I am buying my first tripod... I have been using a minature version... have been looking around and there are so many choices. I am assuming I will need a swivel or ballhead type. Does anyone have any suggestions. My price range is mid-range. I wouldn't want the lowest and I can't afford the highest. Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
Mary C. SMith
A lot depends on how heavy your camera/lens, and what type of shooting you do. I have a Gitzo 2220 (I think that's the number)...the center post flips over so you can get very close to the ground for macro work. It supports my Nikon D200 very well. I've been very pleased with it.
Mary, as was mentioned above a lot depends on the weight of your camera and heaviest lens. i would define heaviest lens as the heaviest you will ever own. I have a tripod that was excellent for all my gear until I got my 500 F4. Now the tripod is borderline.
If you can afford it Carbon Fiber is the best. It offers wonderful strength with light weight. Gitzo 6 series is the latest. There are models for most equipment needs and sizes. While cost may be higher, most will tell you that skimping on a tripod or ball head is not a good idea. In the long run if you skimp now you will just end up buying what you should have to begin with and spending even more $$.
The Ball Head is just as important. Arca Swiss, Markins, Kirk, Arcatech and Really Right Stuff are the leading names in ball heads. If you shoot birds with a large lens like a 500 or 600 you will want a gimbal mount. This can be either a straight Wimberly Gimbal or a Side kick that converts your standard Ball Head into a gimbal. The Side Kick will work with a quality Ball Head and 500 mm lens, but fro a 600 a full Wimberly is necessary.
So, as in most things photographic, there is no "right" answer. The answer depends on your equipment and photographic style. However the right answer does include a complete analysis of your current and future needs so you only buy once.
IMO the least expensive method of buying a tripod is to buy the best tripod you can get right up front, then you won't have to spend money upgrading later on. There are many good tripods out there, Gitzo, Manfrotto/Bogen, Giotto, Velbon, and on & on. I just bought one of the newer model Gitzo's after my 25+ year old Bogen finally bit the dust and I have been very impressed with it. Don't get cheap when buying a head. I would suggest a good ballhead. Really Right Stuff is great, so this Kirk and Markins. I understand Acratech is excellent as well. Save a little longer if necessary and buy what you really want. A good tripod/head will last you many years, and you'll be happy you bought top quality the first time around.
Discussion
4 repliesThanks in advance!
Mary C. SMith
http://www.manfrotto.com/Jahia/site/manfrotto/cache/offonce/pid/2319?livid=80&lsf=80&child=2
I would be lost without it, and often finding myself lugging it on long dayhikes despite its bulk.
If you can afford it Carbon Fiber is the best. It offers wonderful strength with light weight. Gitzo 6 series is the latest. There are models for most equipment needs and sizes. While cost may be higher, most will tell you that skimping on a tripod or ball head is not a good idea. In the long run if you skimp now you will just end up buying what you should have to begin with and spending even more $$.
The Ball Head is just as important. Arca Swiss, Markins, Kirk, Arcatech and Really Right Stuff are the leading names in ball heads. If you shoot birds with a large lens like a 500 or 600 you will want a gimbal mount. This can be either a straight Wimberly Gimbal or a Side kick that converts your standard Ball Head into a gimbal. The Side Kick will work with a quality Ball Head and 500 mm lens, but fro a 600 a full Wimberly is necessary.
So, as in most things photographic, there is no "right" answer. The answer depends on your equipment and photographic style. However the right answer does include a complete analysis of your current and future needs so you only buy once.
Hope this helps.
Ed