Tripods

[spyglass]

Here is a list of other manufactures I found on the Web. I was surprised that so many players were in the game.

Cullmann
Cartoni
Optex
Induro
Bescor
Davis & Sanford
H. Wilson
Hakuba
Libec
Benro
Miller
Smith-Victor
Sunpak
Vinten


I have several tripods ranging from what I would consider department store to semi pro.

Kitstar (remember Kits Camera chain of stores?) – This tripod offered more positions than you could shake a stick at and had some leading ideas. It was the first tripod I ever saw that allowed you to switch the center column to the horizontal position (without even removing it) and maintained the geared movement adjustment via the crank handle. (keep in mind it was the early 80’s)

Velbon VGB-3CC – picked it up used for $10, built like a tank, very functional, hauled it all over the place. It is my “lend out to a friend” unit as I know they can not hurt it nor would I be upset if they did. I generally use it to hold flash and reflector now when shooting at home.

Manfrotto 190 c/w 3030 head – this was the first tripod that I owned that offered a quick release plate (and I was hooked). I promised myself that I would never buy another tripod head that did not offer this feature. I am also sold on 3 way pan tilt arrangements. This is my main tripod and is hauled around a fair bit. The problem is that I find it too heavy to ride on the back of my Lowepro Trekker backpack. By the end of a long day we are not the friends we started out as - lol.

Manfrotto 455 c/w 229 head – this is the tank of all tanks. It is too heavy to haul around unless you hire a pack mule and an assistant. I use it around my house, for some inside macro work, portraits, etc. It offers a larger Hexagon quick release plate.

   I am currently considering moving to carbon fiber. I did the usual online viewing and researching that the internet provides. Last night I stopped at a camera store to see the product in real life. I will say that it was hard to walk out of the store empty handed. The model that appealed to me was the 190CXPRO3. It looked sleek and sexy, offering the horizontal center column feature (one hand operation), and quick locks latches on the legs. The big seller for me was the weight, or should I say lack of weight. My desire is to be able to carry it on the back of my Lowepro Trekker backpack (my pack offers a tripod carrying feature), without stress or damage to the backpack or excessive fatigue to me. The 190CXPRO3 seems very solid and should make a versatile mount for supporting my camera.

If anyone has some suggestions or tripods that they feel meet or exceed their needs please post your thoughts in this thread. I have created a Poll to see what brands other are using (poll set for 30 days).


Thank you,

Spyglass

[Mike Pearson]

Tim,

Velbon VGB-3CC – picked it up used for $10, built like a tank, very functional, hauled it all over the place. It is my “lend out to a friend” unit as I know they can not hurt it nor would I be upset if they did. I generally use it to hold flash and reflector now when shooting at home.

One of my daughters borrowed mine as I wasn't using it and it looks now that it was permanent.

Manfrotto 190 c/w 3030 head – this was the first tripod that I owned that offered a quick release plate (and I was hooked). I promised myself that I would never buy another tripod head that did not offer this feature. I am also sold on 3 way pan tilt arrangements. This is my main tripod and is hauled around a fair bit. The problem is that I find it too heavy to ride on the back of my Lowepro Trekker backpack. By the end of a long day we are not the friends we started out as - lol.

This is now my main tripod although I don't use it much for photography, more for my birdwatching scope. I did buy a Manfrotto ball head but frankly I prefer to take hand-held shots. I don't like carrying the tripod around and like you it was too heavy on my Lowpro Phototrekker which I don't use anymore either.

I haven't looked at carbon fibre - maybe one day.

Mike

[iVatan]

I own several models but my workhorse is a Benbo Mark 1 with a Manfrotto 322RC2 ballhead, http://isabtang.multiply....m/155/25_Years_By_My_Side. Perfect for my kind of work in the outdoors. Cheers!

[Craig]

Just got a Manfrotto 055XBWNB with a 488RC2 Midi ballhead. It is Heavy duty and seems durable so far. Bought this in October and have used it just a few times. Satisfied with everything it offers from the quick release to the low angle adapter.

ironshot

[tcom]

I had a small and light velbon, but that was not sturdy enough to hold the K20D with Tokina 80-400.

I had to change for a better one. The main goal is that it has to hold steadily the K20D with this Tokina 80-400 lens, but remain light enough to be taken on travel, so I finally selected a Gitzo GT1540, a carbon fiber tripod. It is just around 1kg and can hold up to 6kg.

[regken]

I own two Dynatran tripods bought on ebay from Amvonia.
http://www.amvona.com/?pa...iew=1&product_id=3079

If you buy these by bidding on ebay the price is usually less than 50% of the price listed on the Amvonia site. The quality is outstanding and they have a complete line running from super heavy to very light. I bought a ball head for my monopod for $12 and even that is great quality.

