Tripod Assistance

I'm about to get a Canon 50D, and have been researching tripods lately, and think I am pretty close. I am trying to stay under $800, or less, if possible, but want something that will last past the 50D, if I go on to more pro level camera/lenses.

So far, the heaviest lens I am considering, is the 100-400L.

Right now, this is what I was thinking about getting:

Manfrotto 055XWNB
Really Right Stuff BH-55LR Ballhead
Really Right Stuff B50D-L Quick Release L-Plate

Questions:

Is there an advantage to getting the PCL version of the ballhead? I doubt I'd be doing panoramas much, and this thing is another $125.

Is there a need for a leveling plate, if I have the level on the ballhead, or am I confusing the method of setup?

Does this seem like a good setup?

I don't plan on doing a lot of backpacking or anything, so weight is not as big of a concern, which is why I did not pick a carbon tripod.

Any suggestions?

geogecko wrote in post #7707959
Questions:

Is there an advantage to getting the PCL version of the ballhead? I doubt I'd be doing panoramas much, and this thing is another $125.

Is there a need for a leveling plate, if I have the level on the ballhead, or am I confusing the method of setup?

Does this seem like a good setup?

I don't plan on doing a lot of backpacking or anything, so weight is not as big of a concern, which is why I did not pick a carbon tripod.

Any suggestions?

If you don't plan on shooting panoramas, then the PCL version of the ballhead isn't really necessary. Later, if you feel that you want to try panoramas, you could always add the PCL at that time. I have one, and its a godsend when you need to level the tripod for panos. Without it, you'd spend a lot of time adjusting the tripod legs if you're on uneven terrain. With the PCL, I can level my entire rig in a matter of seconds, no matter the terrain.

Leveling the ballhead is not the same as leveling the rig. For non-pano shooting, I use a simple hotshoe bubble level to level the ballhead. However, if I relied on this to shoot panos, the framing would go out of level as I rotated the ballhead. A leveling plate, or PCL clamp, would solve that problem by leveling out the entire system. Then again, its only an issue if you plan on shooting panos. If not, save the extra money and get a hotshoe level.

Are you sure that you need the BH-55 head? I'm not familiar with that tripod, so I'm not sure if this head is overkill or not. The RRS BH-40 or the Markins M-10 may be more suitable (and less expensive).

As I mentioned above, skip the PCL clamp and go with the RRS quick release lever clamp (no matter which head you decide on) and the L-bracket for the camera body.

Thanks for the reply. I doubt for now, that I'll be doing any panorama shots.

After looking at the specifications on the ballheads, I think you are probably right. The BH-40 would probably be more than adequate for what I would need, at 18lbs. It is roughly $75 cheaper too.

Who makes a good hotshoe bubble level, or are most about the same quality? I see there is one from Manfrotto, for like $35.

geogecko wrote in post #7709717
Thanks for the reply. I doubt for now, that I'll be doing any panorama shots.

After looking at the specifications on the ballheads, I think you are probably right. The BH-40 would probably be more than adequate for what I would need, at 18lbs. It is roughly $75 cheaper too.

Who makes a good hotshoe bubble level, or are most about the same quality? I see there is one from Manfrotto, for like $35.

I hate to admit, but I tossed one in my shopping cart at B&H quite a while ago. Looking back, $35 was ridiculous (and stupid) on my part...you can get the same one for $5 or less on ebay (one such dealer is DealExtreme...they have an on-line store as well). RRS sells them too, but at the inflated price. If you can get them really cheap, get two or so just in case you lose one. Here's the link (less than $3):

Hotshoe Level

So, how do you decide if you should get a standard height, or compact? I like the idea of the compact, for carrying it around, but at a height of only 44" max, I wonder if this is high enough for most applications?

I have started looking at the Gitzo Basalt collection, such as the GT2840C or GT2830. The nice thing about the 40C, is that it is only 17" folded up, where as the 30 is almost 25".

I have also decided on getting the BH-40LR ballhead, instead of the BH-55LR.

I have a 1325 (now know as 3530SL in a newer version), which is about 58" tall.
That's about enough to get the viewfinder to eye level, but would be too low if I were to shoot birds in flight or airplanes overhead while standing up. It's also occasionally too low to get the camera to the height I want (for instance for group shots or overview shots).

So a max height of 44" would be *way* to low for my uses.

I decide on tripod hight by looking at the heigt I'm usually at when shooting the subjects I shoot. If you shoot lots of landscapes while kneeling down or sitting (to get the angle you want), you might not need a tall tripod. If you shoot a lot of portraits of people, you probably will.

I found a tape measure really puts things into perspective. I do not think I would be happy at all with a compact tripod, because generally, I use a tripod to shoot people, and maybe the occasional landscape shot.

So, I think I will either go with the GT2830 or a GT3830, and just realize that I probably won't be able to take it on a trip that requires flying. I could maybe get a monopod for that, but that still won't help with the longer exposure shots...

geogecko wrote in post #7860176
I found a tape measure really puts things into perspective. I do not think I would be happy at all with a compact tripod, because generally, I use a tripod to shoot people, and maybe the occasional landscape shot.

So, I think I will either go with the GT2830 or a GT3830, and just realize that I probably won't be able to take it on a trip that requires flying. I could maybe get a monopod for that, but that still won't help with the longer exposure shots...

don't forget the ballhead and camera add height. i'm 5" 10" and my tripod's levelling plate is @ 50.4" and that's very comfortable for me.

i'd say 3-4 incvhes would be okay. one thing i don't want is a tripod that's too tall fully extended. to have to shorten each leg everytime i used the tripod wouldn't work for me .

i have no use for a compact tripod. what i looked for is a tripod that about 50-54" without center column. also one that's light that will fit in my checked baggage, and that's what i have now .

ed rader

For a one-tripod solution:

Gitzo GT2541
RRS L-plate
RRS quick-release clamp
Markins M10 ballhead

What's a comparison between the BH-40LR and the M10?

May have to look into the GT2541. I originally had that on the list, but it's almost twice as much as one of the Basalt versions, but if it keeps me from having to buy 2 different solutions, might be worth it.

Since the 50D + 100-400 is a relatively heavy, I would suggest thinking about moving off of the ball head. If you want any sort of precision the ballhead isn't really a good choice. I have both and the ball head is ok I only use it if I'm just going to go take a walk or something and don't know the shooting situation that I'll be in. Otherwise I use my 808RC4 (a little heavy, but I'm sure they have something new that is as good but lighter).