 Erin Appelbaum |
Tripod Advice I currently have a Quantaray(Sunpak)QSX 9502TM tri/monopod with quick release plate. I am using it with a D200(with hand grip)and a70-200mm VR 2.8 lens. The quick release is not sturdy enough to take the weight. The camera wobbles unless I use a shutter release cable. Any suggestions on a tripod and head that would take this weight? But, of course, not too expensive.
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Srividya Narasimhan |
Hi, given that you have top of the line camera / lens combination, I would definitely suggest a good tripod that would take the weight and also make you want to shoot more.Here is my recommendation - Gitzo 2531 with a Kirk ballhead or Really right stuff Ball head BH40 or BH55 (this is quite expensive - almost $1100) If you want something cheaper, go in for an aluminium tripod. I used a Bogen 3021N with a Manfrotto 322RC2 head for about 3 yrs and recently bought my Gitzo combination as I found the Bogen to be a bit too heavy (well, I make my husband carry it so that's fine ;-) ). The Bogen setup was quite cheap (about $300 or so) and it served me well. Hope this helps, Vidya
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Peter, I initially bought a Manfrotto 3021 tripod with a 322RC2 pistol grip head. The pistol grip head is OK but it is a little unstable with my 70-200 F/2.8L lens and totally worthless for my 100-400mm lens. I then bought a Manfrotto 468MGRC2 Magnesium Hydrostatic Ballhead which is a great ballhead. I hike a lot and always carry my tripod and I was unhappy with the weight & length of the 3021 tripod and started looking at the Gitzo carbon fiber tripods but at $600+ I decided to look at the Manfrotto carbon fiber tripods and liked the 190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod as it is a little over $300 and it has 4 section legs which collapses down very nicely. I have the 468MGRC2 ballhead on the 190CX and it is stable and lightweight. I also looked at some of the ballheads made by Really Right Stuff but since I already have lots of plates for the manfrotto ballheads, I am going to stay with what I have for now. If you hike and carry your tripod a lot, look at the carbon fiber tripods. Carlton
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Bunny Snow |
Hi Peter, I also have the Manfrotto 3021 pod, which I really like for images close to the car. It's very heavy, which makes it sturdy, and it's inexpensive! However, because I cannot walk well with a total hip and total knee replacement, I need to carry something far lighter than this system. Hence, I bought a 190CX PRO 4 carbon fiber tripod, but with a Really Right Stuff BH40 ball head. The heaviest lens I anticipate having is the 300mm f4L, so I checked with Really Right Stuff to check out my options. A 300mm f2.8L would be too heavy for the BH40, especially IF I upgrade my camera to a 5D. If you anticipate using longer and faster lenses, which are heavier, you would probably want to purchase their BH55 if you go with RRS, but that really gets expensive. The RRS equipment is very sturdy, reduces vibration and places the lens over the center of gravity on a very sturdy system, which is awesome. I also have the L bracket for my camera when I use lenses that do not have a tripod collar. It's a real treat! The 190CXPRO4 Carbon Fiber Tripod, I've found, needs a ballast attached to the center neck right down the middle of the tripod. I generally use a one gallon plastic water bottle, filled with sand or water on location. Otherwise, the tripod is just not as sturdy as the 3021 and sturdy makes for vibration reduction (sharper images) and equipment protection. I have had my old Nikon FM3A crash to the ground with lesser expensive tripods and heads, with the slightest bit of wind. Now that I am purchasing better equipment, I don't want to repeat that mistake. Thank goodness, the FM3A was built like a tank, but these Canons and the lenses are not. Falling onto the ground could be fatal. The hardest part about this equipment is the price, which even though I think it's worth it, I swollowed hard when I made out the check to Master Card. After you get over the initial shock and make certain to always take good care of your tripod and head, capturing images are easy. Unlike Vidya, my husband will not carry any of my equipment. He carries a point and shoot that fit in his shirt pocket and sees no need for anything else.
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Srividya Narasimhan |
Hi Bunny, My husband carries only my tripod (I have to lug the bag)!!!!! Now that I got a lighter tripod, I have to lug both !!! LOL -Vidya
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Bunny Snow |
Hi Vidya, I would have to lug anything I take. Therefore, since having a total hip and total knee replacement, I travel only with a walking cane and a point and shoot. I feel secure having my Canon EOS 20D attached to my tripod head and carried over my shoulder when I shoot around town and don't have to walk far. Few other tripod heads would I trust to hold my equipment securely.
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