Ken

[spyglass]

Good to know Regken,

I will have to check out the seller Amvonia next time I am on Ebay. (sometimes I wonder how we ever managed before Ebay)

Cheers,

Spyglass

[LaRee]

I don't know how to answer this poll. I have had a few tripods over the years. I am currently working with a Manfrotto 3021 pro, with a pistol grip head. I prefer using a pistol grip head if possible. I also have the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head but it isn't to my liking. My husband surprised me with this set up a few years ago for Christmas. The 3021 is a heavy tripod but sturdy. I wouldn't want to hike any distance with it.

I also have a tripod from Amvona that I use most the time because it is light enough for me to carry with me on long walks. Buying it through e-bay I was patient and ended up buying it at 1/3 the listed price on the Amvona website. A fellow photographer in my local photo club had one and it caught my fancy and the price was right. Since I bought mine, two friends who saw it have purchased tripod from Amvona and been happy. I did have one head that broke on me from Amvona. I managed to gerry-rig the safty latch back but I don't trust it as I once did so I bought a new head for heavier lens.

[spyglass]

I don't know how to answer this poll. I have had a few tripods over the years. I am currently working with a Manfrotto 3021 pro, with a pistol grip head. I prefer using a pistol grip head if possible. I also have the Manfrotto 486RC2 ball head but it isn't to my liking. My husband surprised me with this set up a few years ago for Christmas. The 3021 is a heavy tripod but sturdy. I wouldn't want to hike any distance with it.

I also have a tripod from Amvona that I use most the time because it is light enough for me to carry with me on long walks. Buying it through e-bay I was patient and ended up buying it at 1/3 the listed price on the Amvona website. A fellow photographer in my local photo club had one and it caught my fancy and the price was right. Since I bought mine, two friends who saw it have purchased tripod from Amvona and been happy. I did have one head that broke on me from Amvona. I managed to gerry-rig the safty latch back but I don't trust it as I once did so I bought a new head for heavier lens.

LaRee I think you answered the poll perfectly !

[spyglass]

Just thought that I would post this trick in this tripod thread (originally a reply I made to a thread started by Calsan, titled "On Traveling Light" in the Cafe Corner section)   

http://pentaxworld.com/fo...p?topic=3397.msg20603#new

*Trusty Scottish Hikers Tripod*

*1/4" eyelet bolt and string (great hikers trick)
Thread the 1/4" eyelet bolt into camera's threaded tripod mounting hole. Lay the string out on the ground (approx 4m). Stand on the center of the string. Move your feet apart to made a nice wide, but comfortable stance. Without shifting or moving your feet, bend down and pick up the ends of the string, Tie the two ends of the string together. Next pull the tied ends of the string trough the eyelet as you are standing up tall and looking through your camera, and have your elbows touching your chest (this ensures that you are set up for the right height). Tie the string in a knot (basically you have passed the string through the eyelet bolt and are tie the string back off against itself).
To give a simple mental picture you have just created a triangle of string, your feet spread out the base of the triangle and act as anchors, the top of the triangle is secured to your camera via the eyelet bolt. You can now pull up against the string for stability. Keep your elbow pulled in firmly against your chest, take a deep breath...... and Manfrotto shares just dropped 1/1000000 of a %  (all small enough to fit in your shirt or watch pocket). Plus you might be surprised at how handy it is to have string of that length on you - tie back a branch that is blocking a view or obscuring a plant. Could even hold your pants up if your belt breaks from too many trips to the buffet table.

[geauxpez]

Did you ever shoot rifles competitvely?  Similar concept.  Very effective.

[Gruoso]

Hi all,
I had a manfrotto x190B with 486RC2 and it was a neat supporting set but I found it short for my height (6'3") and the ball didnt hold the bigger lenses without giving up slightly. I decided to make some serious investment and I got myself a Gitzo 2530 with a Markins ball M10 and I found a huge difference. On the field, the Gitzo is much more stable than the manfrotto but it is 3-4 times more expensive so....

[spyglass]

Did you ever shoot rifles competitvely?  Similar concept.  Very effective.

Hello Geauxpez,

Never had the opportunity to shoot as a sport. Any variations, alterations or improvements to offer on the "Trusty Scottish Hikers Tripod" ?

Thanks

[francis lee]

I started with a Slik, Japanese made tripod & eventually move on to something more rock-steady in the form of a Manfrotto. Has been using the 074 & 055 since the last 11 years. Due to the ever increasing hectic schedule, I have to sold away the 074 for its weight (like a hippo).

Recently bought another unique kinda... Its called a Gorilla pod. A small yet versatile one that allows the photog to plant the camera just about anywhere...

Using a tripod is already half the battle won...

[spyglass]

Thats a pretty big lens that you are using with that Gorilla Pod. I am impressed. I will have to take another look at that product. I imagine that they must make diferent models for different levels of use. It is always interesting to see what is out there. Llike the bean/sand bag camera mount/rest, a special tool for just the right occasion. I saw a window suction mount the other day. Very cool. I will go visit Gorilla Pod web site and check out their line of products.


spyglass