Looking for a Good tripod....

[bladepurveyor]

I am looking for a good tripod...It's main use is for indoor light box photography. I can't afford a RRS Head and Gitzo carbon fiber base...can you recommend a GOOD tripod for someone on a budget...thanks .....:)

[Jack W.]

Bogen 3021Pro.

[bladepurveyor]

Bogen 3021Pro.
Does this come with a head?

[lostdoggy]

It is important to know what body & lens combo you plan to attach to the tripod.

There is numerous tripod Combo out there and it all depend on the weight of the combo you plan to attach to the tripod. You cna't go wrong w/ Manfrotto if you are looking for a light to medium weight setup. but if you plan to attach some heavy weight you onna be lookin for some big buck combo. I have read some good reviews here on the amvona (my spelling is most likely wrong) they are sold thru eBay.

[lostdoggy]

Does this come with a head?

as rec no, 3021PRO is just legs. Very good set of legs. I was going to get them but alittle too heavy to carry. Ended up with Feisol 3301 Carbon Fiber.

[condyk]

Feisol and Dynatran (Amvona sell them via eBay much cheaper than direct) are about the best bang per buck. I've had both and recommend them both. I have the Dynatran 994 CF jobbie with the top of the range ballhead, bought as a kit for half of the price I'd pay for similar Manfrotto, etc., even delivered with import charges from the US. Be much cheaper for you too:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7608328225&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:UK:31

My review here: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=164099

Very happy with it!

[vjack]

I have the Bogen 3021BPRO legs. Although I use them with a Kirk BH-1 ballhead, you wouldn't necessarily need as heavy-duty a head as this (depending on the weight of your heaviest lens/camera combo). Many people recommend pairing the 3021 legs with a Bogen/Manfrotto 486RC2 or 488RC2. For example, something like this might work: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=353320&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

Here is some additional tripod information:
http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a.tcl?topic_id=1544&category=Tripods%2FCamera+Support

[SkipD]

The Bogen 3021BPro topped with a Bogen 488RC2 is a great combination - extremely versatile and it won't wipe out your bank account either.

[blue_max]

The Bogen 3021BPro topped with a Bogen 488RC2 is a great combination - extremely versatile and it won't wipe out your bank account either.

Once again Skip, we are recommending our set-up (mine is the UK version). Really unless you want to save weight, it's as robust as you would hope whilst not being too expensive. A highly recommended purchase.

You really have to look at the facts when you automatically go for most expensive, carbon fibre ones. You do save weight, but it's only about a third for more than double the money.

If you travel with your tripod, it makes a real difference, but for occasionally throwning on your back (or the back of the car), it really needs to earn it's keep.

Graham

[bladepurveyor]

Once again Skip, we are recommending our set-up (mine is the UK version). Really unless you want to save weight, it's as robust as you would hope whilst not being too expensive. A highly recommended purchase.

You really have to look at the facts when you automatically go for most expensive, carbon fibre ones. You do save weight, but it's only about a third for more than double the money.

If you travel with your tripod, it makes a real difference, but for occasionally throwning on your back (or the back of the car), it really needs to earn it's keep.

Graham

Blue_Max what tripod are you speaking about...I must have missed something because I didn't see another post by you and the above post doesn't mention which brand...?
Also thanks everyone for your help so far...I truly appreciate all your advice..!;)

[blue_max]

I am referring to the Bogen 3021BPro topped with a Bogen 488RC2

I have the UK version which is Manfrotto 055ProB and Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball head with RC2.

I got mine from t4cameras.co.uk (currently – legs £102, head £53 plus delivery).

This replaced my mickey mouse one from amazon for less than £15 which was fine for my G5, but was never going to be solid enough for the SLR and lens. There are a lighter pair of legs and slightly smaller ball head in the range, but I would say for the difference in weight and cost, it's worth getting the higher specified items.

Graham

[bladepurveyor]

I am referring to the Bogen 3021BPro topped with a Bogen 488RC2

I have the UK version which is Manfrotto 055ProB and Manfrotto 488RC2 Midi Ball head with RC2.

I got mine from t4cameras.co.uk (currently – legs £102, head £53 plus delivery).

