 Oliver Anderson |
Which Tripod Is Best? I'm looking at the Gitzo G1228 C/F but noticed that the Slik Pro814 C/F looks very similar and is considerably less. Velbons 630 C/F is also considerably less. I understand you get what you pay for, so my questions: Am I paying for the Gitzo name? Is the Slik AF2100 good, or is Manfrotto 322RC2 better?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Slik, Manfrotto and Gitzo are all imported, I believe, by HP Marketing. This really comes down to intended use, budget and personal preference. Personally, I prefer Gitzo. I have two - a Reporter and a Studex - both with Linhof ball heads. It seems I've had them forever. They've survived well in hard, nearly daily use. My vibe, Oliver, is buy more tripod than you think you need right now so you can expand into it if your photography changes, say to a different format(s). A solid, sturdy well-made tripod is an investment in whatever photography you do, whereas a cheap, wobbler with plastic threaded parts or spring clips is a real liability. Yup, you really do get what you pay for. Consider buying a used pod, like a Gitzo, although they're tough to find used because guys who have them tend to hang onto them (like me). But for used models, look at KEH.com and if you're looking new, http://www.bhphoto.com. They seem to have the best prices on new Gitzos. Take it light. Mark
|
|
|
|
||
|
Peter K. Burian |
Oliver: Manfrotto is superb. Imported from Italy by www.bogenphoto.com As with any tripod, don't buy the smallest/flimsiest model. Gitzo is the Rolls Royce of tripods. Superb but expensive. I have not tested any recent Slik or Velbon models. Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor, Mastering The Digital Camera and Photography http://www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/PBN01.php
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oliver Anderson |
Thanks, Peter and Mark!!! I use B&H so I'm glad they come highly recommended. Last night, I met a girl that sells used camera equip and she told me that used Gitzos are rare and don't depreciate, so I'm going that way but will look at the Manfrotto. Should I go ball head or pistol grip? Those grips are popular with the young car show photographers.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Peter K. Burian |
Oliver: The pistol grip is large and heavy but very convenient. It works best with lenses that are not too heavy. Regards, Peter Burian, Instructor, Mastering The Digital Camera and Photography www.betterphoto.com/photocourses/PBN01.php
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oliver Anderson |
I'm either getting the Gitzo 1227 or the Manfrotto 055MF3 both are C/F. I looked at the Linhof heads and was wondering if there was a great/good head in the $150 range?
|
|
|
|
||
|
Peter K. Burian |
Oliver: I cannot keep track of all the different models in both brands. Check the specs (www.bogenimaging.us/) closely for: - Weight: The amount of weight that each one is expected to support I am not familiar with Linhof heads; they are used mostly by studio photographers. Here's a useful guide to tripod heads: www.shutterbug.net/equipmentreviews/accessories/0705getyour/index.html All the best, Peter Burian, Instructor,
|
|
|
|
||
|
Terry R. Hatfield |
Those Are Good Choices On The Tripod Oliver,Tripod Heads Come In Different Styles And Can Be Tough To Choose From,Your First Consideration Should Be How Much Weight You Intend To Put On Them,The More Weight They Have To Hold The More The Price Goes Up;-) For $150.00 That Should Get You A Nice Ball Head From Manfrotto/Bogen Capable Of Holding A DSLR And A Short To Medium Sized Tele Lens. If You Intend To Use Heavy Camera's And Long Tele Lenses Now Or In The Future Your Budget Would Have To Increase To The $500.00 Range Hope That Helps...
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oliver Anderson |
I've got the 10D but soon the 1DS MII with a 70-200 2.8is and was looking at a 400MM for MotoGP races so if I'm getting up into heavy weight the tripod and head will need to support at least 18lb. yet light enough to carry up the Laguna Seca hills.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Mark Feldstein |
Howdy, Oliver. If you really want to get into the fancier and heavier-duty end of camera mounts for tripods, take a look at http://www.reallyrightstuff.com. Their preference is Arca Swiss ball heads, which are very very expensive. Good but big bucks. My preference for Linhof Profi II and III ball heads with Linhof quickfix plates is because I've found them sturdy, reliable, easy to adjust without looking at them, and quite solid. Some less expensive ball heads tend to float or slip, usually at the worst possible moment. I'd say the Linhofs are mid-price range. Not cheap, but not up in the Arca Swiss range. While Peter's right in that ball heads are used by studio photographers, I use mine both in the studio and on location. I've found them extremely handy for shooting things like sports if I'm set up somewhere. The panning feature is pretty nice. Otherwise, I just use a monopod. Another nice thing about ball heads is you don't have a few tripod head handles sticking out in various places. All the adjustments are right below your camera platform. Laguna Seca hills? Are you photographing the track, highway 68, Salinas, Monterey, Seaside or Fort Ord?????? or none of the above. Take er easy.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oliver Anderson |
I'll be trackside, I was fortunate that one of the riders (Mladin #1) gave us tickets that got me on the starting grid. I shot all the Umbrella Girls and the riders showed the photos to RedBull USA and the rest is history. I also have Suites at Cal. Speedway (AMA, Nascar), and at LVMS so I'll be bringing it to all those events. That's how I fell into photography. If you want some photos of Nascar drivers let me know your favorites and I'll send them.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Oliver Anderson |
Just going report on what I bought and how it working. I bought the Giottos 8180 carbon fibre tripod with an Arca Swiss B1 head with RRS quick release. I also sprung for the RRS L bracket and it is great. Heavy to lug around for any extended period but the quality of the photos are worth it.
|
|
|
|
||
|
Bunny Snow |
This message is probably too large for your purchase, but perhaps it will help someone else. My first tripod was a Slik, and it was slick. One windy day, the tripod went over and fortunately I caught the camera strap on its way down to the grass. Otherwise, my Nikon lenses would have hit the ground. I eliminated that tripod from my possession and bought a sturdier, well-built tripod instead. It sort of depends on the value of your equipment. If it's a cheap point and shoot, it may not make a big difference to you. But, if you've made a big investment with lenses and your camera body, I'd recommend something sturdier. If my car is nearby, I use a Manfrotto 3021 with a 3045 head. I like this because I'm learning to capture flowers as well as people, and the tripod contains levels in the pod and in the head. But, this is not the tripod that I've carried to Europe, because, for me, it's too heavy. And while I have a Manfrotto 3001 pod with a quick release head, I'm not certain that is durable and less tippy enough for my more expensive Canon equipment. So, I, too am shopping for something light, but of a sturdier design and they are out there, but they cost as much as some lenses.
|
|
|
|
||
|
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here
Report this Thread |
||