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Tripod decision....driving me kinda nuts
- Thread starter Allen
- Start date
My simple suggestion has always been this: If you can't tell me -- in specific terms -- *why* you need something more than, say, a $50 Dolica tripod and ball-head, then you don't need something more expensive than a $50 Dolica tripod and ball-head. Maybe at some point in the future you WILL be able to articulate why you need to spend several hundred dollars on a tripod and head, and then it will be time for an upgrade. The difference is, this upgrade will be based on your greatly expanded knowledge, experience and specific needs you have identified, not some far flung fantasy of being called in by National Geographic to go on safari for their upcoming issue. Seriously... If you're an average Joe-Blow sort of photographer, as most of us are, get something like the Dolica. When, and if, National Geographic calls and you seriously need something bigger, faster and more powerful, you won't give two hoots about the $50 you blew on the Dolica that has served you well for so many years. I promise. You have to be able to honestly assess your needs and, truth be told, most needs can be met by a reasonably stable platform that a reasonably priced tripod can offer.
Now, on the flip-side of that coin, if you *can* tell me, in specific terms, why you need to spend several hundred dollars on a tripod and ball-head, by all means I'll shut up and show myself the door.
A direct parallel with how many point&shoot people purchase pricey DSLRs and never get beyond auto or scene modes. Good old fashioned marketing for the personal image conscious crowd.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
I went with the Dolica Pro Series on advice from several people here and have been very happy with it. It is easy to operate and very strong and secure. I needed one tall enough so I would not have to bend over to use it since I am older than dirt. They have a 73 inch one that I went with. The price is also extremely good for the quality you get.
Just another option to consider.
Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Electronics
Just another option to consider.
Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Electronics
donaldjledet
Senior Member
The tripods from vanguard anyone here uses them?
Reason i asked is cause the local camera store has them, so i can go there and try them out before i buy.
Thanks
Reason i asked is cause the local camera store has them, so i can go there and try them out before i buy.
Thanks
mr2_serious
Senior Member
The tripods from vanguard anyone here uses them?
Reason i asked is cause the local camera store has them, so i can go there and try them out before i buy.
Thanks
I have one. I got it for $100 after a rebate. Mine goes up to about 6ft and the middle column can tilt sideways for macro shots. I like it a lot. I am a vanguard fan cause I also have a few of their bags. Definitely give it a look.
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donaldjledet
Senior Member
I agree don't get caught up with the "name game" buy what works for you. I just recently saved myself $350.00 by buying a Milano ballhead( looks the same as a Arca Swiss)
Where can I see about the Milano ball head?
Thanks for all the good advice guys.
New Wrinkle.....would like to get the group's thoughts.
Spoke with a few camera club members with lots of experience and one fellow made a suggestion that I originally discarded, but after some thought...maybe it makes sense.
So....keeping in mind I am seeking a tripod for pretty much 'general use,' and currently most of my photography is hand held (by choice and necessity), his suggestion was to trade in my D7000 for a D7100. The rationale is that the new body reduces the need for a tripod - can function very well at higher shutter speeds as well as higher ISO's. He went on to suggest that clearly there are some instances where a tripod is mandatory (like HDR, long exposures, etc). Obtain a less expensive one for sporadic use.
Does this make any sense to anyone else?
Just to add a little more complexity, I would prefer a light tripod, as an older person with a bad back...it just makes sense....which sounds like carbon, which kind of blows the goal of a 'less expensive' tripod - geez, I think we are at 'circular argument.'
cheers
Spoke with a few camera club members with lots of experience and one fellow made a suggestion that I originally discarded, but after some thought...maybe it makes sense.
So....keeping in mind I am seeking a tripod for pretty much 'general use,' and currently most of my photography is hand held (by choice and necessity), his suggestion was to trade in my D7000 for a D7100. The rationale is that the new body reduces the need for a tripod - can function very well at higher shutter speeds as well as higher ISO's. He went on to suggest that clearly there are some instances where a tripod is mandatory (like HDR, long exposures, etc). Obtain a less expensive one for sporadic use.
Does this make any sense to anyone else?
