New mini-tripod for Galapagos trip?

[HWF]

I searched this forum but did not come up with the help I need.

I'm going to the Galapagos Islands in March on the National Geographic Endeavour, and there will be two Nat Geo photographers aboard. Needless to say, I'm very excited, as a novice photographer using a Nikon D40x, to be shooting next to a true expert in the field. I plan to bring the 18-55 mm kit lens, as well as the 70-300VR which I used very successfully with a monopod in Alaska last year. I plan to bring along the monopod, and was wondering if there's a mini-tripod that would be appropriate and helpful for my Galapagos trip. Any thoughts/recommendations? Thanks much.

[LeeOtsubo]

If I were going to the Galapagos on what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I'd buy a real tripod and forget the monopod or mini-pod.

By a real tripod, I mean something like a Gitzo GT1531 (max height 53" w/o center column) and a Markins Q3 Traveler ballhead. The set will cost ~US$840 plus $50 for a QR plate for your D40. When you get back, you can easily sell the tripod and head for $600 so your total outlay will be about $290.

The Gitzo GT1531 is the least expensive CF legs that reaches a reasonable height. If you're tall (over 6') and need something like my Gitzo 3530, the price jumps to ~US$700.

You can also buy a Bogen-Manfrotto that won't have the same stability or resale value.

[Jeff Perry]

HWF, I assume when you say "mini-" you mean light and compact, and not some stubby short tripod-wanna-be.

In the compact travel style of tripods, materials, size and load-bearing determine the "best" choice. Materials, e.g., carbon fiber will make it strong and light, and expensive. Small diameter tubes, make for lighter, less robust units that are limited as to how much they can support.

I have several Manfrotto units, a large/full-size tripod, a full-size mono and a travel tripod (Model 785B) which includes with a head. The latter, should be sufficient for the kit you will be carrying.

Do your homework. Check out reputable camera outlets like Adorama and B&H and check out their inventory, They always include specifications, like noumber of sections, materials, maximum height when extended, weight the unit can support, etc.

Jeff

[HWF]

Thanks, Lee, but I really don't think I want to spend more on the tripod than I did on the camera with lens.

[LeeOtsubo]

The less expensive your camera and lenses, the more you need a good tripod. I see this all the time in my workshops. Students show up with an inexpensive camera, consumer lenses and a rickety tripod. Had they invested in a good tripod, they would have had a chance of capturing that once-in-a-lifetime shot but the tripod shakes and trembles in the slightest breeze or breaks at inopportune moments. Sometimes, students buy a sturdy but inexpensive tripod that weighs 15 lbs and never use it because it's too heavy.

You're paying $5000-$8000 for the trip, doesn't it make sense to take the best equipment and improve your chances of capturing the best photos? As I mentioned, you can always sell the tripod/BH for 80% of it's value after you return. I just checked and equivalent Gitzo/Markins combos are fetching $650-$750 in the used market.

[ljameso1]

I have been there and thought it was well worth it to bring a good tripod.

[dyale]

http://www.adorama.com/BG190XP322RC.html This tripod and head is 283.00. Well worth the money for your camera. I have a nikon D40 and D90 and use it for both cameras with great success. If I were taking that trip I would definently get the tripod and also maybe a D90 camera, as it is a once in a lifetime trip. As said in previous posts you can always sell the equipment when you get back, but you cannot replace missed pictures or poor pictures because of poor or broken equipment.
Dean

[HWF]

Thanks, all. I'm thinking that, perhaps, it does make a lot of sense to upgrade my equipment for this trip. That would include a better tripod, as Lee suggests. I've never sold used equipment before, however, and that concerns me somewhat. Thanks again.

[LeeOtsubo]

If you post on a reliable site like www.fredmiranda.com or www.nikonians.com or www.photography-on-the.net, you'll minimize the risks. I've bought and sold $5000 lenses. That's not to say it's not high pucker time when you send $5K to a total stranger but I've never been burned yet. (knock on wood)

You can also sell it locally via Craigslist and insist on face-to-face, cash only. I'd definitely stay away from fleaBay and Nigerian Times On-line. If you go that route, you can also list it on my site for free.

[n-d40]

the tripod should be able to hold 2.5 times the camera weight .
on windy days I disconnect my camera strap with the buckles I sewed into the strap.
enjoy
kevin