Posted by Basil Greber on October 9, 2006 at 3:50 PM
Hi all
I've finally figured out what "picture taking" equipment I'd like, and now I've started thinking about the "anti shake" equipment: A a better tripod. Not that this means I'm going to buy one very soon (budget is not unlimited). But I'd like to get some thoughts for a start.
What kind of head would you suggest - as far as I've seen, there are ball heads, three way heads, and then those heads that cheap tripods have. I'm doing landscape, macro, and every now and then also some wildlife stuff. I guess the ballhead would be better for wildlife, but the three way head would be better for landscape and macro. However, I won't buy two heads. What do you suggest? Every suggestion appreciated, really, I lack even the most basic knowledge.
Anyway, the setup shouldn't be too heavy since I'd like to use it during hikes too. What am I going to load on top of it? The equipment it will be used with includes a Nikon D100, 50/1.4, 18-70 DX, AF-S VR 70-300 (going to buy, but thanks to the VR probably not very often on the tripod), 105/2.8 Micro, Tokina 12-24 (also on the wish list) & a Sigma 500/7.2 (very light for the focal length). I already have a monopod which can be used with the 500/7.2 in good light with acceptable results. I guess that for the 500 or any future replacement of it, a fairly heavy tripod would be the optimum regarding stability, while for the others, a lighter one would do also, even for longer exposures.
If a three way head is the way to go, what do you think about the Manfrotto 460MG and the Manfrotto 055CLB? That's also about the maximum I'm willing to spend. A little bit less wouldn't hurt either. Alternatives could be the 190PROB or a 718B/724B (the last two optimum budget wise, worst feature wise).
All suggestions welcome, also regarding the lens lineup (I know, not very high level compared to what some others are using, but appropriate for what I'm doing ).
Hi Basil,
a good lightweight choice is the Manfrotto 190MF4 (1.6kg) with Manfrotto 486RC ball head (0.4 kg). Another good alternative is the 055, I've used it for year before switching to the Gitzo 1548...If I didn't bought the 600 f4 I'd have never switched from 055 to 1548, the 055 is an excellent tripod for lenses up to 300 2.8.
I've only recently gotten back into more serious photography and prior to this year did almost everything handheld. In retrospect that was largely because I used the old style (what I assume is your 3-way head) tripods until then. Since then I bought a top of the line Gitzo tripod and RRS ballhead with quick release hardware and am using them for the majority of my shooting including pretty much all of my macro and telephoto shooting. I find it much easier to use and because of that I've finally proven to myself that the old salts are correct in saying that a tripod makes a huge difference and can make an image from a mediocre lens turn out sharper than a handheld image from a superb lens (which is certainly true in my hands.) The bottom line is I would strongly recommend a ball head with quick release. I know they cost a lot which may stress your budget but I think in the long run you'll be glad you did it. As to specific heads and tripods, mine are pretty heavy to accomodate a 500 f4 IS, so I'll defer to those who use equipment is more similar to yours.
Isn't it fun shopping for gear?
Keith
Posted by Basil Greber on October 9, 2006 at 4:22 PM
Thanks for your replies. The 3-way head ist this thing here:
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2332?livid=80|81&idx=82
Yeah, the shopping part is fun up to the point when you pay the bill.
Basil
Posted by Kent Staubus on October 9, 2006 at 11:20 PM
I would skip the the three way head. For lots of macro, a focus rail would be more useful anyway. I've been using the Gitzo 1325 and the AcraTech Ultimate ballhead. They are just about perfect and will easily hold a big 500mm f4 lens. If you don't need that much capacity and want something lighter, look at the Gitzo 1228 or the newer ones just released. I don't think I'd recommend a 3-way head unless you need something really solid for not much money. The AcraTech head is a joy to hike with because it is VERY light and has no handles sticking out.
For the variety of shooting situations you mention a good quality ball head would be my recommendation.Arca Swiss and Kirk are two excellent brands to check out,pricey but very good.
