a noob with a tripod question

[BeckyMaxfd]

I have done a ton of research but either I've went blank with exhaustion or I just never read the right thread. I want a tripod, a carbon mag fiber whatever. I think I want the Velbon El Carmagne either 540 or 640. What else am I going to have to buy? One says it comes with a 3way panhead. Would a ballhead be easier for someone not used to using a tripod? What about those quick release thingies? And will I also have to get some kind of plate to attach to either the camera or the tripod? How do you make the camera tilt on end? I can hear alot of tsk tsking but please help me anyway?:o

Becky
Canon 5D

[scot079]

Becky, sounds like you have your eye on a nice tripod. If you want the Bogen magfiber, I'd suggest the 055MF4 and 488RC2 ballhead.

[ed rader]

Becky, sounds like you have your eye on a nice tripod. If you want the Bogen magfiber, I'd suggest the 055MF4 and 488RC2 ballhead.


whoa...i just got mine tonight ;).

ed rader

[printguy]

While you were doing your research did you read this http://bythom.com/support.htm? Best thing I read on the tripod decision process. After reading it I cancelled my order for a Manfrotto 055XPROB and got a Gitzo 2941, one of their basalt models. Supports all the weight I'll ever put on it, stable and reasonably lightweight. I put a Kirk BH-3 on it. A very nice ballhead and the Kirk people are wonderful to deal with.

[ed rader]

While you were doing your research did you read this http://bythom.com/support.htm? Best thing I read on the tripod decision process. After reading it I cancelled my order for a Manfrotto 055XPROB and got a Gitzo 2941, one of their basalt models. Supports all the weight I'll ever put on it, stable and reasonably lightweight. I put a Kirk BH-3 on it. A very nice ballhead and the Kirk people are wonderful to deal with.

yeah here's what he said:

"The Gitzo Basalt tripods are adequate compromises between price and weight, but you can do better."


i agree. if i were springing for the gitzo i would have went with the 2540...and maybe i will one of these days.

he also said:

]"The best price compromise for legs are the Bogen models, such as the 3021N for US$160 (5 lbs) or 3221WN for US$190 (6.2 pounds). But those pounds add up if you have to carry them far."

[/B]i bought the 0553MF3 to use out of my truck....hence three-section legs instead of four. with 488RC2 ballhead my mark III comes to my eye without center column, which i removed. total price was a little over $400.

the weight with ballhead is slightly under 6 lbs. my slik 614 with 484RC2 ballhead weighs 2.5.

so yeah i read everything too and that's what i ended up with :D!

also the article is good but it's only one guy's opinion and i don't know the guy ;).

ed rader

[dougsmit]

One says it comes with a 3way panhead. Would a ballhead be easier for someone not used to using a tripod? What about those quick release thingies? And will I also have to get some kind of plate to attach to either the camera or the tripod? How do you make the camera tilt on end? I can hear alot of tsk tsking but please help me anyway?:o

Becky
Canon 5D

Just opinions:
I consider a 3 way head easier but a ball head is quicker. The three way definitely wins with long lenses while the ballhead seems better for macro. There are also pistol grip heads that are quick and easy to use but not as precise in exact position. I have examples of each and suspect you will too, in time.

Quick release plates are only an advantage if you have enough to premount on your camera and lenses which have tripod mounts. If you are switching back and forth between three lenses and have only one plate, they slow things up. A major problem comes when you buy your second or third tripod and find all do not share the same style plates. Plan ahead.

Most people shoot verticals by just tilting the head over and count on the tripod screw to be tight enough to hold the strain. A better answer is an L bracket adapter that allows the camera to be mounted vertically and changed back and forth with a click. Long lenses with rotating tripod mounts make this even easier.

[BeckyMaxfd]

Thanks to all who answered. I did read Thom Hogan's article. But to me, it sounded like he was spent alot of time outdoors hiking around. Mine is for studio work, on location events. I'll take a look again at some of these all of you have mentioned.

Becky

[René Damkot]

The three way definitely wins with long lenses


I can't think of a single reason why...