Which tripod ?

[alan sh]

I have a Velbon CX 444 tripod which seemed OK - at least until I got my 80-400 lens. Now, I aim at something, tighten the screws and it has slipped off and is pointing somewhere else.

So, is this a characteristic of all tripods or can the panel recommend one that stays where I look at !

Thanks

Alan

[RichardtheSane]

In short, no, not all tripods do this. I have Manfrotto 190 Pro with a 488 RC2 head and when I tighten the scren on that my 100-400L stays where I want it to.

I would imagine that your new lens is too heavy for the tripod head (maybe even the tripod)

Does your tripod have a detachable head? If so a well rated bakkhead may be enough to replace whatever you have on the legs at the moment. Otherwise it may be new tripod time.

[danphoto1]

You get what you pay for in tripod. The first thing that you need to find out is how much weight the head will hold. I had to learn the hard way with my first tripod which just fell to peices.Mafretto and Gitzo with a good head will hold your lens. If you wnt a bll head again check the specs. Everything seems to be relative in Photograpy. I have a Manfretto 3221WW and a 3030 pan head with a quick release. The bottom has pads and can be screwed up to expose sharp tips that will work out doors. It weighs a lot but it will safley hold and lens and camera combination in my collection.

[alan sh]

I got a Manfrotto 190 Pro-B and a 460MG head. But I still get movement as/after I tighten it up. So, is it me - do I need a different technique ?

Basically, I am at something and then tighten the screw - when I then let go of the camera, the centre focus point drops. So, how am I supposed to do this ?

Alan

[robertwgross]

Basically, I am at something and then tighten the screw - when I then let go of the camera, the centre focus point drops. So, how am I supposed to do this ?


That is a sign of one of a few things. Either it is a cheap head, or it is a worn-out head, or it is an overloaded head, or else the user simply isn't tightening it effectively.

When I have my camera with a normal lens, then I can stick the camera's quick release onto the top of the tripod. However, when I use my camera with a big heavy wildlife lens, then I stick the lens's quick release onto the top of the tripod, primarly for balance purposes.

---Bob Gross---

[alan sh]

The tripod and head are brand new. I use the mounting point on the lens. I think I tighten it enough.

So, if it is the wrong head (Manfrotto 460MG), what head should I be using (I have 5 days left to exchange it) ?

Alan

[nosquare2003]

The loading capacity of Manfrotto 460MG is only 3kg. I'm afraid that you have to exchange to a better one (perhaps "at least" for 6kg loading capacity.)

I have only one 3-way head which weighs almost 3 pounds.

[alan sh]

ahah ! The light dawns.....

Thanks

Alan

[nosquare2003]

If possible, bring your camera with lens to the camera shop to try the other head. Point your lens at different angles to see if there's any problem.

[alan sh]

A bit awkward as the only way I can get there and park is using my motorcycle - and it's hard to carry a 20D, 80-400 lens and a big tripod !

But they have cameras there - I shall try it out in the shop using their cameras.

I am looking at the 141 head - that will support 6Kg, it says

Alan

[danphoto1]

just so you know my set up holds my 120-300 with a 2x 100- 400 L with a 1.4x and my 50 to 500 with the 2x. You ae on the right track

[condyk]

A bit awkward as the only way I can get there and park is using my motorcycle - and it's hard to carry a 20D, 80-400 lens and a big tripod !


So, does this mean you need a new bag too :lol: :lol: :lol:

Seriously, be interested in what you buy as I am looking for the same kind of thing.