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jadams08 · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 33

I'm needing to buy a tripod. I have a cheap one I practically found on the ground. Anyway, I went to a camera store to check some out. Not having much experience with tripods, is there a big sacrifice in buying one that's a little lighter and folds smaller (not cheap) versus buying a soccer goal to carry around on my shoulder?
I want one that is going to be rock solid that I'm not going regret spending a lot of money on later. But I do travel by train sometimes, and they get crowded.
Any recommendations?
I was looking at the manfrotto 055xprob, but velbon had one that looked easier to carry.

chbaum · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 386 Location: Karlsruhe, Germany

I've got the Manfrotto... It's really sturdy (although in heavy storm on an Icelandic cliff, it gave me quite some shake, watch my Puffin videos here in my footage gallery - a miracle they accepted them). It weighs 2.4 kg and is quite large. Not a lot of fun to carry all day, but at least usable for video work.
There's a smaller and more portable one called 190xprob (1.8 kg) and its even lighter colleagues of this series. Both are aluminum. The carbon fibre ones are supposed to be much lighter but also much more expensive. For travel, I'd rather buy those, but the price tag kept me from it, and on big trips, I usually have a rented car and therefore only take my 055 out when necessary. Apart from that, I also like filmmaking, and there, the 055 is really great.
IMHO the biggest problem is not the traveling itself, whether by train or by car, but squeezing it into the luggage and especially local trips on foot: Imagine me walking through the rainforest with that thing over my shoulder (starting on Sunday, I still have not decided yet if I bring it along) or going for Canadian bears in summer with hours of walking ahead...

Don't forget you need a head as well, and they are heavy, too, if you get yourself a good one.

Best regards,

Christian

jadams08 · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 33

Thanks!
I was looking at getting the 804rc2 head. Good reviews, but I don't know if I would rather have a ball.
Packing it in a suit case is also big for me too. If it's doable with 055xprob than I think I'll do that. I did see the 055xpro3 too. carbon fiber and a little smaller/lighter. Is it worth the price for someone just starting out but wants to get more serious?

chbaum · Joined: 19 Sep 2010 Posts: 386 Location: Karlsruhe, Germany

That's funny, since this is the head I also bought along with it...

Concerning suitcases: I can only bring the 055 along when I use my BIG suitcase. The smaller one for 1-week-trips is far too small. You definitely need to check for the inside size of your suitcase and compare it to the tripod's length. I also need to remove the head when packing...

Apart from that, I can't give you tips on carbon fibre stuff. All I know is hearsay, I don't have any experience in that, need to wait for others to chime in.
What I really would like would be sturdy but lightweight tripod, easy to carry, e.g. on my Lowepro camera rucksack (which provides a base for saddling up a tripod, but these must be really small and light ones).

Best regards,

Christian

rinder99 · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 1:11 pm

This is no such thing as Lightweight and sturdy.And Please go with a Ballhead without a quick release Plate. A head and tripod should be rated to hold 3 times your equipment weight. Buy right Once and you only Buy Once.Also, The screw type legs suck, Get clip Legs. Reason?...I've seen to many cameras hit the ground because someone got rushed and forgot something.If your gonna use a tripod get one that is a stable, heavy platform otherwise forget it.I travel with a duffel Bag, Head comes off and tripod fits perfect.

Mike Price · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 2919 Location: South Wales

I have the 055xPROB with a 496 ball head, very sturdy and well made.

Mike

jadams08 · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 33

Thanks for the advice!
If I'm going to need a tripod, it might as well be a good sturdy one.
I think I'll get the 055xpro3.
Now which head... I'll have to check them out at the store again.
Are you able to follow moving subjects very easily with a ball head? Or is a pan head better for that?

Mike Price · Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 2919 Location: South Wales

It is the 498 I have not the 496. The 498 has a pan facility as well as the ball head movement, so you can lock the ball vertically and then use the pan.

http://www.manfrotto.co.uk/midi-ball-head

Mike

jeffbanke · Posted: Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:13 am

I have as an Induro AT 413 capable of holding in excess of 45 lbs, so it is durable alloy and rigid. It also extends to 72 inches without the center column, so makes it easy to get shots looking down on to things from a great height, as well as lowering down to get shots from inches above the ground.
Costs around $250 from Adorama
I have a $500 Wimberley gimbal head on it which are great for large lenses - once again buy once buy right
I have a Ball head on my Manfrotto monopod, but they pale by comparison to a gimbal head. Adorama now has a Gimbal for around $250 might be worth looking into.

jadams08 · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 33

Just bought the carbon fiber 055cxpro3. I should get it in a few days! I also got a pan tilt head with it. I know there were other recommendations and thank you, I like the look of that ball head Mike. But I'll do this for now until I can make another decision later.
Now it's time for a new lens! I think I'll head into Shinjuku while I'm still in Tokyo. Anyone been to any good secondhand stores there they can recommend? I know there's a bunch so no worries.
Thanks again for the help.

jeffbanke · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 10:48 pm

dmg · Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 3:40 pm

jadams08 · Joined: 04 Mar 2012 Posts: 33

I found a couple nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 vr for under 1,500 US Dollars (used). Can anyone tell me if this is even a good price?
I don't really have a camera store that sells used gear anywhere close to where I live in the United States, so I haven't been able to compare. Just with ebay and such.
Also when looking at used lenses, what are things in this lens I should look for and avoid if present? (certain signs of neglect or damage)
Thanks