Back to Beeman's point - on a table of samples of tripods for the same approximate use. There are manfrotto, feisol, benro/induro, gitzo, slik, etc... I'd pick the Gitzo. If there were pretty much any 10 photographers getting to do that at the same time, it'd be a fight too.
JohnJ80 wrote:
I'd love to hear if you if have something of quality to add to this discussion, unlike this.
J.
Perhaps if you would listen to what I say about what I use instead of dismissing me outright, I might add something useful. Till then, just buy 1 of every Gitzo, and you stand a good chance of having the best. Meanwhile, just keep badmouthing everything but Gitzo.
Meanwhile, the money I saved buying the Dynatran allowed me to buy a Bigma I could not have gotten otherwise.
Maybe so, but your attitude gets very much in the way of you are *attempting* to say. I, for one, am not going to try and sit and figure out what you say and sort through the slurs and attacks. In general, mocking and sarcasm directed personally are not components of the discussion here. You might give that some thought.
I'd like to throw out a few follow-up (and somewhat beginner) tripod questions.
- It looks like there are two "styles" I need to consider: the center column in the middle and the center column offset. I don't do a huge amount of macro photography, but it seems like the offset center column that can be tilted, etc would be the best way to go because of its flexibility. What am I sacrificing in comparison to the traditional center column in the middle style?
- I understand I want to avoid extending the center column whenever possible. If I know that I won't ever extend it, do some models (Gitzo specifically) have interchangeable center columns so that I can put in just a flat plate instead of an extendable column? Again, what is the tradeoff (understanding that the down side to no extension on the center column is that you can't extend it)?
- Finally, when it comes to ball-heads on the pod, are all arca-swiss plates the same or not? I got an RSS L bracket with my camera and would like to know if I can rest assured that any arca-swiss style ballhead will be compatible.
titusj wrote:
I'd like to throw out a few follow-up (and somewhat beginner) tripod questions.
- It looks like there are two "styles" I need to consider: the center column in the middle and the center column offset. I don't do a huge amount of macro photography, but it seems like the offset center column that can be tilted, etc would be the best way to go because of its flexibility. What am I sacrificing in comparison to the traditional center column in the middle style?
You are sacrificing leg locks that have predetermined stops. The legs on the this series are infinitely adjustable and do not stop at a particular point or angle. This will slow you down in setting up the legs.
This tripod is also heavier than its equivalent standard tripod. So you sacrifice lower weight.
If you don't do a lot of macro (like 50%) then stick with the standard tripod, IMO.
- I understand I want to avoid extending the center column whenever possible. If I know that I won't ever extend it, do some models (Gitzo specifically) have interchangeable center columns so that I can put in just a flat plate instead of an extendable column? Again, what is the tradeoff (understanding that the down side to no extension on the center column is that you can't extend it)?
If the tripod is ground set compatible, then you can basically have the flat plate. You also have the option of putting in a sort CF column that gives you about 2" of rise if you need it but saves weight. You can also purchase a third party tripod platform that is more secure and stable but probably doesn't save any weight. Check Markins.com and kirkphoto.com.
- Finally, when it comes to ball-heads on the pod, are all arca-swiss plates the same or not? I got an RSS L bracket with my camera and would like to know if I can rest assured that any arca-swiss style ballhead will be compatible.
In general, yes and especially if you use a screw knob type of arca-swiss clamp. If you use an RRS quick release lever clamp, RRS recommends that you use either RRS or Wimberly plates. They claim that these two control the width (after annodizing etc...) better than all the rest and that this is necessary because the lever clamp is not adjustable. That said, many have used other plates from Kirk and other with no problem. Since you already have a RRS L plate, this should not be a problem for you.
I would recommend that you do put a RRS QR Lever clamp on ANY ballhead you own. I think they are better than pockets.
JohnJ80 wrote:
You are sacrificing leg locks that have predetermined stops. The legs on the this series are infinitely adjustable and do not stop at a particular point or angle. This will slow you down in setting up the legs.
This tripod is also heavier than its equivalent standard tripod. So you sacrifice lower weight.
If you don't do a lot of macro (like 50%) then stick with the standard tripod, IMO.
I would just like to point out that the off-center column tripods combined with the ability to lock the legs at any angle such as the Gitzo explorer series benefit not only macro photography, but also any kind of photography involved in a awkward terrain or angle.
I'm following the logic of "having a crappy tripod is better than no tripod", the versatility of the off center column tripod IMO outweighs the minor weight increase & very minor loss in stability for general photography(under 300mm, and I only have experience with Gitzo). There have been so many situations that I would've not been able to position the tripod in a ideal setup if it weren't for the off center column & the locking mechanism, and very often they were not for macro shots.
I've also given up on finding "the best tripod". I'm getting a Gitzo Systematic in the near future when I need maximum stability and will probably use the explorer series for "general photography" most of the time.
shinew7911 wrote:
I would just like to point out that the off-center column tripods combined with the ability to lock the legs at any angle such as the Gitzo explorer series benefit not only macro photography, but also any kind of photography involved in a awkward terrain or angle.
I'm following the logic of "having a crappy tripod is better than no tripod", the versatility of the off center column tripod IMO outweighs the minor weight increase & very minor loss in [a ideal setup if it weren't for the off center column & the locking mechanism, and very often they were not for macro shots.
I've also given up on finding "the best tripod". I'm getting a Gitzo Systematic in the near future when I need maximum stability and will probably use the explorer series for "general photography" most of the time. ...Show more →
Sounds like very uneven terrain you shoot from!
To give some context on this, I often shoot from uneven terrain (mountain, ski slopes, etc...) and do ok and never had a problem with the ballhead taking the angle out. So the unevenness is beyond if required. Also, since I use an L bracket, the notch is not a big deal for me and therefore not limiting in that situation. So, I think the two work together on that issue and you should probably look at that as you look at that issue.
The issue can be if you want to shoot panoramas where you need the panning base level - but then I'd suggest a piece of gear that is either a tripod leveling base (for under the ballhead) or one like the pano clamp that RRS offers that goes on top of the ballhead. This then solves those problems neatly. The issue with this is that unless you shoot a lot of panos, you want to avoid carrying all that weight around when you don't need it. I'm a weight fanatic when it comes to tripods because I have to carry then all day when I carry them.
As well, the Systematic components allow you to add a horizontal column if you want to cantilever the camera out on the side - that was a good suggestion.
It's both the terrains & surroundings, such as balcony/cliff, through glass(getting as close to glass as possible), in front of water(lake, stream), etc... for panoramas it is also a big help because the tripod base can be leveled perfectly flat w/ the built-in leveler and the infinitely adjustable legs, add another leveler onto the camera's hot shoe then you're set(assuming your ball head has a panning base).
Bottom line is that you'll know it when you need it. If that never happen, you should probably stick with a traditional tripod.
JohnJ80 wrote:
I don't believe I have ever attacked you personally (and if perceived that way, I apologize). However, I do disagree with you on this issue.
J.
I've had my sanity questioned, my parentage questioned, and told I am just one big (insert body part name here) for using and recommending Dynatran. I and several others I know have had very positive experiences with Amvona/Dynatran. I can only report what I have experienced with the products I use.
If I am a bit thin-skinned, I apologize. I also disagree with you on this issue.
Be serious for a moment. The original poster asked about "The BEST Carbon Fiber Tripod". How could you expect anyone in this particular discussion to take you seriously when you mention a Dynatran? If yours works well for you, that's great, or if someone asks what to buy for ~$100, but really, the best? There's nothing wrong with wanting to have the budget tripod, but neither is there anything wrong with wanting the best. You could have passed on the Bigma, BTW, and had one of these instead:
well it just might well be the best in its class. all you need to do is classify it in such a way and it will become just that. it done all the time make nothing into something or do the best to differentiate 2 pretty much identical items in the advert world.
dcains wrote:
Be serious for a moment. The original poster asked about "The BEST Carbon Fiber Tripod". How could you expect anyone in this particular discussion to take you seriously when you mention a Dynatran? If yours works well for you, that's great, or if someone asks what to buy for ~$100, but really, the best? There's nothing wrong with wanting to have the budget tripod, but neither is there anything wrong with wanting the best. You could have passed on the Bigma, BTW, and had one of these instead:
What's the difference?
