Thanks for the advice...

[jaypie77]

I've been lurking here on and off since I bought my 300 in late November. I've taken lots of pictures and own a couple of lenses now, but I've been on this forum a lot in the last week as I was deliberating on a decent new lens to add to my collection. I settled on the 50mm 1.8 and I'm very happy. I'll be posting pics and links to my galleries soon. I just wanted to start this thread up though to say that I'm greatful for the advice I've found here and some of the cool knowledge that has been shared. I'll definitely be spending a lot more time here.

So far I have the Rebel w/kit lens, this 50mm 1.8, and the 55-200 4.5-5.6 II. Next upgrade will be in the macro direction, perhaps a zoom?

[jaypie77]

I wanted to also add that I was a user of P, AV, and M with a majority of my time spent on P for several of the first months. But I'm getting serious with the camera now and have kept it on M for several weeks. The 50mm arrived today and I'm thrilled with the results. Only problem is that it's crappy out tonight - otherwise I'd be outside shooting the stars amd Aurora.

[jaypie77]

Thirdly - advice on relatively inexpensive tripods that can handle the weight of my gear?

[awagner]

I agree Jaypie. I found the infos on this forum very useful... Give me some comments on the 50mm f1.8 im looking forwards to buying too...


I had a Giotto tripod (The HD-444) its light and cheap..it has a level in it... very light (in canada at least it is)

http://www.audiotronic.ca/sections/electrProd.asp?send=eng&codfab=GIOT&codprd=HD444

It probably not has firm and solid as my manfrotto... but much lighter to carry on my backpack :D

aelx

[cmM]

I love these threads :)

These people on here have helped me a lot too... mostly they have helped me become poor and have more photo equip :P . No seriously, I love this forum.

As for a tripod, you might wanna define "cheap". A while ago, I thought $100 would be outrageous for a tripod. But I bought a manfrotto tripod (3030 head with 3001bPRO legs), and I love it. It cost me somewhere around $180, and it was a good investment. Now I use my el-cheap'o tripod to hang my shirts on :)

[jaypie77]

I guess I'm hoping for something in the 25-50 USD range. I am broke. I need something that will work for the time being, will hold my lenses, and will be pretty stable.

Lightweight and kinda small is good too. I do a lot of backpacking and I would definitely like to bring a tripod with me.

This weekend I'm forecasting Aurora Borealis in New Hampshire, USA and I'm going to go climb a north-facing mountain Saturday night to get some good shots off (hope it works).

[cmM]

ooh... Kodak makes some $25 tripods. I wouldn't call them stable, but they will hold the weight of your camera. You can probably find them at circuit city or your local camera store. you can buy from B&H, they sell cheap tripods too, if you are not in a hurry.

[jaypie77]

cmn - what are the differences between a $30 tripod and a $180?

awagner - I'm going to be taking some shots of my garden and the cosmos over the weekend and I can post some to show you how detailed the shots can be. (do you have gmail? I could send you full size 3mb pics if you like). the lens takes great detail and works with much less light than any of my other lenses. i'm already in love with it.

[Jon]

cmn - what are the differences between a $30 tripod and a $180?


Stability (costs too much to make a really rigid leg to get them on cheap tripods)
Durability (soft plastic vs. more survivable materials for set screws, clamps, etc.)
Weight (it's easier to make a light-weight, stable tripod if you're not trying to keep production costs down)
Flexibility (may be able to angle legs separately, reverse heads, etc.)

[cmM]

differences.... quality, materials, build, and features. For example, my el-cheap-o tripod would flex when I pressed the shutter; my Manfrotto stands still does not move at all... it is very steady. It is easier to control, and it looks better ;)
The quick release is much more practical, and many many other things.

Try each(a cheap one, and a more expensive one), and you WILL see the difference.