I've never really been into tripods. I like being free to move around, trying different angles etc., and like having the ability to pick up and move to a different location quickly. The only time I've really found them useful is for product shots, and for that my cheapie does the job alright (it was a freebie from an uncle who had no use for it).
I should also mention that, until yesterday, I'd never tried out a ball head. I can hear the gasps already...
So yesterday my friend let me try out his tripod for a few days - it's a Manfrotto 055XDB with a 484RC2 head, in case you're curious - and I've gotta say, it's pretty nice to use, especially with the cable release I just picked up. So nice, in fact, that I'm looking at picking up a 055XPROB with a 486RC2 head (gotta one-up him, right? ).
Most of my work is what I would call "fashion related." Stuff like model portfolios, editorial, catalogue, etc. and the occasional product shot, and I've always thought I had no need for extra stability, what with the fast flash durations and the like. But now I find myself wondering if I'd get a decent amount of use out of a good tripod with a head that's actually a pleasure to use. In fact, I think the video head on my cheapie is what has turned me off of tripods for so long.
I'm not exactly sleeping on a pile of money these days, but I'm not afraid to spend a bit on quality gear that I know I'll get a decent amount of use out of. I know there's higher quality stuff out there, but the above combination seems to be a pretty good compromise, so I'm not looking for suggestions on specific products (unless you have a really good reason why I should stay away from that setup). I'm just looking for a little insight into the value of a tripod for my work.
I had a 055XPROB with 486RC2 and ended up replacing the ballhead with a Giottos MH-1000 soley because I wanted a panning adjustment.
I must say I love the tripod and the 486RC2 was absolutley bomber, no movement whatsoever except the small micro adjustment that happens after you lock it in and let go of the camera.
The Giottos MH-1000 is really easy to adjust, but it does have a small amount of play and the mounting plate seems to be the culrpit; it allows movement between the plate and body no matter how tight it is.
I would recommend going one step up to the 488RC2 so you also have the ability to pan, but only if you ever thought about using it for panoramas, landscape, or architecture.
The 055XPROB is completely solid, and very heavy, doubles as a weapon, and is extremely adjustable. I love it.
Haha, I don't doubt that! Thanks for the reply. Panoramas and landscapes are probably the types of images I shoot the least, otherwise I'd definitely step up to the 488.
I'm still looking for some good reasons to get it for shooting portfolios and editorial though
The main editorial uses, if you're talking news/magazine and not long-lens wildlife, is for nighttime shots (or, more accurately, for long-exposure work). I've been using an ultra-light tripod for my nighttime work when I want long exposures. But, it's only a fraction of my editorial work, which is mostly much faster moving.
My tripod also fits INSIDE a normal, non-photo backpack, and weighs almost nothing-- so I carry it on assignments and once I get the more important action/handheld shots, I scout out ways to use a tripod and up the ante a bit: get some of those more thought-out images that can make my work that little bit better via variety and creativity.
I recently shot a travel story that involved nightlife images, and while the tripod wasn't necessary, at least two of the eight images selected by the editors were done using a tripod. (That particular story hasn't run yet, so I can't post the images yet.) But keep in mind, the vast majority of editorial work is about content and context rather than artistry-- much like the writing side of the equation-- and for more hardcore PJ, carrying a tripod is probably dead weight that gets in the way, hurting rather than helping.
44lefty wrote:
TiltAll, built like the Brooklyn Bridge, weighs about 6 - lb., and costs about $100.
I've had mine about 40 years, use it all the time; it fell off the roof of the car at 65, and only got a couple of scratches.
Larry
I'm not that mean, even to my Dynatran 858. I just let it slide around the back of the truck. The paint is pretty well chewed up, so now I stow it behind the seat. If weight isn't a consideration, go with a Dynatran 858. I snagged mine for about 50 bucks when they actually had auctions on ebay. Now if it dies I could probably get half that just for the aluminum.
runamuck wrote:
I'm not that mean, even to my Dynatran 858. I just let it slide around the back of the truck. The paint is pretty well chewed up, so now I stow it behind the seat. If weight isn't a consideration, go with a Dynatran 858. I snagged mine for about 50 bucks when they actually had auctions on ebay. Now if it dies I could probably get half that just for the aluminum.
It wasn't deliberate. It was packed in my duffle bag and riding on the roof; the slipstream picked it up and left it in the middle of a six-lane expressway in Washington.
1) Freezing action with flash to avoid using a tripod is unprofessional, and lazy.
2) If you are ever assigned to shoot interiors, or people against something other than a flash-induced black background you will need a slow shutter with decent DOF. You will wish you bought that nice three-legged creature to hold your camera steady.
3) A tripod will keep your model shots, and just about everything else looking consistant from frame to frame.
Barry Pehlman wrote:
1) Freezing action with flash to avoid using a tripod is unprofessional, and lazy.
2) If you are ever assigned to shoot interiors, or people against something other than a flash-induced black background you will need a slow shutter with decent DOF. You will wish you bought that nice three-legged creature to hold your camera steady.
3) A tripod will keep your model shots, and just about everything else looking consistant from frame to frame.
All excellent points, thanks Barry! I actually picked it up yesterday, but if I hadn't this post would've sold me on it.
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