What tripod for G3 ?

[ThanhTung]

Hi
We want to buy tripod for G3. Please help me choose ( brand, price ... ).

Thanks

[Biko]

Decide what your needs are - do you need light weight and portable for walking or one for studio?

Personally I would invest in a decent one which will last many years which you can use for other cameras. Manfrotto are a make I would check out.

[kreego]

Biko is right - think of your purchase as an investment over many years.

G series cameras are light, portable cameras, so what I got was a Slik Sprint Mini, USD 60 at B&H. Its all-metal, very high quality, compact and pretty lightweight. You can invert the main tube and flatten the legs out, for ground-hugging macro shots. I've used it a lot with my G5.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=287754&is=REG

K

[Willy M]

I have had my G3 for just more than a year. This past spring I bought a Gitzo EXPLORER - SERIES 2 G2220 Aluminum tripod.

http://www.gitzo.com/

I bought it with a Gitzo ballhead from B&H Photo:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=328133&is=REG

I admit this rig is a bit of overkill pricewise but I am interested in shooting landscapes, wildlife and macro photos. After looking through several photo forums (for example. photo.net and Nikonians.org) it appeared the Gitzo Explorer was the most versatile and steadiest tripod for these outdoor applications. Since I am not using any big lenses with the G3 and to keep cost down I use a Gitzo G1277M ballhead.

Recently I have been using to shoot hummingbirds at 2 feet on the Gitzo tripod and using the G3 Remote Control. I have gotten good photos with no blurring due to camera movement.

The Gitzo is a great solid tripod but expensive ($332.90 from B&H Photo in NY complete with the ballhead) and it's heavier than lighter, cheaper tripods (6 lb (2.725 kg)) although I don't find this too heavy to haul around for my use.

At the moment I have a really cheap ($12) plastic quick release on the ballhead and camera. I am planning on replacing this with a much better Quick Release and Quick Release plate from Really Right Stuff in California. This will add more a more secure and solid connection between the camera and the tripod head. The 60 mm Quick release is Priceed at $120 and the matching Quick Release plate made for the G3 & G5 is $55. The plate has a lip on it to prevent the plate from rotating which is a problem with gerneris plates with no lip.

http://www.reallyrightstuff.com/clamps_and_knobs/index.html

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Willy M in the Dallas area :lol: