New tripod, a question about getting the best out of it!

[ShawnBC]

Hi there!

So, last week-end, I cracked, and I bought a Manfrotto 055XPROB set of legs and a 488RC2 ball head to go with it:D

I was in Quebec city for 2 days. The first day, I brought my tripod to take some pictures, but, I had my camera in a bag and the tripod in my other hand. The problem was that, I took way less pictures than I would have loved too, because for every picture, I had to put the tripod on the ground, take a picture, put the camera in the bag, and take the tripod back in my hands. (I find it hard to explain it right in English, but I think the right word is encumbering?). I didn't think enough about taking pictures because I was more concerned about transporting the tripod and where to put it when it was not in use.

The second day, I left it at the hotel. This way, I took MANY pictures because I didn't have to care for the tripod. But, I what's the point in having a tripod if I don't use it?

My question is.. What's the best way to travel with a tripod, without having to constantly think about where to put it, and so that it doesn't interfere with me taking pictures? Is a tripod bag the right solution? This way, it's on my back, my hands are free to take pictures and I don't have to constantly think about the tripod?

Another question. I have the 488RC2 head with the quick-release plate. I have a plate that is 100% of the time om my camera so that it's fast and easy to mount. But if I was to buy a BG-E5 grip (for XSi), is there a way to leave the quick-release plate on the grip, and does it interfere with it when you take the camera by the grip to take vertical pictures?

Thanks alot everyone, and sorry for my lack of better terms, I'm not so English familiar!:oops:

Shawn

[tnguyen600]

I generally use the tripod for night time photography and when I know I need to use it on a timer. Other than that, I don't carry it around or at the very least, I just leave it in my trunk when I'm out with my camera. With regards to the grip, I have my plate on my grip all the time..mainly b/c I leave my grip on my camera all the time lol

[jcothron]

"Most" of the time when I'm out my camera stays on the tripod... I just put it over my shoulder with whatever lens I happen to be using at the time. I have a Arca type plate and clamp. I'm not sure what the clamping system on your ball head looks like. Some people are wary of carrying equipment this way..but I've been doing it for years (as well as others) without a problem.

[krb]

My question is.. What's the best way to travel with a tripod, without having to constantly think about where to put it, and so that it doesn't interfere with me taking pictures? Is a tripod bag the right solution? This way, it's on my back, my hands are free to take pictures and I don't have to constantly think about the tripod?

A bag is the worst because it adds bulk to the tripod plus makes it even less convenient to setup and take down the tripod. A basic strap/sling allows you to sling it over your back when walking around and doesn't get in the way.

I have the 488RC2 head with the quick-release plate. I have a plate that is 100% of the time om my camera so that it's fast and easy to mount. But if I was to buy a BG-E5 grip (for XSi), is there a way to leave the quick-release plate on the grip, and does it interfere with it when you take the camera by the grip to take vertical pictures?
On my 40D with grip I just leave the plate attached all the time. It doesn't bother me at all but you may feel different.

[JohnnyEgo]

"Most" of the time when I'm out my camera stays on the tripod... I just put it over my shoulder with whatever lens I happen to be using at the time. I have a Arca type plate and clamp. I'm not sure what the clamping system on your ball head looks like. Some people are wary of carrying equipment this way..but I've been doing it for years (as well as others) without a problem.

This is what I do as well, particularly on things like nature hikes. I have an RSS BH-55 on an 055XPROB. It locks up pretty stoutly, and I am not worried about it falling off so much as being careful to avoid getting it whacked with branches.

I'm a big guy, so I find the height of the 055XPROB to be worth the weight. I have also found the horizontal swing arm capacity to be useful from time to time. An alternative is a lighter tripod that may be easier to carry around. You make some sacrifices in terms of stability in exchange for a lighter weight and more compact tripod. They are also a bit of a commitment in terms of price.

