Best Tripod

[Borreicho]

Hi you all!

I'm trying to find a tripod that I could carry arround. I've noticed that it is a very important tool for taking photos after sun set.

Since I don't know much about this kind of equipment I was wondering if you could give me a hand chosing the right tripod.

Thank's! :)

[pradeep1]

If pure usability is the main factor, a minipod may be the best. I just bought a UltraPod II from here:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/commerce/command/ProductDisplay?prmenbr=226&prrfnbr=787

I'll check it out and post some thoughts later.

Pradeep

[vinl1963]

Anyone else care to contribute? There are many mini tripods out there and I would love to hear what people are using and how they like them.

[sdommin]

vinl1963 wrote:
Anyone else care to contribute? There are many mini tripods out there and I would love to hear what people are using and how they like them.

Pradeep's mini-pod is an excellent one. Also check out the pods made by Giottos (I have their "Mini Ball Pod" model). I like those because they're tiny.

In the store, make sure the locking mechanism (I mean the one that "locks" the head firm) is sturdy. Check it yourself if you can. A lock that slips just when you least expect it to, is worthless.

[vinl1963]

Thanks Scott. Does Pradeep have a web site? I have checked out the Giottos pods on line and they look awsome but I would like to look at some others for comparison. I may head over to Hunt's Photo (Mass) this weekend to touch some of them before ordering one. By the way what did you think of Mickey's Philharmagic??

[MackRoe]

I have one that a friend gave me out of the blue about 2 wks ago. Its made by a company called Hakuba...obviously not Amuricun made...but its a dandy little guy for specific purposes. Its made of your basic anodized ?? misspell...aluminum, has a very sturdy swivel type head that features a strong locking key...the wheel that attaches to the hole on the bottom of the camera is filled with cork...meaning it grips tightly to the camera body. The thing I like best about it is that when you spread the three legs to their most open, or extended position...the base of the tripod sits about 1 1/2 inches off whatever surface you have the tripod on....making really low level shots a breeze, but its highest reach is only about 5-6 inches high, so its basically a tabletop model.....So....Ask for "Hakuba" when you want to get "low !"

[sdommin]

vinl1963 wrote:
Does Pradeep have a web site?

That one I don't know. Pradeep, how about it?

What did you think of Mickey's Philharmagic??

I don't use this word often, but it was AWESOME! We stumbled in on a sneak preview day. Very impressive wide screen 3D stuff.

[vinl1963]

Duh! I was not looking at the names of people posting messages and I misunderstood your saying Pradeep's Minipod like Pradeep was the name of the company. I must have been tired.

My family and I thought Mickey's Philharmagic was awesome as well.

[phili1]

Jorge I have a silk sprint mini tripod in addition to my saunders lareg pod. I love the mini because I can carry it without breaking my back. It folds to about 14" and weighs 26 oz and has a carry bag,and is great for flower micro shots. It has three angle settings for the legs and whenb you are down low the post reduces to a 6 " section. At full length it is almost eye level. Pretty stable for a small tripod. It has a ball head which is easy to adjust.

http://www.thkphoto.com/products/slik/slik-ss3.html

[pradeep1]

Yes, I do have a company, but not a tripod manufacturing one. I don't quite have a website, but got some of my G3 photos here:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=329507

As for the more important stuff, the manufacturer of the UltraPodII is Pedco and you can find their products here:

http://www.pedcopods.com/products.htm

I received my UltraPod II and I really like it. The main feature is the leg design, which allows you to stick it up next to a tree, lamp post, or railing using the velcro strap. The ball head is really smooth and you can just about adjust it any way you want, including elevation and orientation, and with a simple twist of the locking head, it freezes. I've not had any problems with it slipping, but then again, it is quite new and I haven't used any really heavy lenses. The heaviest thing I've put on it is my Canon Elan II with a 28-105 and the 70-300, both of which it handles well without any problems.
Another thing I like about it is the light weight and quality of construction. Even though it is made of plastic, it is quite tough. Some of the critical parts, such as the clamping mechanism, are made with machined aluminum, which is good.

Here are some snaps (with my trusty G3) of a quite heavy body and lens combo (maybe 5 lbs.) on the UltraPod II:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=350084

Enjoy,

Pradeep

[JojoM]

I'm thinking of getting a mini tripod as well. I've read some good reviews on the Bogen 3007 legs/486 ball head combo. It's a little expensive at $40 plus shipping from B&H but you're getting Bogen quality. A cheaper alternative is to get the Bogen 3007 tripod legs for about $15 with a cheaper Giotto mini ball head for about $10. Hope this helps.