I'd steer clear of the three way heads.For slow,considered landscape photography they'd be fine, but they will definately be way too fiddly and time consuming for wildlife photography.
Posted by Dan Borzynski on October 10, 2006 at 9:20 AM
If it moves, you really want a ball head. Given one purchase, this is the one I would recommend.
I am using the Bogen 3038, which is a medium format ballhead, and serious overkill for most of the 35mm work I do.
Posted by Basil Greber on October 11, 2006 at 7:29 AM
Discussion
8 repliesI've finally figured out what "picture taking" equipment I'd like, and now I've started thinking about the "anti shake" equipment: A a better tripod. Not that this means I'm going to buy one very soon (budget is not unlimited). But I'd like to get some thoughts for a start.
What kind of head would you suggest - as far as I've seen, there are ball heads, three way heads, and then those heads that cheap tripods have. I'm doing landscape, macro, and every now and then also some wildlife stuff. I guess the ballhead would be better for wildlife, but the three way head would be better for landscape and macro. However, I won't buy two heads. What do you suggest? Every suggestion appreciated, really, I lack even the most basic knowledge.
Anyway, the setup shouldn't be too heavy since I'd like to use it during hikes too. What am I going to load on top of it? The equipment it will be used with includes a Nikon D100, 50/1.4, 18-70 DX, AF-S VR 70-300 (going to buy, but thanks to the VR probably not very often on the tripod), 105/2.8 Micro, Tokina 12-24 (also on the wish list) & a Sigma 500/7.2 (very light for the focal length). I already have a monopod which can be used with the 500/7.2 in good light with acceptable results. I guess that for the 500 or any future replacement of it, a fairly heavy tripod would be the optimum regarding stability, while for the others, a lighter one would do also, even for longer exposures.
If a three way head is the way to go, what do you think about the Manfrotto 460MG and the Manfrotto 055CLB? That's also about the maximum I'm willing to spend. A little bit less wouldn't hurt either. Alternatives could be the 190PROB or a 718B/724B (the last two optimum budget wise, worst feature wise).
All suggestions welcome, also regarding the lens lineup (I know, not very high level compared to what some others are using, but appropriate for what I'm doing
Thanks a lot!
Basil
a good lightweight choice is the Manfrotto 190MF4 (1.6kg) with Manfrotto 486RC ball head (0.4 kg). Another good alternative is the 055, I've used it for year before switching to the Gitzo 1548...If I didn't bought the 600 f4 I'd have never switched from 055 to 1548, the 055 is an excellent tripod for lenses up to 300 2.8.
I've only recently gotten back into more serious photography and prior to this year did almost everything handheld. In retrospect that was largely because I used the old style (what I assume is your 3-way head) tripods until then. Since then I bought a top of the line Gitzo tripod and RRS ballhead with quick release hardware and am using them for the majority of my shooting including pretty much all of my macro and telephoto shooting. I find it much easier to use and because of that I've finally proven to myself that the old salts are correct in saying that a tripod makes a huge difference and can make an image from a mediocre lens turn out sharper than a handheld image from a superb lens (which is certainly true in my hands.) The bottom line is I would strongly recommend a ball head with quick release. I know they cost a lot which may stress your budget but I think in the long run you'll be glad you did it. As to specific heads and tripods, mine are pretty heavy to accomodate a 500 f4 IS, so I'll defer to those who use equipment is more similar to yours.
Isn't it fun shopping for gear?
Keith
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/off/pid/2332?livid=80|81&idx=82
Yeah, the shopping part is fun up to the point when you pay the bill.
Basil
Kent in SD
I'd steer clear of the three way heads.For slow,considered landscape photography they'd be fine, but they will definately be way too fiddly and time consuming for wildlife photography.
I am using the Bogen 3038, which is a medium format ballhead, and serious overkill for most of the 35mm work I do.
Basil