapo one from Wallyworld. It's rugged and serves the purpose. I want to get one of those tiny ones tho for getting up close to flowers this summer. I'll probably get another elcheapo.

[Carbone]

I have a Velbon. It's light and ok to carry around, but it's not sturdy enough so when there's big wind, it's not very solid.

And had the dreadful head which moves in 3 way as Chuck's had. However, the head for mine isn't removable.. Should have listened to Grant.. :(

Ray

[Grant]

I'll mainly be using is for sharper images of flowers, bugs, birds, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Both tripods manufactures that you are looking at are very reputable. For the range of shooting you are planning you will want a sturdy tripod. The sturdy ness will depend on what type of camera you are shooting with, but remember the sturdier the heavier so there is a trade off. If you want to use it for flowers and bugs you will want it to be adjustable over a wide range of heights with emphasis on has a low minimum height. The next thing is a head and for the type of shooting you want to do I would recommend a ball head as they are very convenient to get the right angle quickly. If you decide concentrate on panorama or do lots of panning then maybe a three way head will do. But either way please consider a head with a quick release it really makes life a whole lot easier.

While this I a Manfrotto site it should give you lots of information on using tripods.

http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/pid/2477

[Chuck S.]

Further to the issue of what sort of head to specify, the Manfrotto ballhead 488CR2 has a combination of a free-wheeling ball and a horizontal plate that rotates for panoramas. I didn't even know that plate was going to be there when I bought the head, sight unseen, from Adorama in NY. Oh, and it's also quick release, which is really a great feature as Grant pointed out.

Chuck

[Ward Grant]

Looking for some advice on the tripod experts out there. The reason (or how) I'll mainly be using is for sharper images of flowers, bugs, birds, etc.

Jill, one idea to consider is using a remote shutter cable, if your camera supports this. Even on a tripod, you can get some camera shake with manually pushing the shutter, especially if taking low-light, long exposure-shots. For birds and butterflies, you can move away from the camera and not be a distraction to the subject.
Cons-Some cameras, especially some of the digital ones, do not support them; can be somewhat expensive.

One "free" trick is to use the self-timer on your camera. Put camera on tripod, focus on subject and then use the self-timer to lessen "shutter shake."

Also, if you have ever seen the movie, "The Gremlims" be sure to keep your tripod dry and do not feed it after midnight. They do seem to have a way of multiplying as you become more involved in photography, especially if you start doing off-camera flash work.

[virgo1]

Ward,
So true.
Eva ;)

[Jill]

You people are the best!!

I have a Canon 20D (to answer some of those questions). I'll definitely get the shutter release. And, I heard that the ball was the best.

So.... I'll print this out in a day or two and go shopping.

I'll let you know what I end of purchasing.

Thanks, again. And please feel free to add more comments, suggestions...

[Ward Grant]

You people are the best!!

I have a Canon 20D (to answer some of those questions). I'll definitely get the shutter release. And, I heard that the ball was the best.


Jill, I am always happy to spend other people's money, but I did not mean to imply you had to buy a remote shutter release. I took a quick look at the 20D manual and remote releases are about $75 from the on-line Canon store. You can easily add one later if you think you need one after you get comfortable with your new tripod.

Very nice camera.

[Wendy]

Hi everyone ...

Now I know why my camera equipment has grown ovver the last year or so ... it must have been that occasion when my tripod got wet. A few months after I noticed that a monopod had joined it ... and ... and ... and


:) :)

Wendy