 Shannon Whit |
Purchasing a Tripod I am in the market for a tripod. Can anyone recommend a decent and affordable one? Is there a go-to online store where photographers love to shop? I've gone to the local photography store and the rep there showed me what was available. It was nice (I believe titanium) that could be purchased with a second piece that rotates the camera in all angles. Price tag for both is $400. I have no idea if this is priced well or not. I'm just starting out. I do not want the cheapest but want something mid-grade quality for long term, if this is possible. Thanks in advance.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Look at Adorama, Calumet, and B&H websites for prices and different brands. Manfrotto, Gitzo, and Slik are good and popular brands. But also you need to determine what you'll be using it for. If all you plan on doing is using it so you can include yourself in family photos, than you may not even need one that's made of metal. Titanium is lightweight, but more expensive than aluminum, and you can find a very good, sturdy made from aluminum. So somebody who wouldn't be carrying a tripod around on hikes wouldn't really need one made from titanium.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Shannon, You really need to go to a camera store and look at the tripods and see how you like them. Some have twist tightened legs, others are flip lock and then ball heads are also something you need to handle and see what fits you. I have a cheaper but sturdy Manfrotto 3021 Tripod w/322RC2 Pistol grip head that I use for indoor portrait shoots and a Manfrotto 676B monopod w/Manfrotto 3229 head (great for Zoo/Aquarium and tight places) and last but not least is the one I carry everywhere - the Manfrotto 190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod and Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead. I do a lot of hiking and carbon fiber is light and sturdy, and I have 4-section legs that collapse down that fit well on my backpacks. Be sure to check out Really Right Stuff ball heads and Gitzo tripods as well. As Greg said, B&H and Adorama are priced right, have great return policies and are trusted by pro photographers. I have bought a tripod from Amazon as well when I knew the model I wanted. Hope this helps.
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Shannon Whit |
Gregory and Carlton, thank you so much for your responses. I truly appreciate it. Manfrotto is the brand the gentleman at Pitman Photo showed me. He showed me carbon fiber and aluminum. I'm pleased to know that you mentioned that same brand and material. I've heard of B&H and will look at them as well as the others. One of my lens is a Canon 4.5-5.6 100-400L IS USM. I need something for my 15-year-old's basketball games as well as trips to the zoo and fun shots on Miami Beach as this is a heavy lens. Thanks again for your input!!
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
The 100-400mm is one of my oldest and favorite L lenses. Turn IS "OFF" when shooting from a tripod and keep your shutter speed up above 1/400 if possible if you are shooting at 400mm. My 100-400 is very sharp though a bit of a light hog so I often have to set my ISO a bit higher. This lens also works well with a monopod and I can keep IS "ON" with the monopod. If I had the $$ right now, I would go for a Gitzo carbon-fiber tripod and Really Right Stuff ball head but that will have to wait till after I get a 180mm macro lens :) Here is a pic with my 100-400 (handheld) at a local Zoo. Cheers.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
A tripod would be too clumsy to work well trying to shoot basketball from the stands unless you plan on forgoing getting tight shots of individuals and frame the whole half court as the picture. You can get tripods very basic or with stuff like pistol grip that Carlton mentioned, reversible center post. Two things that I would recommend that should get is a tripod that is at least as tall as you are fully extended, and at least a quick release plate. If any that do have a quick release plate are more expensive than you want to go, than at least get one that's as tall as you are. There are other things like bubble levels, multi-position legs that allow the legs to be splayed almost horizontally, rubberized feet. Ball heads are good for doing minor adjustments when shooting macro, close-ups, but it's something you can do without. It takes away having those two handles for horizontal and vertical tilt being in the way, which they sometimes can be. But a good ball head can be expensive, and putting the price of that on top of the price of a good tripod might be more than you want. But look around online at different ones and come back here with any other questions.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
To love this comment, log in above 0 October 20, 2011 |
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Randy A. Myers |
A monopod would serve you better in basketball and sometimes that is too restrictive. Don't skimp on a tripod or it will be a dusty accessory. Get a decent one and you will be more likely to use it.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
I agree with Randy that for shooting basketball - a monopod would be better. Don't get the one I mentioned earlier as it is a little to lightweight for using with the 100-400 lens but even the sturdier ones are priced about the same. You will definitely want to mount the lens to the monopod and this is where Greg's mention of quick release plates comes in handy. The three tripods/monopod I mentioned before all use the same plates. This is another reason for making a selection for the long haul. For me to switch over to the Really Right Stuff ball head means I will have to buy additional plates as I keep plates mounted on my 70-200mm f/2.8 & 100-400mm lenses and then one on the bottom of my 5D MkII and the 40D. Four plates isn't really necessary but I am often shooting in fast-paced environments and I like being able to release the lens/camera from the ball head and grabbing the next one from the bag without having to screw off/on the plate. Love in Light.
