I am going camping this weekend and need a compact tripod for backpacking (preferably one that can get very low to the ground for flower shots) and I also need a neoprene case so my camera can't get wet while on/near streams and in the rain. I was looking at a Zing case and a Slik or Velbon tripod. Thoughts?? Here are the links to what I speak of....
Kyle, I doubt these 2 tripods will be sturdy enough to hold an SLR and lens. A good entry-level tripod for the price is the Bogen 3001N or 3001BN if you prefer a black finish. You will need to purchase a separate head. The Bogen pan/tilt heads are pretty good, again for an entry level setup. If you had time you could probably pick all this up used at about half the price of new gear.
The Zing covers are good to protect the camera from occasional bumps and scratches while you carry it. They are not waterproof and need to be removed when you use the camera so they won't serve the purpose you mentined. A small umbrella or even plastic bag or shower cap will work well in rain. Not much you can do about dropping your camera into a stream other than maybe an underwater housing.
My beginning tripod was the 3001 and I liked it a lot. I now have another Bogen, though I cannot remember the model. They have both served me very well.
The pan/tilt heads are good, though you may get tired of them eventually. I went to a pistol grip ball head after, though now I am looking to upgrade to a head that will hold a bit more weight.
Jeff Kirk modifies Bogen 3001BN 'pods to be relatively short and light, but still able to hold a 500 f/4 with a pro body. I have one and use it a good deal for macro. I'm not much of a camper after sleeping in a tent for a few weeks after Hurricane Andrew, but I think a backpacker would appreciate its small size and weight.
Since it is already Sunday, I am probably too late to this discussion. I have a 3001N (as well as two other, larger tripods). Over time, I have collected different leg/head combinations for different needs. I started with a pan-tilt head, "graduated" through two or three different ball heads, and ultimately for landscape work, including flower shots, came back to the pan-tilt head. The ball head and the pistol grip may be more convenient for overall, general use, but I find the pan-tilt to be better for "fine-tuning" adjustments--particularly on horizon issues and very closeup issues. I find trying to set the ball head and tighten it an make it stay framed correctly frustrating. OTOH, it (or a gimbal type) is a must for wildlife and action shots. I would think the 3001 would be an ideal size for backpacking (although a little heavy).
Andy
Oops. Meant to add: It really depends alot on what equipment you will be using. For flower shots, (Nikon DSLR), I use a Nikkor 60mm "micro", which is pretty small and light. I wouldn't want to try using the 3001 with my 300 f2.8.
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The Zing covers are good to protect the camera from occasional bumps and scratches while you carry it. They are not waterproof and need to be removed when you use the camera so they won't serve the purpose you mentined. A small umbrella or even plastic bag or shower cap will work well in rain. Not much you can do about dropping your camera into a stream other than maybe an underwater housing.
Guy
The pan/tilt heads are good, though you may get tired of them eventually. I went to a pistol grip ball head after, though now I am looking to upgrade to a head that will hold a bit more weight.
Nathan
http://www.kirkphoto.com/MightyLowBoy.html
Andy
Oops. Meant to add: It really depends alot on what equipment you will be using. For flower shots, (Nikon DSLR), I use a Nikkor 60mm "micro", which is pretty small and light. I wouldn't want to try using the 3001 with my 300 f2.8.