I find myself doing more photography from a blind and also of sleeping owls. Usually the subjects are in low light so a tripod is a must. Right now I use a benro Leg C-228 + Induro SA-12. My camera is the 1dII. This combo that I have right now really sucks. It's not nearly tall enough for a 6' 4" man and it does not adjust easily. I am not real happy about the twist releases on the legs, there are 3 of them on each leg, kind of a pita to quickly get setup. The head is not nearly robust enough for this combo. I am on a real budget here though so the cheaper the better, hopefully without sacrificing quality but perhaps something a leap above what I have now. Thanks in advance for any kind of advice!
Honestly I think I need a new tripod head more then a pair of legs. Although I think the legs would help. I would say I do not want to spend more then $500.
I agree that buying a good tripod is essential, but should I just forgo opportunities to shoot once in a life time owls because I can't afford the very best tripod?!?!
So the question I guess becomes in the $400 to $700 New price range, what are some good legs and a good head to get, because I assume with a little looking around at the B&S as well as ebay & craigslist, you could find a good deal on something that would normally be out of your range
chupacabra31 wrote:
Honestly I think I need a new tripod head more then a pair of legs. Although I think the legs would help. I would say I do not want to spend more then $500.
Thanks.
huh...I thought you meant $100. Budget seems to get a new meaning by different folks. Enjoy the expensive tripod.
brucem48 thanks for bringing up that Vanguard Ballhead, it
looks good and beefy and the price is surprisingly low! Does
anyone here have any experience using it?
chupacabra31 wrote:
Honestly I think I need a new tripod head more then a pair of legs. Although I think the legs would help. I would say I do not want to spend more then $500.
Thanks.
I bought the Manfrotto 055XProB 'pod and 488RC4 head for around 500, and find it very good for the price.
The 1-4 isn't the greatest lens on a tripod in the first place - you can easily send vibrations down its length in my experience. I think it is the tube in tube construction.
I have used the Manfrotto 3221WN before I got my CF. I am looking to sell it.
I might just need a taller tripod as well though as the one I have causes me to have to use the center column in order to get "closer" to eye level shots of a owl roosting in tree (also to get above the foreground tangles and brush). Unfortunately there was slight vibration with the column extended using mirror lockup on the 1dII. The ball head is rated for 13lbs and the legs 17 (since they are carbon fiber they should dampen vibration a little better). The lens and the camera only weigh 6 pounds. So not sure what I could have done better.
