Tripod Wisdom?

[Diamond Lil]

Do you use a full size tripod? Do you have any recommendations or warnings to share?

[tude]

Wish I had pics of my old one to show you but Ms Perfect left it in the hotel at Disney...GRRH
Tripods are so darn expensive...
You don't want to skimp on the purchase cause your gear is expensive and you care about the shot, a cheap tripod will not be stable causing camera shake with the slightest of breezes and the potential for equipment damage should you want to mount that 70-300.
My old tripod was sturdy as all get out but it was heavy 9lbs w/ballhead attached and if I decided to schlep it on a landscape walkabout it wore me out.
Gear bag and tripod= 50lbs and if you are going to walk 5 miles (easy to do when trying to get that shot) it WILL take a toll.
Carbon fiber is the way to go and I like Monfrotto
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-190CXPRO3-3-Section-Carbon-without/dp/B0015MFTE4/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1232708501&sr=8-2
at 3.8 lbs it is as light and sturdy as it gets..
To mount your camera to the pod I like the versatility of the ball head as for the money $60 or so but if you are making a investment in your gear for the long haul a grip action ball enable you to recompose your shot and lock it in much quicker.
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-322RC2-Horizontal-Action-Connect/dp/B000184N22/ref=acc_glance_foto_ai_1036_1_img
Oops don't forget your all weather tripod shoes if shooting outdoors $21
And lastly
No tripod combo is worth its salt w/out a shutter release!
Even if you use the timer you can get camera shake.
I have used the wireless as well as the cable type and I highly recommend the cable for ease of use and durability..
The very best I can give you barring the above is to visit a real camera store (one where actual photographers work) and get advice from the pros.
I usually shop at Durys in Nashville http://www.durys.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home as they are reasonable in price, have what I want when I want it and people there know what a DSLR looks like..
Hope this helps some Lil and I realize this seems a little expensive but some things you just can't skimp on..
Mike

[Diamond Lil]

Mike,
I get it entirely. It helps to hear it from someone like you.
Thanks,
Lil

[Diamond Lil]

Not exactly what you are talking about, but what do you think of this at eBay: Item number: 270332749991 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270332749991&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR4 0%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D%2B270332749991%2509%26 _sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1)

[tude]

Not exactly what you are talking about, but what do you think of this at eBay: Item number: 270332749991 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270332749991&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR4 0%26_trksid%3Dm38%26_nkw%3D%2B270332749991%2509%26 _sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1)

I think its a great deal for the pod though it may get a little tiresome but hey for the price get a workout:D
Don't care for the head though as I have used this before and it was a PIA when I wanted to adjust cam for night shots (and it is only rated at 5 pounds).
A grip action ball head will allow you to recompose quicker and is rated for a load capacity of 11 pounds.
It is my belief that although you may never need the load rating the increased strength will prove sturdier.
The following shots were taken time exposure of the Bay Bridge in SF right on the water with a breeze using a standard ball head and these would not have been possible with a standard head..
The moon shot was taken with a ball head as well but what is important is the moon constantly moves and the shot had to be sturdy cause I used a 2x teleconvertor on the 70-300 giving me 600mm reach.
The focal plane at that reach can be described as holding a stick 6' long barely move your wrist and the other end of the stick is all over the place same result with your lens.
You may never want to shoot the moon or night shots with long exposure but if you do its nice to know you can depend on your mount to keep you steady!
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/Ricearoni2057-2.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/Ricearoni2085.jpg
http://i213.photobucket.com/albums/cc81/jeptransport/IMG_0694.jpg

[tude]

I forgot to mention things like creamy water falls and such but more on that later...
Here is a pic of the old head/pod used for what it did best..
Off one weekend with some dyed daises, black background and a spray bottle.

[Diamond Lil]

Well, after a good amount of time researching I think it is time to save my pennies.

[pegdragger]

When we went to the PhotoExpo in Manhattan this past fall, one of my friends found a carbon fiber monopod she liked. It was awesome and ultra lightweight, but it was also $900........

[Diamond Lil]

When we went to the PhotoExpo in Manhattan this past fall, one of my friends found a carbon fiber monopod she liked. It was awesome and ultra lightweight, but it was also $900........

I bet we all could like it for $900! How good are monopods?

What do you use, if anything, Michael?

[pegdragger]

A friend of mine gave me a nice older Manfrotto monopod (http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/images/Bogen_679B.jpg). I got a cheap basic Bogen 234RC (http://www.ephotocraft.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=719821287599) swivel for it. I don't have a big wallet, so I have to keep it simple. I also have a cheap Ritz Camera type tripod. It does shake and isn't the best, but it works until money is flowing well enough for new toys.

[Diamond Lil]

Are the stability and weight differences between the Manfrotto 055XPROB and 190CXPRO3 worth the $100 price difference?
BTW Mike, I LOVE the first picture.

[Kodatech]

I use an MX-2000 tripod that I got at walmart for $29.

http://www.venturaes.com/optoma/images/tripod.jpg

I know, its terrible, but at the time I didn't realize how critical a tripod was, and I was thinking "ooooh thats cheap....Ill TAKE IT!!!"


I am going to get a better one soon, but the cheapie DID allow me to get some cool shots, like THESE: (I know I'm a picture post-whore)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3294/3064060785_b7cb7b62a6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3210/3064899962_9fca4254d1_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/3064902006_40bc99db1e_b.jpg

[Diamond Lil]

... (I know I'm a picture post-whore)...

Thank goodness I'm no longer the only one around here!
:D

[EZE RIDER]

We love you types!

[tude]

KT that 2nd HDR is sic as far as being a "post Ho" we need more!

[Kodatech]

Thanks!