- This topic is empty.
Tripod
-
I think it may be time to invest in a tripod only trouble is I have no idea which type or how much I should spend.I have a canon 40d.any advice appreciated.
Have a look at the link below. A very good bargain…
Do you have a budget that you are trying to stick too?
While its true for most things, its even truer when it comes to tripods, you really get what you pay for. My current cheap(40ish from ebay) tripod is falling apart now after maybe about 1 and a half years, so my next one will be more of an investment :) It depends how much you think you ll be using it. And what will you be using it for?
Anyway, ive more or less settle on a red snapper. Theyre a smaller company, but ive heard nothing but great reviews on their quality especially when compared to the other very expensive makes. http://www.aldine.co.uk/redsnapper/redsnapper-quality-tripods.html” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
Not sure what you think of those prices on the cheaper models but they some times have some very good offers.Go for something like a Manfrotto 190 or similar, cheaper brands are a waste of money. Make sure you get a quick release head while you,re at it.
I personally go for “Slik” tripods – very steady and don’t break the bank. A couple of shops around Dublin sell them and I am sure they should be easy enough to find around ireland or online.
Hi – i just got this one delivered from Belfast.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/76227/show.html?cm_vc=PPZ1
I choose this one becasue of the 180 degree adjustable centre column (very useful for macro and flowers).
You can spread the legs and get down to near floor level too.They do a slightly cheaper one if the adjustable column is not required.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/products/76226/show.htmlVery sturdy & well made.
I guess you have to spend at least €100 to get a decent one.
Hope this helps.
bren
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brencullen/I got a Slik tripod with a pistol grip from Sheldon photography. (Hes the sponsor for the current round of POTY). Its excellent. http://www.sheldonphoto.com/page19.htm” onclick=”window.open(this.href);return false;
I have a Manfrotto 190XB Tripod & Manfrotto 391 RC2 Head. It’s a really study, well made, tripod. I’d recommend it. I upgraded to that one after owning a cheapy [and crappy] Jessops own brand one that would have blew over if you breathed on it. You really do get what you pay for!
Have Slik with ballhead myself for 2 years now and very happy with it.
Well built and won’t break the bank.Unlike a lot of other camera gear, a tripod is one of those things you will have for a long time so it’s worth spending a bit extra to get something sturdy.
The carbon-fibre models are better than aluminium. Not only are they lighter but more importantly, the material absorbs micro-vibrations (e.g. wind) in the same way as wood. While the 4-sections models fold up to a slightly shorter size they are not as stable as a 3-section so I would recommend the latter.
I myself have a strong preference for Gitzo tripods as the build quality is just excellent and they really do last forever. The Manfrotto ones are good as well. I’m not sure about the other brands as I haven’t used them
It’s also worth buying a good quality head with a quick-release system. Have a look at the Arca-Swiss QR system, a lot of the quality tripod head manufacturers use that system; it’s really excellent…
The body is not important, lenses are. Requirements for 24mm lens will be much different than for 400mm lens (the longer lens, the more stable it must be). It´s also necessary to know what you want to photograph – landscapes, architecture, wildlife, sports or something else.
When choosing the manufacturer, look for well known companies, it´s an advantage when you need spare parts and accessories. Probably the best choice would be Gitzo or Manfrotto.Then you need to choose the material: aluminium is cheaper, heavier and doesn´t reduce vibrations. Carbon tripods are very light and reduce vibrations, however they need additional weight to be more stable. Usually they have a hook on the bottom end of the center column so you can use it to hang the bag with your gear, a plastic bag full of sand, stones or whatever you have. Carbon tripods are also more expensive. Next option are basalt tripods, it´s a compromise that is heavier than carbon but lighter than aluminium, doesn´t require additional weitght and reduces vibrations. However, basalt tripods are quite expensive. Fourth option is wood; wooden tripods are perfect, however very heavy. It´s also possible to buy a titanium tripod but it´s only for people that want to own something unique.
When you have chosen the legs, you need to choose a head. Most people choose a ball head, some of them include a part that allows it to turn around 360°. The advantage of a ball head is that you can move it all ways at once. Landscape, architecture and studio photographers often choose a three-way head that allows you to control each way movement separately. Country photographers also like panoramic head that allows to turn the camera around a chosen point very precisely. You can also buy a geared head, it´s very similar to a three way head but more precise and more expensive. Sports and wildlife photographers mostly use gimbal or two-way heads, they are two different types but both are used to support very long and heavy telephoto lens with tripod collar.
The best thing you can do is go to a shop, take your camera with your longest lens and try more options to find out what suits you best.
PS: All this information and even the best and most expensive tripod won´t help you if you don´t know how to use it correctly – watch some videos on YouTube.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
