Tripod Questions

I shoot a 20D with grip, and am looking to get a tripod setup in the near future. I like the idea of a ball head, especially the ones with independent panning. Am I correct in assuming that this allows you to pan without worrying about the camera tilting in a direction other than where you want? Do these work well like that? I also like the idea of quick release. If I get a head that has the mechanism for it built in, all I would need is an L plate to fit my camera, correct?

pbpancho wrote in post #3206372
all I would need is an L plate to fit my camera, correct?

Assuming the QR is 'Arca style', yes.

My tripod recommendation for general purpose use is the Bogen/Manfrotto 3021BPro (known as the 055ProB outside the U.S.) topped off with the Bogen/Manfrotto 488RC2 ball head.

This is a very sturdy combination with enough height for most folks.

It is an extremely versatile tripod/head combination, with many ways to support a camera. You can put a camera over a short wall, directly above a table pointing down, inches above the ground, etc

The 488RC2 ball head has a feature that should not be ignored. That is the separate release for "panning". You can loosen the lever and rotate the camera horizontally without releasing the ball. This is great for scenic panoramic shots.

There are advantages to the ball head that may not be immediately apparent. One is the ease of packing/carrying the rig without various handles getting in the way. Another is the speed and simplicity of aiming the camera with only one control to mess with.

Here’s the combination at B&H: 3021BPro/488RC2

SkipD wrote in post #3208262
Here’s the combination at B&H: 3021BPro/488RC2

SHe pretty sturdy?

Primevci wrote in post #3208622
SHe pretty sturdy?

I hope so I just ordered this combo.

I would get this combo if I were you. Ive done the research (needed a similar tripod ot your requirements) and settled upon the 3021bpro w/ 488rc2. Seems as if everyone that gets this combo is happy with it. Its one of the best for the price (from what i gather).

I don't think an equipment recommendation is worth anything until we know more what you want to do. Here are some answers to your other questions though about plates and then some thoughts on tripods and some links.

An L plate allows you to have your camera oriented on the ballhead in either portrait or landscape orientation without dropping the camera right angles to the head (in a notch the ballhead neck drops into). This has the obvious advantages of stability but most importantly this means you can change the orientation without having to recompose the shot. Without the L plate, you will need to totally recompose your shot. You also cannot pan in portrait mode without an L plate.

To use an L plate, you will need to use the Arca Swiss compatible clamp and plate system which is much superior to the other manufacturer proprietary format (i.e. Manfrotto and Gitzo plus a lot of no-names). Good sources to understand this is to spend some time on Really Right Stuff's website at http://www.reallyright​stuff.com

The A-S plates are typically specific to the camera model. They won't slip or rotate on the camera bottom and they fit extremely well.

Here are some links on tripods and setups:

On how to save money when buying a tripod and not buying junk in the middle:
http://bythom.com/supp​ort.htm

on how important one is to your image quality
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/essays/t​ripods_&_heads.shtml

What it is that a tripod really does and the subtle differences between them
http://markins.com/cha​rlie/report4e6.pdf

You will also need to understand what load you intend to put on the tripod, the maximum focal length you intend to use, and how high your eyes from the ground when standing (unless you don't mind stooping a lot). These are all things that are helpful to understand before making equipment recommendations. Why don't you get some of these pieces together and then I'd be happy to give you my recommendations.

Finally, don't do this on the cheap or you will ultimately wind up spend a lot of money by progressively working your way to the good stuff. There is a maxim that has been shown to be true time and time again: you can get tripods that are stable, that are light and that are cheap. You can have any two of those characteristics but not all three.

All tripods are a hassle to use it is just that the good ones are orders of magnitude less aggravation than the good ones and provide better results too.

J.