10,000 comedians out of work and you are trying to be funny. Stick to taking pictures.
"BEST" is a qualifier for "an intended purpose." I guess that if your purpose is to look successful and rich while taking pictures, the Gitzo is best for that.
My tipod is expected to work, period. And work it does, without being coddled. It gets tossed around the back of the truck, bags of birdseed piled on it, and cargo sliding into it. I expect to dig it out from under the snow and then hold my camera up. The Dynatran excels at that.
I've no doubt Gitzo makes a good tripod. Is it horribly overpriced? In my opinion, yes. For what Gitzo charges, I would expect gold inlays and teakwood trim. Just look around, many others are joing the "Just say NO to Gitzo" movement.
I settled for the Bigma because it was what I could afford. If I win the lotttery, it will be replaced by a Nikon 500 f4. Until then, I do with the Bigma.
I'm not the only one laughing all the way to the bank--Gitzo is too.
""BEST" is a qualifier for "an intended purpose.""
You're trying to obfuscate the meaning of the word by redefining it to suit your purposes. You have primary meanings, secondary and tertiary meanings but when someone uses the word in an undefined sense, it's the primary meaning they are reasonably expected to use.
"10,000 comedians out of work and you are trying to be funny."
The following is my attempt at being funny. Forgive me if I fail and one should find my below, wide of the mark:
"many others are joing the "Just say NO to Gitzo" movement."
My, my. "Just say NO to Gitzo." Wow!
Comments like the above tell me what's really happening. There's Gitzo supporters and then there's everybody else (scared little bunnies of resistance) as Gitzo has now been declared an evil cult following and it's no longer about build quality.
"Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my. Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! Lions and Tigers and Bears....."
Secret initiation rites, dues, by-laws, constitutions, meetings and covenants recited and sworn on as this mysterious group of followers who dance naked (usually a bunch of loser straight dudes) around vain bonfires in the dark of wilderness forests, wearing stag horns above their heads, taking blood oaths of solidarity and stating for the record (yes minutes are taken) how they want be the head of photography; Victoria's Secret catalog division, in order to assert their macho (I want to be a macho man) manliness. All the while dancing in a trance cause by copious amounts of twelve year old single-malt, followed by quality ale/beers/lagers; drank from bottle or can as glasses are not allowed, with bagels-n-cream cheese (and the occasional pizza of course) so as to not cause their tummies upset. These denizens of the many dark deeded wilderness forests, collectively, conspire online to take over the world of tripod usage so as to dictate to all who have need of a legset, what they will use.
These Gitzo supporters need to be stamped out I tells ya cause they're a menace to all that everybody else holds near, dear and sacred to their hearts; {{{The freedom to choose!}}}
runamuck wrote:
10,000 comedians out of work and you are trying to be funny. Stick to taking pictures.
"BEST" is a qualifier for "an intended purpose." I guess that if your purpose is to look successful and rich while taking pictures, the Gitzo is best for that.
My tipod is expected to work, period. And work it does, without being coddled. It gets tossed around the back of the truck, bags of birdseed piled on it, and cargo sliding into it. I expect to dig it out from under the snow and then hold my camera up. The Dynatran excels at that.
I've no doubt Gitzo makes a good tripod. Is it horribly overpriced? In my opinion, yes. For what Gitzo charges, I would expect gold inlays and teakwood trim. Just look around, many others are joing the "Just say NO to Gitzo" movement.
I settled for the Bigma because it was what I could afford. If I win the lotttery, it will be replaced by a Nikon 500 f4. Until then, I do with the Bigma.
I'm not the only one laughing all the way to the bank--Gitzo is too. ...Show more →
"Best: noun (usu. the best)
that which is the most excellent, outstanding, or desirable"
What the OP asked for is clear. Dynatran is not "The BEST" and I don't think they would even say that.
oh, incidentally, my purpose is not to LOOK successful and rich while taking pictures with my Gitzo tripods. My purpose IS TO BE successful and rich while taking pictures with my Gitzo tripods. If I wanted to just LOOK successful, I'd pick some cheap knockoff that looks as good but isn't - like maybe Dynatran, for instance.