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Dan W. Dooley |
Shannon, you have received some very good suggestions here. One thing I would offer is to look at Slik. Cost always needs to be a consideration and often a prestiguious name will come with a matching price and offer no more utility. I agree with the suggestions to look at various models and names in a store if possible to get the feel for what you like. I've owned a number of different types of tripods over the year and looking at a number of names, the Slik (comes in various models) and seeing how well it's worked out for some friends, went with that brand. I cannot emphasize my agreement any more with those who have suggested a monopod. For walking about, for zoo outings and things of that sort, a monopod is by far the best choice. I also highly recommend a good ballhead. Once again, watch out for cost considerations. I too have the Canon 100-400mm L and sometime back bought a Vanguard SBH-250 for my Slik tripod. It fit perfectly, is strong and comes with two shoe plates. One stays on the camera and one stays on the 100-400. When I was looking for a monopod, I saw that Vanguard offers a very good monopod and for that I added the SBH-100 ballhead. It also came with two shoe plates. Same kind as the ballhead on my tripod. So, complete compatibility. No switching plates when going from the tripod to the monopod. And these are sturdy as well and will well support that lens.
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Bill Boswell |
I would strongly suggest you get a ball head and camera l-bracket that are the Arca Swiss standard. It will give you maximum flexibility in future and choice of brands plus it is what most pros use.
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Shannon Whit |
Thank you all for your responses! I have printed out this conversation thread, reread it and made notes. You ALL have been a wealth of knowledge. I never thought of the monopod only because I thought there would still be movement/shaking (from me) going on as I take pictures. However, that seems to be the way to go when I'm at the basketball games and band performances. I guess I have to go back to the store and see how a monopod is actually used. I spent the entire day at the zoo this past Sunday and really could've used a tripod though. Carlton, it was my first real time using your favorite L lens. I had a blast! Took over 400 pictures. Some actually came out nice (I think) for a first timer. I was practicing FOCUSING for an assignment. This evening I will begin reading up and looking into the brands that each of you have recommended. I really want to do well at this because photography is something I have loved as young girl. I was always in somebody's face snapping. I have always had the ability to catch unique shots. Might as well make it a hobby. Thanks again everyone!!!
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Steve |
Oh My, they don`t make it easy with there answers, I just want to say that just get a try pod that will suport your bigest lens and camera with ease, preferably be able to spread the legs wider for when your using it closed up and close to the ground, and the big thing is to get one that you will be standing straight up , at your normal hight , just look at all the peoples that are scrunched over to vew through the lens, that is tiring , stand straight and be comfortable, you will be doing it for a long time,even go beyond your hight for hillsides , its a long day scrunched over , and just when you take that break is when the shot shows itself. be comfortable, be sturdy , and the old F8 and wait. All the rest can wait, ie, carbin fiber, ect, use a been bag if you have to when out on the long hike, you have to start some place , start here.don`t go fancy , go sturdy and comforatable, the rest will come in the future.
