Well I realize I need a tripod, but after dishing out all of my money for the lens, camera, memory cards, Flash, 1.4x and 2x canon Teleconveters I am strapped for cash when it comes to a tripod and head. I have been able to handhold this setup, but during low light I need a tripod. I use the 430ex flash and I find that in low light (i.e. early morning forest, overcast days) that I get as low as 1/30-1/90 sec shutter speeds, which is simply too low to hand hold I think especially with the 2x tc. So I was wondering what you guys recommend as an extreme budget minded support and head for this rig. TY very much in advance for any insights you might have.

Oh yeah I am primarily a bird photographer if it helps.

What kind of budget are you looking at? That is a pretty big set up so you will want something stable. I use a Bogen 3021, which is pretty easy on the budget - but I also have an RRS-BH-55 and Sidekick, which can blow a budget The best advice I have read about tripods and heads is buy the best you can the first time.

Extreme budget! In other words what is the cheapest setup I can get away with? I have not got much and it will not be increasing anytime soon. We are talking years. So I need "something". TY.

Have you looked at the bogen 3-way or pan/tilt heads?

I would second the 3021 recommendation.

If you need the cheapest, you might be able to use the ground or a bean bag. You might also be able to get some use out of a monopod, but I wouldn't expect much.

sell one of your TCs... that easily take care of a good pair of legs.

Slik Pro 700dx for legs. I'd probably suggest trying it with the head it comes with for the least bucks but you may find it's pennywise, pound foolish as the Slik isn't qr compatible with anything else and I'm not sure on resale if it doesn't cut it.. I'm not sure the Bogen 488 would do it, some folks like them others suggest there's going to be some sag and a 300/2.8 is not going to be a light load.

Thats Fresh wrote:
sell one of your TCs... that easily take care of a good pair of legs.

Yeah but I use both TCs.

invalid2 wrote:
Have you looked at the bogen 3-way or pan/tilt heads?

I would second the 3021 recommendation.

If you need the cheapest, you might be able to use the ground or a bean bag. You might also be able to get some use out of a monopod, but I wouldn't expect much.

Where can one get one of these? TY.

Friend of mine has a Benro-c-228 Tripod supports 17.6lbs. (carbon fiber, looks just like manfrotto carbon fiber) and a Induro SA12 Ballhead (rated for 13.23lbs) he is willing to sell me for $100. I am not sure this is stable enough though. I think the legs would work but the ball head seems like it would be too flaky. Think I should take the legs and get a new head for it? If so which head? TY!

You may want to look at this thread:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/641190/0#5724423

If you search the general gear forum for threads on tripods, you will get plenty of advice.

chupacabra31 wrote:
invalid2 wrote:
Have you looked at the bogen 3-way or pan/tilt heads?

I would second the 3021 recommendation.

If you need the cheapest, you might be able to use the ground or a bean bag. You might also be able to get some use out of a monopod, but I wouldn't expect much.

Where can one get one of these? TY.

1. You can get a 3021 from the B&S here (or elsewhere) used. You can get a new one at a photo store - locally if you live near a good one, B&H if you don't.
   
2. <facetious> You can often find ground by looking down. </facetious>
   
3. B&H has beanbags. You could probably make one as well, if you wanted.
   
4. B&H carries monopods - iirc, they keep them next to the tripods.
   

rachp wrote:
You may want to look at this thread:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/641190/0#5724423

If you search the general gear forum for threads on tripods, you will get plenty of advice.

Okay so Benro is out then I guess. Oh well guess I am up ship creak without a paddle.

Okay so Bogen 3021 but what about a head. I think I want a Ball head to start because of the speed, but I naturally cannot swing the cost of the 200+ arca swiss or RRS. Is there a less expensive option that might be quality enough to do the job for now.

All I am saying is that I do not have the money for a manfrotto, rrs, sidekick, etc and will not for years. It took me ages of doing tables to afford the lens, and accessories, so I just need something to be able to make it a bit more steady for right now without breaking the bank.

Could you swing a used 3021 and this head:

http://www.adorama.com/GTMH1302655.html?searchinfo=Giotto%27s%20MH%201302-655&item_no=3

It is new but looks promising. If it is too expensive then maybe look for an older version.

BTW, you made a great choice in spending your hard eraned money on the 300

rachp wrote:
Could you swing a used 3021 and this head:

http://www.adorama.com/GTMH1302655.html?searchinfo=Giotto%27s%20MH%201302-655&item_no=3

It is new but looks promising. If it is too expensive then maybe look for an older version.

BTW, you made a great choice in spending your hard eraned money on the 300

That is not too bad for the head at all! Will look around for the 3021. TY! BTW How much should a used 3021 cost anyway? TYVM!

I just did a quick search on ebay and the 3021 seems to go anywhere from $80-150. If the head is out of stock at Adorama, when you are ready to buy, then check Arthur Morris Birds as Art (they are a little higher but may have it when you need it). I don't know if you will need some kind of lens plate for the 300 or if the plate that comes with the head will be enough - so that is something else to consider

For a head: Bogen 3055
Link: http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/293410106.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google

Ignore the outrageous price at Wolf. I bought that head for $35 used from B&H. Quite strong, super-positive plate (but too large IMO, but you're a budget and beggars can't be choosers )

Jonathan H wrote:
For a head: Bogen 3055
Link: http://www.wolfcamera.com/product/293410106.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=google

Ignore the outrageous price at Wolf. I bought that head for $35 used from B&H. Quite strong, super-positive plate (but too large IMO, but you're a budget and beggars can't be choosers )


Except you didnt tell me it would be like winning the lottery finding someone selling one!