This replaced my mickey mouse one from amazon for less than £15 which was fine for my G5, but was never going to be solid enough for the SLR and lens. There are a lighter pair of legs and slightly smaller ball head in the range, but I would say for the difference in weight and cost, it's worth getting the higher specified items.

Graham
Thanks Everyone, I appreciate all your feedback... the Bogen 3021Pro/488RC2 Combo....is $258.95 from B&H Is that a good price?

[vjack]

Thanks Everyone, I appreciate all your feedback... the Bogen 3021Pro/488RC2 Combo....is $258.95 from B&H Is that a good price?

I think that is a fair price unless you can find it used. You might see what you can find on eBay.

[DavidEB]

Bladepurveyor seems to be interested principally in product shots. I'm guessing knife blades.

a challenge with lightbox photos is getting the camera in the right position, especially if the product is small inside the box. A tripod with an arm that can be positioned horizontally is key. The bogen 3021 is a good choice. The gitzo explorer is fabulous -- the arm can go into various angles and the legs can fold out completely flat, so you can put the lightbox on the ground and position the camera right up to the edge.

this requirement cuts out all the otherwise good tripods with purely vertical center arms. Lightbox work with that kind of tripod is a nightmare.

[bladepurveyor]

Bladepurveyor seems to be interested principally in product shots. I'm guessing knife blades.

a challenge with lightbox photos is getting the camera in the right position, especially if the product is small inside the box. A tripod with an arm that can be positioned horizontally is key. The bogen 3021 is a good choice. The gitzo explorer is fabulous -- the arm can go into various angles and the legs can fold out completely flat, so you can put the lightbox on the ground and position the camera right up to the edge.

this requirement cuts out all the otherwise good tripods with purely vertical center arms. Lightbox work with that kind of tripod is a nightmare.

David,
That is exactly what I want the tripod for...and maybe in the future to take with me to a show to take pictures of knifemakers knives...but 98% or the time it will never leave my house....what did you mean by a tripod with an arm....in your above post?

[Double Negative]

Check out Giottos, Dynatran and Velbon for some cheaper alternatives.

I have a bunch of Giottos gear and I'm pretty happy with it.

[DavidEB]

Blade....

most tripods have a center column that can move up and down like the one on the far left below. the bogen 3021PRO has a center arm that can be moved up and down and can also be removed, and mounted horizontally (second from left below). The gitzo explorer arm can pivot thru a full range of angles and can be vertical, horizontal, or anything in between, see the two images on the right. Giottos and Benbo also make tripods with that ability.

In the second image, you see that with a light box on a table, it's hard to get a tripod positioned with the camera right up against the lightbox. The edge of the table hits the tripod legs (red inthe drawing) forcing the center of the tripod away from the product. Even worse working on the floor. With a horizontal arm (orange in the crude drawing), you can get the camera where you want it. With an angled arm (gitzo explorer) you have real versatility. Pardon my coarse artwork.

good luck.

[DavidEB]

one more thing -- this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=139812) might help you. Shows my homemade light tent in action, that's my gitzo explorer on the floor with the arm at a funny angle to get the camera in the right spot, just up against the opening in the light tent. Camera's taken off the tripod to take the photo (I only have one camera).

By the way, that's an acratech ballhead on the end of the tripod. excellent choice for getting your camera to just the right angle.

hope that helps,

[bladepurveyor]

one more thing -- this thread (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=139812) might help you. Shows my homemade light tent in action, that's my gitzo explorer on the floor with the arm at a funny angle to get the camera in the right spot, just up against the opening in the light tent. Camera's taken off the tripod to take the photo (I only have one camera).

By the way, that's an acratech ballhead on the end of the tripod. excellent choice for getting your camera to just the right angle.

hope that helps,
David,
Your my hero....:D You have hit the nail on the head...this is exactly what I am looking for...I never knew that a tripod could do this...this has really made my day..thanks again for your help and taking the time to make up that drawing for me....I have to say that everyone here has been so helpful...THIS IS A GREAT FORUM! I am very glad I found you all and that I am a member...thanks again everyone...:mrgreen:

[cali]

I own the Dynatran CF 994 and so far I am completely happy with it:D

[Double Negative]

The Giottos MT series tripods have the same setup with the arm as well. I got mine to do macro work. These are definitely different that your typical tripod.