Appropriate Head/Tripod

[Tom Camilleri]

I need a tripod for my 300D. Most of my shooting will be done in my home studio under lights and will be a series of views of various items against a paper background. Still, I want a good general purpose tripod as I find myself getting into things more and more.

What's the best choice for tripod head? Ball or pan-tilt? Weight capacity? Someone suggested a ball head with grip, which looks very convenient. Then I saw some nice pan-tilt heads that appear to be pretty versatile and easy. Questions regarding the ball heads: Is a ball head good for work requiring switching from landscape to portrait orientation? Can they be adjusted with decent accuracy and securely locked in any orientation?


It looks like I'll be spending between $160 and $230 for my tripod. Any insights appreciated.

[Jon]

Studio work - use a pan-tilt head. You'll have separate control over the three axes of motion that way. A ball head has one control for the head to move in any old direction, so precise control will be harder. Figure on at least a 7 lb. capacity tripod and head, but bear in mind that the heavier the capacity of the tripod, the more stable it'll be, in general. If it's strictly for studio work, portability won't be an issue anyhow.

[robertwgross]

If you were shooting outside with a monster telephoto lens, then you would be seeking a tripod and head with monster weight capacity. However, in a studio, one tends to find mostly normally sized lenses, so weight capacity is not a big deal.

---Bob Gross---

[Tom Camilleri]

Thanks for replies.

[Fredinpa]

Take a look at the Manfrotto 3021 the center post is adjustable and reversible for macro shots and the 3030 basic pan head w/quick release is a great cheap head. This is the setup
I have it works quite well and didn’t brake the bank. Should fall in your price range.

[Tom Camilleri]

Thanks to all. The 3021 with 3030 head soounds good. I'm checking out prices now. I was almost going to order last night from B & H and I see today they had a warehouse fire!

[Medic1]

I have the Manfrotto 190CLB (Bogen 3001DB) and a 141RC (Bogen 3030) pan tilt 3 way head. Works great for me and the 300D. ($240 CDN for the pair)