Just to add a little more complexity, I would prefer a light tripod, as an older person with a bad back...it just makes sense....which sounds like carbon, which kind of blows the goal of a 'less expensive' tripod - geez, I think we are at 'circular argument.'
cheers
So....keeping in mind I am seeking a tripod for pretty much 'general use,' and currently most of my photography is hand held (by choice and necessity), his suggestion was to trade in my D7000 for a D7100. The rationale is that the new body reduces the need for a tripod - can function very well at higher shutter speeds as well as higher ISO's.
No this doesn't make any sense.
The D7100 is a great camera, but not that much better at light gathering than the D7000. It will in no way eliminate the need for a tripod. Fast glass and VR will do more than swapping those two bodies.
I got the non-"lateral" version of item below last year for about $120, works great. I wouldn't want to worry about a $600 tripod.
Oben AC-2310LA 3-Section Aluminum Lateral Tripod w/ Oben BA-1
Oben AC-2310LA 3-Section Aluminum Lateral Tripod w/ Oben BA-1
No this doesn't make any sense.
The D7100 is a great camera, but not that much better at light gathering than the D7000. It will in no way eliminate the need for a tripod. Fast glass and VR will do more than swapping those two bodies.
Interesting....after I got home, I searched the web for comparisons of the two cameras, and the results were mixed (as usual).
Agreed, it will not eliminate the need for a tripod, but his point was that it would reduce the need.....I guess you do not agree....
Thanks for the reply....and guidance.
Don Kuykendall_RIP
RIP :(
You still need a tripod no matter what camera you have. As another old person with a bad back and also tall (6'3") I wanted a tall tripod so I would not have to bend over to use it. I also did not want to spend a ton of money on it. This is the tripod I got based on suggestions from this forum by several people. I really love it.
Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Dolica AX730P105 73-Inch Proline Tripod and Pan Head: Camera & Photo
Thanks all....
Not going to trade in D7000.....appreciate the reinforcement that I kind of knew anyway.
That being said, I do think I want a carbon tripod, just for the weight issue...just got to find a good one used. <sigh>
: )
Up until about 6 months ago, I had 11 or 12 tripods in assorted sizes. All were well aged and a bit heavy-even the smaller ones. I had one that was fairly light, but it wasn't good for anything aside from a P&S. I can't remember the make or model, but the one I enjoy the most (when I don't have to lug it far) is absolutely a beast. Probably weighs as much as a spare tire & is so rock solid when set up that it could probably stop a moving car. Long story short, I gave away most of them & am down to about 4 (including that beast). Since I didn't have anything that was both light(er) and stout enough, I ended up getting one of the Dolica carbon fiber tripods from Costco when they had a $20 or $30 savings coupon for it. Very nice tripod. It certainly isn't feather light, but it is light enough for me & certainly very stable. You might want to glance at those if you get the chance as they are very inexpensive, yet seem very well made. Then again, I'm one of those whack jobs who rarely roams around with a tripod & never uses a neck strap for the camera.
A used cheap one or a used better one, that is the question.
I've not owned a tripod in 2 decades, I don't even know what to look for on CL.
And on CL everything is 1 hour from me, so coordination with seller vs. Ebay is a consideration.
I can find Manfrotto, Slik, and Samson on CL, but I don't know the difference between types, models, etc. to know what I'm even looking for.
I've not owned a tripod in 2 decades, I don't even know what to look for on CL.
And on CL everything is 1 hour from me, so coordination with seller vs. Ebay is a consideration.
I can find Manfrotto, Slik, and Samson on CL, but I don't know the difference between types, models, etc. to know what I'm even looking for.
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Thanks for the Craigslist suggestion, I never thought to look for a tripod on CL! I am a very very beginner and would like to get a tripod but also can't spend a fortune on one. I have looked at ones in the $25 price range and some people here make it sound like that would just be a waste of time and money but wouldn't a cheap tripod be better than no tripod? BTW, my camera is the D3100 and my lenses are just the kit lenses that came with, 18-55 and 55-200. I don't think that's a very heavy kit, I've never had trouble holding it still enough except on the one occasion I was trying long exposure. Those came out a blurry mess! LOL!
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I was just looking at Costco Saturday for a Tripod I had seen last month and they didn't have them anymore. :/
They do online, but that obviously won't help you out. Best suggestion is to visit an actual camera store, as they will have more tripods than any other type of store. That's *if* you have any camera stores around still. Reading specs and reviews online will only drive you nuts & is a far cry from actually seeing and playing around with a product in person.