Me? It's probably still mostly because I actually don't wanna use tripods unless I absolute need to... and then, I'm gonna go w/ something as easily luggable as possible while still getting enough of what I need/want... plus I'm definitely no pro or anything even though I can still be kinda...
^Yes, I would certainly generally agree w/ that... in a vacuum as usual, hehheh. But most of us don't live (and shoot) in a vacuum though... ;):lol:
But he may also be right that most of us tend to misallocate our spending w/in our overall photo gear budget... but GAS seems to be difficult for...
Only checked the main article a bit so far, not the 1st link mentioned, but this little blurb (about ordering tripods for his comparative survey/review) was fun(ny), hehheh -- I also used to read Thom a little bit, so am already familiar w/ some/most of his thoughts on tripods (probably...
Haha... we just discussed a bit about streamlining our lenses in the other thread, but yeah, I probably need to do somewhat similarly for my tripods as well, which is odd because I used to hate the idea of using tripods at all, LOL.
It's mostly because I started shooting a fair amount of video...
Mike,
Not sure how that BeFree video head will do, but I suppose it may be fine enough as long as you don't use it w/ heftier, long lenses and/or very long exposures.
Let us know how that ProMedia adapter works out. I had previously considered getting that, but ended up going w/ something...
BTW, I'm considering getting a cheaper, lighter Manfrotto video head like the 502AH to use w/ my old Fiesol legs for sporadic attempts at shooting birds w/ my Tamron 150-600 as suggested by Sam. I can't see lugging my actual Manfrotto video rig for that though -- it's waaay too hefty for even a...
Mike, maybe some QR plates can be mounted to be compatible w/ your R-strap mount. Think I saw something like that... though I've never actually looked into it myself since I don't use that kind of strap mount.
Certainly, I can't see myself (or most photogs) using such w/out that option for...
Yeah, Manfrotto's basic RC2 definitely isn't great... although I've used it (sparingly) for a long time as I just didn't like using tripods for the longest time anyway (mostly because of what and how I tended to shoot). But of course, John's right they're really kinda all over the place w/...
Didn't actually use the PD travel tripod out in San Diego... though I did find it fairly luggable in its carrying case attached to one side of my old Kata sling bag (via its unique clips) -- it ends up more or less on the bottom side (as needed) when the bag is slung either behind or besides...
My PD Travel Tripod is apparently expected to arrive tomorrow morning (shipped from Hong Kong) just in time for a short, year-end trip out to San Diego in a few days. Really wasn't expecting that, especially given their updates on production and delivery delays a few weeks ago combined w/ my...
Finally just took the plunge on that Kickstarter for the Peak Design Travel Tripod... w/ couple hours to go, LOL.
Anyone interested has until 8pm ET to jump in... :D
_Man_
Tempting... so did you back it for one?
My wife (and family) will think I'm trying to catch up our tripods count to the violins in our household, LOL. They already caught up to number of (still) functioning (non-phone) cameras (plus a camcorder), haha... although I'm probably about to add...
Hmmm... That video doesn't really show off the fluid video head though... mostly just the legs.
Wait. Are you saying the cheaper heads (like the ~$100 Manfrotto 128RC) actually bounce up and down during pans? How much bounce are we talking?
I've been making do w/ my $150-200 Giottos 3300...
Hmmm... except when I'm using my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 w/ its own tripod collar, the DSLR will be front heavy depending on what lens is on it. Maybe my 17-55 f/2.8, if not the Sigma f/2.8 telezoom (w/ its own mount)... though I might pick up an 18-140VR if I decide to get the D7100 in the near...
Thanks for the suggestions, but wondering how this one would do for my modest (non-pro) needs...
http://www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-128RC-Micro-Fluid-Connector/dp/B000JLO6RS/ref=pd_cp_p_2
Probably won't ever shoot longer than 300mm on DX crop body... though the problem w/ using the Nikon 70-300VR...
Not that I would recommend the Manfrotto/Bogen QR, but they do sell QR attachments for standard ballheads. That's what I've done w/ my setup. Only reason I use their QR, instead of Arca-Swiss, is I already got their tilt/swivel head for monopod long ago and didn't want to migrate given how...
Might wanna read through the essential sections of this guide to figure out what you actually need regarding tripod legs, head, QR, etc:http://reallyrightstuff.com/WebsiteInfo.aspx?fc=112_Man_
I'm not sure what model CF legs I have now -- probably discontinued/replaced by now since I got them a bunch of years ago when they first came to market as poor man's Gitzo's -- but my set of Feisols still seem quite good to me and definitely very much worth the modest price I paid for them (at...
Bryan,
All of those Giottos ballheads can come w/ your choice of QR mechanisms though the bigger ones lean towards QR that are better able to handle the bigger loads. The 3300 w/ matched QR will probably run another $60-70 more than the 1301+QR you were considering.
_Man_
If I were you, I'd at least go for the next higher model of the Giottos ballhead (for just ~$20 more). Also, I wouldn't trust the specs listed at Amazon as they don't seem quite right to me. Here's the info page for ballheads from Giottos' own site:
http://www.giottos.com/MH-3.htm...
For anyone interested, Amazon currently has the Giottos 3300 ball head marked down to ~$136 (from its usual ~$165 price):
http://www.amazon.com/Giottos-MH3300-550C-Professional-Calibrated-Camera/dp/B00153GTTM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1288391239&sr=1-2
May wanna act fast...
Yeah, I had also been using that QR system from Manfrotto mainly because I went w/ their fairly inexpensive swivel/tilt head for monopod use a long while back. I haven't used my legs (both the mono and the tripod) often enough to justify switching to Arca-Swiss QR -- and I hate the idea of...
Ron,
You can always wait some before deciding unless you know of a specific upcoming need for it.
FWIW, I would *not* go w/ that last one you linked. That would probably be going backwards from the rig that Scott recommended.
Still, do note though that technique is important...
That one includes their matching QR system. On B&H's site, some customers complained that their QR plate isn't so good. However, the system is supposed to be compatible w/ other Arca-Swiss type QR plates, so I guess you can always switch to a different brand plate instead, if this included one...
This is probably the one (w/ comparable QR system) you want for their top model ballhead:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/490971-REG/Giottos_MH3300_658_MH_3300_Pro_Series_II.html
Hmmm... I took a look at the customer reviews for the other one at B&H, and they all like the head...
Having said all that, if those inexpensive Flashpoint legs are good, I guess you can always swap the ballhead to something better/stronger later, if need be. I'm just not sure how good those legs can be at that price point (and for carbon fiber no less).
RE: the camera/lens load, it might...