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Dan W. Dooley |
Sounds like you're on the right track, Shannon. The advantange of a monopod overa a tripod is that in a crowded environment a tripod tends to be intrusive and may even get you some irritated looks from fellow pedestrians. The public places you mentioned shooting at are idea for a monopod. There's a time and place for both mounts. You'd be surprised at how much more steady your shooting will be even on a monopod over handholding. Good luck in your search. Don't just forget about a tripod though. You will want one for other uses.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Monopods are for stability with a lens that's too heavy to hold and for when you have to move around, following something that's moving, like sports. I have a Manfrotto 679. Some monopods have twist locks, where you twist to tighten or loosen the leg sections. Some have lever locks. I had a Slik monopod with the twist locks, those seem to wear to be effected by the weather too much, cold and damp conditions can make them slip. Also seem to wear out, start to not lock so well. But I accidentally step on that one one day, bent it, had to get a new one. Now I got the Manfrotto with lever locks. Over time lever locks can become loose also, but there's a nut you can just tighten and it will be back to normal. So to me I say lever locks are better. My tripod is a Slik Pro 700DX. Don't worry about ball heads right now. That's more a matter of convenience that you would first have to start using a tripod to figure out if you needed or wanted one.
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Shannon Whit |
For sure I will need one that reaches my 5'11 frame. Even if I have to pay extra I need either pod to be flexible and extends to my height. The tripod I saw does exactly that. This weekend I'll be going to see how a monopod functions and test out some brands. I won't purchase just yet because I'd like to see what BH and the others offer once I've seen how the pods are used. I'm currently working with two Canon lens -- the 24-70mm 2.8L USM & the 100-400mm 4.5-5.6L USM (forgive me if I scrambled around the specs). The only other lens that I would even consider getting anytime soon is a macro. I suspect that the three of these would suffice for the next couple years or so until I hone my skills. So, the pods would need to be able to support these. I'm soo happy that I have this Q&A community as support. Thanks!
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Dan W. Dooley |
A macro lens will open up a world of possibilities for you. I have the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro. Great. One thing I really like about my Slik tripod is the way that the legs can be extended out to almost a horizontal position (no limiting cross braces) so the camera can be a matter of inches above the ground. Great for getting down in the dirt with the bugs and flowers. For macro use a tripod will serve you better than a monopod so you really do need both. My Vanguard monopod if fully extended is well over my 5'10 and I presume that other brands will probably extend as long. Sturdy but light. By the way, whether you buy there is one thing but check Amazon.com for these devices. Look at the user reviews as well.
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Shannon Whit |
Thanks Dan!!!
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Bunny Snow |
Shannon, my first really good tripod was Manfrotto's 3021, which can be extended very tall without extending the neck. You do NOT want to extend the neck. It's really sturdy and you'll receive really sharp images because there is no vibration. But, it's heavy, and will be even heavier to carry around with the 24-70mm F2.8L lens and the 100-400 mm lens. You are young and strong, but take into consideration what the total weight of your equipment is going to be if you are doing much walking. I've bought many tripods over my lifetimes (I'm 70 now.), but I could have saved a bundle of money if I bought a better tripod earlier that would have lasted longer. Some tripods were pretty cheap and did not hold my equipment well. They toppled over, and it was good that my first two cameras were built like tanks, because they would be toast now with plastic cameras and expensive lenses. Don't buy online unless you have handled and tested the equipment first with your camera and heaviest lens and know what you'll be purchasing when you are ready to fork over the cash. You can buy decent Manfrotto's tripods, which are well built and have snap locks rather than twist locks. Or, for a little more, you can buy Gitzo tripods which are lighter in weight but stronger and better made, and they have shorter necks which allow the tripods to spread their legs almost flat to the ground --great for photographing wildflowers and getting down low. This is why I suggest that you try to tripods before you buy. You could save more money in the long haul by buying one rather than many of the years. Then, after you've narrowed down what you really want, buy someplace that has good prices and the ability to make returns, if need be. Not all places will allow returns, and this could be important with your decision making process.