[ShawnBC]

It's not really the fact that it's heavy. It's just that it's not fun to carry around. I mean, I will not use it 75-80% of the time because I have steady hands, but I want to make sure I have it with me IF I need it for that special picture or scene, instead of leaving it in the trunk of my car.

Which means, that I need to carry it around even ij I don't use it much, just in case. That's why I don't want to carry it on my hands, so that my hands can be used to shoot pictures.

I'll go with the strap/sling instead of the bag, as suggested! As for the grip, I'll go to the local photo shop and check how it feels.

Thanks

[JohnnyEgo]

A tripod strap sounds like a fine solution to your dilemma, and I hope it works out well for you. One other possible solution: perhaps you should consider one of the SLR versions of the GorillaPod. It is a small, light weight tripod consisting of three segmented legs. These legs can be wrapped around fence posts, street signs, railings, and the like to provide you with a field-improvised tripod. I have the original SLR version, which requires some care in orientation with heavier lenses, although I understand they have since come out with a substantially heavier-duty model.

I have used mine many times when I did not wish for the inconvenience of a full sized tripod. It's not going to work miracles, but it sure beats hand-holding.

[jcothron]

It's not really the fact that it's heavy. It's just that it's not fun to carry around. I mean, I will not use it 75-80% of the time because I have steady hands, but I want to make sure I have it with me IF I need it for that special picture or scene, instead of leaving it in the trunk of my car.

Which means, that I need to carry it around even ij I don't use it much, just in case. That's why I don't want to carry it on my hands, so that my hands can be used to shoot pictures.

I'll go with the strap/sling instead of the bag, as suggested! As for the grip, I'll go to the local photo shop and check how it feels.

Thanks

A strap does work well, I have an Optech strap on mine for when I'm carrying it hiking and using a shoulder bag. If I'm using my backpack it goes on that.

I know it seems a pain to keep up with, but I suspect if you spend some more time with it you will find it to be your best friend. :) I'm not sure what kind of shooting you do, but if you're doing landscape, macro, or telephoto work you'll find that the quality of your images are much better vs. handheld.

[Maxdave]

"Most" of the time when I'm out my camera stays on the tripod... I just put it over my shoulder with whatever lens I happen to be using at the time. I have a Arca type plate and clamp. I'm not sure what the clamping system on your ball head looks like. Some people are wary of carrying equipment this way..but I've been doing it for years (as well as others) without a problem.

Exactly what I do ... I was more wary when I first did this than I am now ... but I still check all the "knobs" to make sure they are tight before I hoist it on my shoulder. I also loop the neckstrap around my upper arm when carrying it this way.

Maxdave

[Lowner]

Yes, a tripod slows everything down.

But 99% of the time thats not a problem, it's an advantage. I am forced to stop and think about the shot. Instead of shooting what is presented to me I start exploring angles, walk around, think about light and shade etc.

But I tend to avoid big cities. Too crowded without me blocking the pavement. That's probably the one place I'd not use my tripod unless I had a very particular shot in mind and had already recced it.

[adrian5127]

I attach it to my camera bag lowepro primus. Admittedly you would not want to go round shops with it like this but it does can keep your hands free and means you have it with you.

[hollis_f]

Dunno if you can get anything like this (http://www.cleyspy.co.uk/the-mulepack-c41.html)in Canada, but it's what I use when I'm out birding.

[CosmoKid]

I gave up trying to lug around my full sized Manfrotto. It now sits in my trunk. When I am on the go I just use my Slik travel pod. I am in the process of a DIY strap to permanently attach to my LowePro Slingshot.

[RaymondXTi]

I keep mine in the trunk of my car, and I only use it at night time.

[Jason Kim]

This is how I carry my tripod.

[Kuma]

If I'm going to a place that I know and think I can use a tripod I take it along. If I'm visiting a new place or just walking around I leave it at home.

[ShawnBC]

Jason Kim! Neat idea! I think I might do something like this in the future to carry my Manfrotto around!