BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Best Camera Tripods

Susan Bohanon		Tripod for Vertical Shooting I've read many of the comments regarding tripods, but not sure I've found my answer. I need a sturdy tripod to support vertical shooting. My current one (which isn't professional) will not support the weight of my camera and flash therefore all my vertical shots are crooked. Any help would be great! Thank you!! To love this question, log in above November 27, 2004

Kip T. Berger		Hi Susan, I like the Bogen Manfrotto Series. The line by Gitzo is good too. For vertical camera position, you are looking more at the type head attachment to use with the tripod. I use a 3 way head with quick release plate. Your other option would be a ball head. Best to test out some models in your local camera shop to see which is more comfortable for you to use. Good luck with the shopping. PS-for mobility, a monopod is alot easier to transport. To love this comment, log in above November 27, 2004

Kerry Drager		Hi Susan: Excellent advice from Kip! Here are a few more thoughts: If buying in a store: Take your heaviest lens/camera combination, set up the tripod that looks most promising, and see exactly how it performs with your gear. Of course, you'll want to especially put it to the most critical test - the vertical format! You may also wish to see how high (without raising the center post) or how low it goes. If buying online: Of course, there's nothing like seeing - and trying out - a tripod firsthand ... in the shop. However, although you won't know just which model "feels" best (after all, every photographer is different), at least you can order a tripod rig that is sturdy enough to meet your needs. Here's how to go about it: You must know the precise weight of your largest camera/lens setup. Consult your camera and lens instruction manuals, or check the manufacturer's Web site or online camera store for the specifications. Next, see how that total weight matches up against the recommended maximums for both the tripod legs and the tripod head you are thinking of ordering. Most of the bigger online camera shops (i.e., B&H) include weight specifications for tripods (as well as for lenses and camera bodies); otherwise, check the manufacturer's Web site for both the tripod and head. The tripod specs will also include details on how low to the ground it goes - important, for example, if you do a lot of nature macro work - and how high it sets up (including without raising the center post, which can make things less stable). Hope this helps, Susan, and good luck shopping! Kerry To love this comment, log in above November 27, 2004

Paul		Hi Susan, I would suggest that you stay away from a ball head. I have one know and it is very difficult to use since the ball head allows for any angle. Go with a three way head and you should have no problems. To love this comment, log in above November 30, 2004

David King		If you have a fairly light rig then Bogen-Manfrotto makes an "L"/Elbow brack with quick release plates that lets you quickly switch from horizontal to vertical format if your tripod has a Bogen hex plate adapter. for event shooting several manufacturers make a rotating bracket that allows the flash to stay in the same relative position while the camera rotates under it. It is designed to be hand held and looks awkward but actually works quite well. However if you are shooting vertically for cover stuff and with a heavy long lens, then you might look into the Wimbley Gimbal mount or any of the sperical-panoramic heads that lets you position your camera over an optical nodal point or at a balance point. David www.ndavidking.com To love this comment, log in above November 30, 2004

Susan Bohanon		Thanks for all the feedback. I will consider it all! Thanks again! To love this comment, log in above November 30, 2004

Scott Pedersen		Check out Ritz camera. I have a Quantratry 550. Love it. Its sturdy has a release plate, I can go horizontal or vertical or even pan if I want. plus its not bad in price. Some people swear by like bogon or manyfrzo but all you are doing is buying a name. You should really check out Sunpack. They have similar tripods, come with two release plates and I found this out (too late) that the plates also interchange between tripods and the monopod. That is excellent if you are going to be using more than one, say you get a lighter one for travel or a monopod. To love this comment, log in above December 01, 2004

Susan Bohanon		Thanks Scott! Actually this is what I ended up getting. I went to the local Ritz store and got the Quantaray 9500. I have found that it does work pretty well. Thanks again! To love this comment, log in above December 01, 2004

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