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Bunny Snow |
The tripod that toppled over and caused my camera and lens to hit the ground --(thank God, the lens cap was on the lens and it landed on grass)-- was a Slik. After the tripod toppled over from a light breeze, I bought a better piece of equipment and researched much more thoroughly. I bought a light weight and well built base, and stabilized it with an empty one gallon plastic water bottle (filled at the last minute) and tied to the neck down the center of the legs. This added better stabilization. My tripod base today cost about $400, and I opted for a Really Right Stuff tripod head with an L bracket. After you find yourself frustrated changing from verticals to horizontals, changing the length of the legs to accommodate and trying to rush with it all, the RRS will really look good and make sense. The price was hard to swallow, but it is so well built and such a beautiful design that if cared for, it will be the last tripod combination I'll ever buy. I wish I bought this decades ago. BTW, your shooting style may expand over the years. When I started out in my 20's, I was at high as well as at low angles. The latter photographing wildflowers, and children on ground level. I wanted a tripod that could spread its legs flat, but mine could not. It put me in an upside down position which was really awkward for shooting. The Gitzo does not do that--it lies flat with a short neck. The design is elegant. Unfortunately, for me, I have nerve damage in my fingers from exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and cannot twist close the locks. So I had to modify my photography style and tripod. Hence, another reason to shop in person before you buy.
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Shannon Whit |
Thanks for your input Bunny. I won't purchase (online or in person) until I have touched, read and gotten a good grasp on what will work best for me. I truly appreciate your advice. Thank you so much!!
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Susan K. Snow |
I captured this flower several years ago with my heavy tripod, the Manfrotto 3021. You won't be using the same head as I used which was more for portraiture than sports photography, and that will save you some weight. This monster was quite heavy and had almost zero vibrations, and it was quite inexpensive as well. The more expensive your lenses and camera body are, the more you need a good tripod you can trust, that won't let you down by dropping your gear. But, at the same time, you need to carry that equipment around and it does get really heavy fast. Weigh your decision carefully, and you probably won't need to spend as much as I did with tripod after tripod as you grow and expand your work. If you are taking classes at BP, talk to your instructors and get their feedback. I did. They were very helpful for me.
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Susan K. Snow |
I captured this flower several years ago with my heavy Manfrotto 3021. You won't be using the same head as I (mine was meant more for portraiture than sports photography, and that will save you some weight. This monster was quite heavy and had almost zero vibrations, and it was quite INexpensive as well. The more expensive your lenses and camera body are, the more you need a really good tripod you can trust, one that won't let your equipment down by dropping your gear. But, at the same time, you need to carry that equipment around and it does get really heavy fast. Weigh your decision carefully, and you probably won't need to spend as much as I did with tripod after tripod as you grow and expand your work. If you are taking classes at BP, talk to your instructors and get their feedback. I did. They were very helpful to me. Jim Zuckerman suggested that I use a ballast tied between the legs of the tripod to keep it as sturdy as the heavier ones, which were too heavy for me to carry with a total knee and total hip replacement. Additionally, some bird photographers told me not to use a tripod when capturing fast moving action like birds, while others told me to use a tripod. I went with a tripod with the birds, as it saved my arms and limbs. http://tinyurl.com/3p3mmwk Some people choose a tripod after they have jumped on it to see if the tripod holds up. While I could never do that with someone else's equipment, I would want to purchase equipment that I could not trust. This is why many people choose to save longer and put their money into a Gitzo. It's one of the best tripods out there as far as being durable and well built with locks that won't slide and a head that won't fall down once its been secured. Remember, you are putting expensive low dispersion glass on your tripod. Good luck.
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John H. Siskin |
Hi Shannon, I just thought I would add a couple of things. First, tripods are just about the cheapest piece of photographic gear you can buy. This is because good ones will last a really long time. I have a couple of Ries tripods that are more 50 years old, and I still use them. They are made of an early carbon fiber product called wood. I have at least a half dozen others, because I have a lot of cameras. A tripod made for the using an 8X10 camera in the studio is just ridiculous for field shooting with a digital camera. A good tripod will last longer than several digital cameras. I like Manfrotto, Gitzo and others, for small tripods. I like Reis and Majestic for large tripods. I do like ball heads, but this is purely a personal decision. As others have said it helps to make these decisions where you can handle the gear. This is a link to a DIY monopod www.siskinphoto.com/magazine/zpdf/monopod.pdf. You can see more DIY stuff on my site, use this link: http://www.siskinphoto.com/cameraeqp.php
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Shannon Whit |
Hi All. I finally made my purchases! Since your last responses in aiding me as to what brand of mono/tripod I should take into consideration, I have purchased a Manfrotto tripod, monopod and grip action ball head. I also bought a Canon remote switch. AND I HAVE BEEN SHOOTING LIKE CRAZY!! I have made some shots that please me but I still have yet to create a WOW shot. But I am patient. I have two events coming up and I need a bit of advice now. In January I will be going to the circus. All these years I've never had a real interest but now that I have my nice Canon 7d I want to travel everywhere with it. At the moment I have two Canon lens: a 2.8L USM 24-70mm and f/5.6-6.3L 100-400mm USM. My question to you is which lens should I take to the circus? In other words which lens would benefit me most in getting fabulous shots? I thought the zoom lens might be best but am still uncertain. My second planned trip is a two week trip to Europe (France, Spain, Holland). By then I may have a micro lens but for now it's the two mentioned above. Along with my tripod, I probably should travel with both lens, right? Afterall, I want pictures of the Louvre, the oldest windmill in Holland, a shot of Notre Dame and a host of other photos all over these countries I'll be traveling to. Your expert advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks. Happy Holidays!!!
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Dan W. Dooley |
Shannon, I think for the circus, the wider lens (the 24-70mm will be your better choice. For one thing it's faster so the probably lower light conditions will benefit from the faster lens. As there will be a fair amount of "action" you will be able to open the lens more which will result in a faster shutter speed to help stop the action better. Likewise, the field of view will be better with the wider lens. Sure, with the tele lens you can get in close but the field of view will be so much more narrow as to limit the scope of the scene. If the desire is for more close-up images, if what you shoot is sharp enough you can crop in on the image later thus gaining a closer view in the final processed image. Of course there is always the option of taking both lenses with you. :-) If I were taking that European trip, of course all of my lenses would accompany me. Not saying that for each day's outing both lenses would be needed but if they're at least as close as your hotel, they're around. If you're going to limit it to one lens, the 24-70mm will give you the greatest flexibility. As for a micro (macro?) lens, unless you're going to be specializing in closeups of flowers or bugs, that lens would have a lower priority. If you can take both your tripod and monopod, it's a good idea. For "walkaround" touring, the monopod is going to be your best bet. Lighter, smaller to fold up and less cumbersom in a crowd. BTW, you might want to consider taking the monopod to the circus. Gives you good stability even if you use it to steady the camera while seated in the bleachers. Much easier to use there than a tripod.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
I used my 40D when I went to Europe in 2008 and I used my 24-70mm, 70-200mm and 10-22mm (borrowed from a friend) the most. I brought along my 100-400mm but I could have left that one at home as I rarely used it on this trip. Since your 7D is also a cropped so if you can borrow or rent a wider lens, you will thank me later for it :) A trick for indoor shots of Cathedrals, etc when tripods are shunned, is to take the ballhead off set it on the floor or table with the camera mounted and snap a few. Here is one of my favorites taken in Strasbourg, France :) Have fun - Carlton
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
I couldn't attach the pic but look for Strasbourg (Notre Dame ) Cathedral in my galleries :) Taken with the 10-22mm at 11mm & a tripod & very slow shutter which created a blur at the bottom of the people walking past...
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Dan W. Dooley |
I'll second Carlton's advice on a wide angle. Crucial for the best shots inside buildings. Beg, borrow, rent, ok I didn't say "steal" :-) a wide angle. I wouldn't be without my 11-16mm f/2.8 for such travel situations. Fast and tack sharp.
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Randy A. Myers |
When I went to Europe, I took everything I had except my big tripod. Big mistake on my part. In my opinion I took too much equipment and it was a headache just making sure it was always safe. When I go next time, I will only take my 18-200 lens and enjoy the trip more. You end up not using most of the equipment anyway. Whichever route you choose, have a great time!
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